Warrington Borough Council Lifelong Learning Service Learner Handbook Contents

Welcome 4 Policies 15

Health and Safety 5 Equal Opportunities and Diversity Statement 15 Your personal health and safety 5 Safeguarding vulnerable adults Emergency evacuation and fire safety 5 and children 17

Smoking 5 Standards 18

Responsibilities 5 Data Protection Act 19

Learner responsibilities 6 Further information 20

Provider and tutor responsibilities 6 Warrington town map 21

Safeguarding 7 Computers and safe practice 22

Learners with disabilities 7 Notes 24 Learner support 5

Want to know what else is on offer or further your skills? 8

Need extra help or want to boost your skills? 8

Key term dates 2010 – 2011 9

Our partners’ contacts details: 2010 – 2011 10

3 Welcome Health and safety

We are glad you have chosen to attend one of Warrington Your personal health Emergency evacuation Borough Council’s Adult and Community Learning/Family and safety and fire safety Learning courses. We hope that this booklet will give you useful information to help you get the best from your Warrington Borough Council will take all Each centre has its own emergency evacuation reasonable steps to ensure your safety at all procedures in case of fire or other extreme chosen course. These courses are provided in partnership times during your course. It is, however, your circumstance. Tutors will give this information with local organisations and are funded through Central responsibility to seek advice and to inform to all learners during the induction; therefore, it and Local Government funding. us if you are aware of any condition which is essential for all learners to take notice of the may affect you during your time on one of our fire and evacuation procedures where they are courses. taking their course. If you would like further information about learning and If you are taking a course that involves physical Learners are asked to ensure they are aware activity you must inform your tutor of any of the evacuation procedures, emergency exits the opportunities available to you please do not hesitate restrictions or activities that may damage and assembly points of the centres in which to contact the Lifelong Learning Service at Warrington your health. We will always carry out a full risk their course is taking place. If at all unsure you Borough Council on 01925 443322 who will be more assessment of all course activities and venues. should seek the advice of your tutor, centre than happy to help or send an email to: It is essential that you follow the guidance of manager or school/Children’s Centre reception your tutor in regard to the health and safety (where a course is being held in a school or [email protected] arrangements in the venue being used and for Children’s Centre) any activity you are taking part in. In the event of an accident you should seek help from the Visit our website first available member of staff or report to the Smoking reception at your venue. www.warrington.gov.uk/lifelonglearning Warrington Borough Council operates a no smoking policy in and on the premises of all council buildings including schools and community centres. All buildings are designated as smoke free environments. We ask that you do not smoke in any venue or on their premises, please put your cigarettes out before entering these sites.

