PARENTS’ AND CARERS’ BOOKLET 2020 CONTENTS

3 WELCOME 4 SUPPORT AT WEST NOTTS 6 SUPPORT COACHES – HERE TO SUPPORT YOU 7 INTERNET SAFETY 8 SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDING 10 APPLICATION PROCESS 12 WHY CHOOSE WEST NOTTS? 14 STUDY PROGRAMME 16 WORKING TOGETHER 17 TRANSITION AND PROGRESSION 18 COLLEGE BUS SERVICE 3 WELCOME Hi I’m Rachel

I’m a learner engagement co- ordinator here at West Notts College and one of my roles is to ensure applicants have a smooth and enjoyable journey from applying with us. I will keep in touch with applicants throughout this journey by sending lots of updates through email, text and in the post as well as on the college’s Facebook page. We’ve made this guide for parents to help you see what life at college will be like for your son or daughter If you do have further and to help answer some of those questions, don’t forget questions you may have. we’ll be having a number In this booklet we’ll talk about of virtual open events and everything from the bus service, all you can always give us a the support on offer at college, the call on 0808 100 3626. kind of activities that applicants can get involved in and what applicants can expect on their first day at West Notts College. Rachel Crawford Learner engagement co-ordinatior 01623 6271919 ext 8121 email: [email protected] 4 SUPPORT AT WEST NOTTS As a student at college, your child will have access to a wealth of advice and guidance from dedicated support teams. Whether they need information about careers or finance, health and wellbeing – or simply want to know more about what’s happening around the college – there’s a friendly team ready to help. Need to know more? Visit: www.wnc.ac.uk/support ADDITIONAL LEARNING SUPPORT TEAM (ALS) The college’s ALS team provide support to students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Our trained and experienced staff will work with your child on an individual basis to ensure they have the equipment and support necessary to thrive at college. www.wnc.ac.uk/Support-and-services/Learning-resource-centres.aspx

FINANCE Your child may be eligible for financial help if they’re struggling to make ends meet while at college. There are schemes and funds available depending on personal circumstances. There are also separate support schemes for parents to assist with childcare. For more information visit: www.wnc.ac.uk/finance 5 STUDENTS’ UNION The Students’ Union at West Notts is active throughout the academic year, providing opportunities to take park in fundraising for charity and fun activities organised by the site president. As soon as your child has enrolled at the college, they can apply for a TOTUM card at www. totum.com – it only costs £14.99 and gives them access to hundreds of discounts in shops and online.

LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE (LRC) All our campuses have an LRC providing books, DVDs, journals and magazines, along with computers for college work or internet access. Specialist software is also available for those with learning needs and the friendly team at the LRC can provide support with research or accessing information. www.wnc.ac.uk/Support-and- services/Learning-resource- centres.aspx

CAREERS TEAM Our professional advisors can support your child throughout their time at college with career choices, university applications, searching for jobs and interview preparation. For more information visit: www.wnc.ac.uk/careers-advice w

6 SUPPORT COACHES HERE TO SUPPORT YOU

Our support coaches are here to help students overcome any barriers which may be preventing them progressing on their course as well as in their personal lives. The support coaches help students all the way through college up to them gaining employment once their course has finished. Each support coach has specialist knowledge in various support areas such as:  helping young carers or young parents  students who aren’t in parental accommodation  looked after/care leavers  sexual health advice and support  students with historic and current involvement with the criminal justice system  those who need help with their mental health and well-being. The coaches work with tutors, heads of departments and various other staff to ensure that students receive the right support at the right times in their learning journey. We understand that everyone’s lives are different and there are times when we all need that extra bit of help with certain aspects of life. The team is easy to get hold of if you need their assistance and you can be assured of their professionalism and confidentiality with whatever you wish to talk about.

www.wnc.ac.uk/Support-and-services/Specialist-support-team/

You can reach them on email at [email protected] or on the college’s Freephone number 0808 100 3626 w

7 INTERNET SAFETY We regularly work with students on  Discourage them from sharing their how they can use social media and personal details online. other online means of communication  Talk to them about the dangers of safely and responsibly. You can also meeting someone they have only help us with this. met online.  Talk to your child about the right  Let us know if you’re worried about time and place to use social media what your child is doing online. (not in a formal classroom setting unless it is part of their coursework). Social media has many good points and as a college we actively use  Encourage them to check the privacy social media to communicate with settings on their social networks. our students, however what you post  Discourage them from sharing online will stay with you for life and can inappropriate videos, pictures affect employment – please help us by or comments online or via text emphasising this at home. message.