4 | Learners Handbook 5 Responsibilities

Learner responsibilities Provider and tutor • to be given information about opportunities Safeguarding to take your learning further To be successful and to ensure that everyone responsibilities Warrington Borough Council takes this matter • to be given contact details for further help gets the best from the learning, we ask you to: very seriously. Procedures and policies for You can expect: and advice including any support that is protecting vulnerable adults and children are • be committed to your learning available for any additional needs you have • to be treated fairly and equally, regardless of in place and are adhered to. Any concerns which may affect your learning • treat others with respect – just be aware that your age, race, gender, disability, religion or with regard to child protection or safeguarding a joke to you may cause upset/offence to sexuality at all times Your tutor will give you contact information of adults will be dealt with according to relevant to your chosen learning provider as others • your learning will take place in Warrington Borough Council Safeguarding part of your induction, but if you need to talk Board’s procedures. If you are concerned • help prevent inappropriate behaviour by accommodation that is safe, clean, to us with compliments, complaints, advice about the wellbeing of anyone during your challenging and reporting behaviour that comfortable and accessible for you or suggestions, there are several ways of course you should report your concerns appears to be causing distress to others or • to be kept informed about the things that contacting us and giving us feedback at any immediately to your tutor or to the Lifelong yourself. affect your learning time: Learning Service, who has a named person • follow health & safety rules to keep yourself with responsibility for Safeguarding. • to be listened to, and know that your views Telephone us on: and other learners safe are heard and taken into account 01925 443322 • attend every session and arrive on time, let • to be given feedback about how your views the course tutor or venue staff know if you Learners with disabilities are used to make changes and help with Email us on: cannot attend, or think you may be late plans for future courses We are fully committed to disability equality. [email protected] If you have a physical disability or a learning • let us know what you think or ask if you • to be given information about how to make [email protected] disability support and advice will be offered. It need more help a complaint if you are unhappy about your is, therefore, essential to let your tutor/provider course or the course venue • try to complete work you are given on time Write to us at: know if you think you require support in any • tell your tutor or contact Warrington Borough • your tutor to be qualified and know how to Warrington Borough Council aspect of your learning. The range of support Council Lifelong Learning if you have any teach their subject Lifelong Learning Service includes support to access our courses and assistance in class. For example arranging worries, concerns or complaints about your • to be given a course induction so that you 3rd Floor for a reader, large print materials, accessible course know what to expect from your course Quattro Building facilities. It is important that any needs are including information and instruction about New Town House • report any concerns immediately to your known at the earliest opportunity in order that health and safety WA1 1BN tutor or to the Lifelong Learning team, if your needs can be assessed and provided for you are concerned about the well being of • to be provided with safe and suitable Your comments will be treated confidentially by your learning provider. anyone during your course equipment for your learning under the Data Protection Act The majority of our outreach centres have • use mobile phones only in emergency • to be encouraged to take an active part in accessible rooms or reasonable adjustments situations in order to avoid disrupting the planning for your own learning can be made to support your needs. learning of others • your tutor to let you know about your progress during the course and recognise and record your learning achievements

6 7 Learner support Key term dates 2010 – 2011

Want to know what else is on Need extra help or want to Monday 7th September Timetables commence from this date offer or further your skills? boost your skills? Friday 22nd October Classes finish Warrington Borough Council are committed to Our college partners also offer services to ensuring you have access to quality information support your study skills. If you haven’t done Half term (1 week) and support both during your course and for any learning for a while or simply want to brush Monday 25th October your next steps, whatever you decide you up on your skills, there is a range of services on Classes resume want to do. Whether you choose to go on to offer through our partner providers to help, this Monday 1st November further learning, are looking for volunteering includes: opportunities, seeking employment or wanting Friday 17th December Classes finish • writing skills to progress your career opportunities, we are here to help. The Lifelong Learning team • number skills Monday 20th December Christmas Holiday (2 weeks) are able to provide information on other • revision Skills opportunities, by researching information Tuesday 4th January Classes start about what is available to you or being able to • how to expand your ideas put you in touch with other specialist support • organising your time and workload Classes finish agencies if required. Friday 11th February You may also be able to access the Learning If your course is provided by one of our college Half term (1 week) Resource Centre. You probably will need to Monday 14th February partners you will be able to access information apply for a College ID in order to use these advice and guidance through their Learning facilities. Monday 21st February Classes resume Support Services. The Adult Learning Service in colleges offers access to an up-to-date Check with your learning provider for more Friday 1st April Classes finish Careers and Higher Education library service information about the facilities available to you. which includes the latest computer software. Monday 4th April Easter Holiday (2 weeks) To view our Directory of Learning go to: www.warrington.gov.uk/lifelonglearning Monday 18th April Classes resume or contact the Lifelong Learning Service: Friday 27th April Classes finish 01925 443322 Monday 30th May Half-term (1 week) Need more information on learner support and other services available to you? Monday 6th June Classes resume See the provider list in this booklet for contact End of academic year details for your learning provider or ask your Friday 22nd July tutor for the contact details for their Learner Support Services.

8 Warrington Borough Council Lifelong Learning Service | 9 Our partners contacts: 2010 – 2011

Citizen’s Advice Bureau The Gateway Home-Start Warrington 148 Northway 89 Sankey Street Longford Dave Edwardson Warrington Kate Griffiths Warrington WA1 1SR WA2 9PZ T: 01925 246970 T: 01925 652320 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Community Transport 19 Athlone Road Lymm High Lifelong Lymm High School (MIDAS) Warrington Learning Oughtrington WA2 8JJ Lymm WA13 0RB Brian Wilson T: 01925 419977 Carolyn Bygraves E: [email protected] T: 01925 750701 Chris Jones E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Creative Possibilities T: 01925 652204 E: [email protected] Julie Collins Mandy Roberts MRHMC Healthcare Management T: 07751 690411 Creative Support Warrington Day Centre E: [email protected] 44 Allen Street Training Warrington WA2 7JB Mandy Roberts E: [email protected] Priestley College Loushers Lane Warrington Dallam Lane Dallam Day Centre WA4 6RD Warrington Glennis Hassall T: 01925 633591 Dave Taylor & Lydia Butterworth WA2 7NG E: [email protected] T: 01925 632105 E: [email protected] Adult Outreach Learner Services T: 01925 624455 E: [email protected]

10 | Learners Handbook Warrington Borough Council Lifelong Learning Service | 11 Our partners contacts: 2010 – 2011

Volunteer Centre 9 Suez Street Warrington Collegiate Winwick Road Warrington Warrington Alison Cullen WA1 1EF Clare Young T: 01925 494609 T: 01925 242424 E: [email protected] [email protected]

Winwick Road Campus T: 01925 494494 Walton Lea Project Long Lane Garden Centre Warrington Business Park Museum Street Centre T: 01925 494582 Kath Jones Long Lane Orford Warrington WA2 8TX Learner Services T: 01925 494494 E: [email protected] T: 01925 632847 E: [email protected] Additional Learner Support T: 01925 494508

Absence Hotline T: 01925 494498

Careers/Higher Education T: 01925 494660

Counselling/Welfare T: 01925 494464

12 | Learners Handbook Warrington Borough Council Lifelong Learning Service | 13 Our partners contacts: 2010 – 2011 Policies Equal Opportunities and Diversity Statement

To discriminate against anyone on the grounds Centre for Independent Living Warrington Borough Council Warrington Disability of sex, race or disability is against the law, as Beaufort Street Partnership defined in the Sex Discrimination Act, The Race is committed to: Warrington Relations Act and the Disability Discrimination WA5 1BA • promoting social inclusion, service Maria McPartland Act and their various amendments. T: 01925 240064 improvement, employment opportunities E: [email protected] Warrington Borough Council has a Corporate and equality and diversity Equality & Diversity policy which is available on • promoting equality of opportunity and the Warrington Borough Council website and respect for the diversity of everyone; in which all Warrington Borough Council Services Warrington Wolves Halliwell Jones Stadium relation to the services we provide, our and employees have to implement. Equality Foundation Winwick Road employment practices and arrangements Impact Assessments are also used as an Warrington we enter into with our partners WA2 4NE action plan for the policy. We also comply with Natalie Hargreaves T: 01925 248894 the Disability Equality Duty and Gender Equality • eliminating discrimination based on race, E: [email protected] Duty. Due to the nature of the work carried out gender, sexual orientation, disability, caring W: www.wolvesfoundation.com by the Warrington Lifelong Learning Service, we responsibilities, gender re-assignment, age, have developed our own policy statement in social class, religion and belief the context of duties and responsibilities within Workers’ Educational WEA North-West Region the Lifelong Learning Service area and for our Association 405 Cotton Exchange partner providers managing commissioned Old Hall Street Lifelong Learning provision. Liverpool Andy Jurgis L3 9JR T: 01606 784458 E: [email protected]