A number of resources and tools are available to you as parents which will provide you with a little more information. Two of them are listed below. chILDNET UK SAFER

Childnet International is a non- profit organisation that works INTERNET CENTRE in partnership with others to One of the partners of Childnet help make the internet a great and set up by the European and safe place for children. Commission. It organises a range They have a range of resources of activities including safer internet and fact sheets specifically day and has a wealth of resources developed for parents – go to for parents. www.saferinternet.org.uk/ www.childnet.com parents 8 SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDING ANTI-BULLYING POLICY BRITISH VALUES The college operates a zero- tolerance policy against bullying The college is a values-led and/or harassment (both on and organisation and as such we will offline). actively promote values that enable our students to live and work Any student found to have engaged in a multi-cultural and diverse in this activity will be in breach of community. the student code of conduct, and will face appropriate disciplinary Our students are guided to not action. simply tolerate difference but to celebrate it in all its forms. We If you have any worries about firmly believe that when people are bullying at the college, you can enabled to be themselves they are speak to a member of staff or more productive and more able to one of our student coaches, meet their own potential. confidentially. The college has five organisational values of respect, integrity, collaboration, high expectation and responsibility and these are well- Safeguarding embedded across the college. The The safety, well-being and health college has undertaken an exercise of our students and staff is of with all teaching staff linked to the paramount importance and at the promotion of values and this work very core of the college business. will be continued within curriculum Our commitment to and promotion areas with students. of safeguarding is outstanding and we have developed a highly effective policy that is embedded and recognised throughout the college. If you have a concern for your child please contact the safeguarding team directly safeguarding@wnc. ac.uk or 01623 627191 9

CORONAVIRUS We are taking every step to keep our learners safe and we will continue to review our systems and processes to keep your child safe in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and considering what action to take in response to the latest government announcements. If you would like more information on what the college is doing to keep students safe: wnc.ac.uk/ message-to-students/ PREVENT DUTY Prevent is a strand of the government’s counter terrorism strategy. As a college, we have an integral part to play in helping to prevent terrorism, and protect young people who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. If you have any concerns of this nature, and would like to speak to a member of our staff, please call 0808 100 3626

10 APPLICATION PROCESS 1 APPLICATION If you have applied online, you’re 2 able to track your progress using MyVision; our online portal which OFFER stores those important details, Due to Coronavirus, and provides you with information we have temporarily relating to your application. Students suspended meeting you can also visit the applicants’ zone on face-to-face. Instead, the college’s website for up-to-date you will now be given an information on the countdown to automatic conditional offer college. (an offer based on achieving certain GCSE grades and other criteria). If an offer is not made, you can still apply for a different course or level.

3 ACCEPTANCE To confirm a place at college, you will need to accept the offer via your MyVISION account, by texting your full name and the work ACCEPT to 07537404474 or by emailing [email protected] stating your full name.

11 4 ENROLMENT

All students must enrol before they can start their course. We will send out an invite before the summer detailing your enrolment date and time of your chosen course. If you’re on holiday on the day of enrolment, do not worry; just ensure you contact the college and arrange an alternative time and date with us. At enrolment, you will receive your timetable, the college bus routes, ID card, lanyard, and details of the bursaries/grants you can apply for.

INDUCTION AND TRANSITION 5 Your journey does not end once you become a student. We put together a six-week induction programme with the aim of assisting your transition to becoming a college student. This programme will include careers fairs, fresher fairs, induction sessions, tutorials and much more.

Do not worry if the criteria that was set on a conditional offer is not achieved. Contact the college immediately on 0800 100 3626 as an alternative level or course may be available. 12 WHY CHOOSE WEST NOTTS?

With £50 million investment in our with many more vacancies with top facilities since 2008, tutors with industry employers available; giving your child experience and an extensive support the opportunity to earn as they learn. network to help students achieve their Alongside this, we also offer 20 A Level goals and progress on to further study or subjects which provides students employment; West Notts is a great place with the opportunity to gain A Level for your child to continue their studies. qualifications, but still enjoy a college Our consistently-high pass rates place experience and the independence it us as one of the most successful brings. In 2020, our students achieved a colleges in the region, and is proof of 100% pass rate, and many move on to our commitment to providing the best their first choice university. possible teaching, facilities, experiences All students are encouraged to make and opportunities to all of our students. the most of their time at college to We offer 100s of vocational courses further help them reach their desired which provide students with quality destination. Our students undertake training and facilities which mirror work placements, providing them with industry, and help them to get ready for vital employability skills. They can also the world of work. choose to take part in enrichment activities, sporting or volunteering We are currently supporting over 2,000 opportunities organised by the college’s young people in apprenticeships too, the Students’ Union. 13 8 The college has won a host of prestigious awards and accolades in recent years, demonstrating the excellence we provide in all aspects of business. We’re the only college in to have been awarded Beacon Status, which came in recognition of our innovation and excellence in teaching and learning. We also offer an extensive support network for students including an award-winning careers and employability service, additional learning support and help with finance to ensure students are fully- supported during their time with us, and upon leaving. Students regularly tell us that they feel happy and supported here, which is reflected in student satisfaction surveys. Best of all a large majority of our students move on to a positive destination following their college journey, be it further training, Higher Education, an apprenticeship or employment. 14 STUDY PROGRAMMES EXPLAINED

Using your initiative Working as Enterprise a team

Sport Study skills

CORE COURSE QUALIFICATION

Work placement Health and wellbeing

Personal confidence Volunteering

Communication 15 MATHS AND ENGLISH WORK No course is 100% practical, all PLACEMENT courses will require an element of academic study. Please ensure that your child is aware that if they Employers regularly tell us that for do not achieve at least a grade student to be ‘work-ready’ it is important 4/C in English and maths they will for them to have some degree of work continue studying towards these key experience. qualifications alongside their course The college runs a successful work to ensure they leave us experience programme where students work-ready. undertake work placements with employers that are meaningful for their career aspirations. Out strong links with businesses in local ENRICHMENT area means we’ve been able to provide Enrichment opportunities will work experience in offices, banks, also help your child to develop schools and hospitals to name just a communication and employability few. skills, increase personal confidence, It’s never early to start supporting your and give them the chance to child to find out about work placements. work in a team and use their own Visit www.wnc.ac.uk/Support-and- initiative. services/Work-placements.aspx These include: If you own a business, or believe your workplace could offer a work placement  Learner Voice opportunity to a student, please contact  Sport a member of our team today on:  Work placements 0808 100 3626  Volunteering. 16 WORKING TOGETHER When your child becomes a student at West Notts, we guarantee to provide them with the education and support they need in order to make the most of their time here.

In return, we expect them to adhere to certain rules, regulations and policies and behave in a manner that promotes mutual respect. STUDENTS’ PROMISE TO US

We expect your child to:  Tell someone at the college if they  Turn up to class on time experience any problems during  Wear appropriate safety clothing/ their time here equipment in workshops  Not bring drugs or alcohol onto  Wear their lanyard and ID card college premises visibly at all times  Not smoke on college property  Not use bad language  Only use mobiles in class when  Respect others and college your tutor says it’s ok property  Listen to music through in-ear  Keep the college clean and not speakers or headphones only. throw litter  Always consider their safety and the safety of others OUR PROMISE TO THEM

We will provide:  Careers advice and support for  A safe learning environment their next steps after leaving us  Information, advice and guidance  Modern and extensive resources on their health and wellbeing specific to your child’s course  Continuous support throughout  Up-to-date facilities and your child’s time here equipment  Tutors with subject experience  Confidential advice and support should they need it.  Timely marking of work 17 TRANSITION AND PROGRESSION

WE REALLY DO SEE TIME AT COLLEGE AS A THREE-WAY PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN US, OUR STUDENTS AND YOU.

As a parent or carer you can help in a number of ways:  support learning at home – provide encouragement and sometimes a gentle nudge to ensure that work is being done  ensure that your child is coming to college with the right equipment for study – for some courses this means ensuring they have the right safety gear  Get involved in college life yourself – attend events and parents’ evenings  Support our goals for 100% attendance and no lateness  Let us know if your child cannot attend college by calling 0800 100 3626  Let us know what we do well and what we need to improve. 18

COLLEGE BUS 10 BOLSOVER

HILLSTOWN

GLAPWELL SERVICE NEW HOUGHTON Getting to college has never been easier! We now offer more bus services from extra locations across the and Ashfield area to all of our students.

Find your nearest stop www.wnc.ac.uk/bus TIBSHELF

11 HUTHWAITE NEWTON 6A SUTTON- PINXTON IN-ASHFIELD EIC ALFRETON SOUTH CC NORMANTON SWANWICK KIRKBY-IN -ASHFIELD

SOMERCOTES SELSTON 11A NEWSTEAD ANNESLEY VILLAGE 3 WOODHOUSE WESTWOOD 2 BRINSLEY UNDERWOOD

HUCKNALL 6 19

LANGWITH 4 5 WALESBY

12 WARSOP MEDEN VALE VALE CHURCH WARSOP 8 BOUGHTON SHIREBROOK WARSOP

OLLERTON EDWINSTOWE PLEASLEY 9A 12A MANSFIELD BULL WOODHOUSE FARM NEW CLIPSTONE SKEGBY CLIPSTONE 9 FOREST TOWN STANTON HILL MANSFIELD

1 7

DR BILSTHORPE RAINWORTH FARNSFIELD

BLIDWORTH

RAVENSHEAD

ABBREVIATIONS BUS ROUTES ARE FOR THE DR DERBY ROAD CURRENT YEAR. ROUTES CC CONSTRUCTION CENTRE MAY CHANGE FOR THE EIC ENGINEERING INNOVATION CENTRE 2020/21 ACADEMIC YEAR Derby Road Mansfield Nottinghamshire NG18 5BH

0808 100 3626 [email protected] www.wnc.ac.uk visionwestnotts @westnotts @westnottscollege