14 | Learners Handbook 15 Policies Equal Opportunities and Diversity Statement

Warrington Lifelong Learning Access to learning Safeguarding vulnerable What is abuse? is in particular committed to: Within the Lifelong Learning Service it is the adults and children Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human • promoting equality of opportunity and responsibility of all staff to ensure that equality The aim of this policy is to ensure the safety of and civil rights by any other person or persons. celebrating the diversity of all its staff and and diversity considerations are embedded in vulnerable adults by outlining clear procedures It can take a variety of forms and can be both learners working practices within the Service and our and ensuring that all staff members within overt and covert. Examples of abuse that could partner learning providers ensuring equitable both Warrington Borough Council Lifelong occur in a learning environment include: • providing a safe and supportive working access to learning for all members of our Learning Service and partner organisations environment for all its staff and learners in • physical abuse society. Our policy is based on: commissioned by Warrington Borough Council which everyone is treated with dignity and Lifelong Learning Service to deliver Lifelong • sexual abuse e.g. involvement in any sexual respect • equality of Opportunity Learning are clear about their responsibilities. activity against his/her will, exposure to • celebrating and valuing diversity and striving • valuing Diversity pornography, voyeurism and exhibitionism to create positive working relationships • emotional/psychological abuse e.g. so that everyone can work and study Definition of ‘vulnerable adult’ intimidation or humiliation to the best of their abilities, free from Codes of conduct discrimination, harassment or victimisation A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 or over: • discriminatory abuse e.g. racial, sexual or Warrington Lifelong Learning has codes of ‘Who is or may be in need of community care religious harassment • welcoming groups from local, regional and conduct for staff and learners which underpin services by reason of mental or other disability, • personal exploitation international communities this policy. This makes clear to all of us that age or illness; and who is or may be unable to treating people badly, simply because of age, • ensuring that everyone’s experience is take care of him or herself against significant • institutional abuse e.g. failure to ensure race, disability, gender, sexual orientation or not affected, in a negative way, by issues harm or exploitation’.This may include a privacy or dignity. family background is unacceptable. to do with age, gender, race, sexual person who: Contact the Lifelong Learning Team on: orientation, disability, family origins, family If you feel you are the victim of discrimination, • is elderly and frail 01925 443322 circumstances or any other factor harassment or bullying or any other unfair treatment, or if you observe it taking place, we • has a mental illness • creating an atmosphere in which everyone Or contact ACCESS to Social Care: would like to know about this so that we can is able to feel welcome and relaxed and • has a physical or sensory disability 01925 444239 take action. able to perform to the best of their abilities • has a severe physical illness Out of hours: If you are a member of staff, please speak to • ensuring all staff and learners treat others, 01925 444400 your line manager. If you are a learner please • is a substance misuser whoever they may be, with equal courtesy inform your tutor or contact the Lifelong and respect • is homeless to report any concerns or suspicion of abuse. Learning team on Warrington: This policy statement sets out how the Lifelong Within Warrington Borough Council’s Lifelong 01925 443322 Learning Service is committed to Warrington Learning Service commissioned learning, Policy Borough Council’s Corporate Equality & vulnerable adults could be present in any class, Diversity policy and Disability Equality Duty at any time, therefore, this safeguarding policy To view the Warrington Borough Council’s and how the organisation, responsibilities and statement is applicable throughout Warrington Lifelong Learning Services Safeguarding policy arrangements within the Lifelong Learning Borough Council’s Lifelong Learning Service please see our website: Service will be made and enacted. provision. www.warrington.gov.uk/lifelonglearning

16 17 Standards Data Protection Act

Lifelong Learning Staff are required to: Learners are required to: The information you provide will be passed to At no time will your personal information be The Skills Funding Agency (SFA). The SFA is passed to organisations for marketing or sales • have a Criminal Records Bureau check on • help prevent inappropriate behaviour by responsible for funding and planning education purposes. From time to time students are employment. challenging and reporting behaviour that and training for young people and adults in approached to take part in surveys by mail • demonstrate respect for learners as appears to be causing distress to others. England, and is registered under the Data and phone, which are aimed at enabling the individuals in all matters. Protection Act 1998. SFA and its partners to monitor performance, • support an open, constructive learning improve quality and plan future provision. • reflect on their own approach and style, environment within which diversity is valued The information you provide will be shared recognising the inherent power their position positively. with other organisations for the purpose of From 2010/11 each learner will be allocated bestows. administration, careers and other guidance a unique learner number which will identify and statistical and research purposes. them to the courses they are attending or have • undertake relevant training in safeguarding, Other organisations with which we share attended. disclosure and diversity matters. Warrington Lifelong Learning information include the Department for • ensure that all learners are aware of the Service Actions Education, Department for Business Innovation relevant policy on disclosure and create Contractually ensure all staff including and Skills, Connexions, Higher Education a suitable and supportive environment to volunteers that come into contact with our Statistics Agency, Higher Education Funding encourage learner disclosure. learners are CRB checked. Council for England, educational institutions and organisations performing research and • ensure all learners are aware of our Equal Provide ongoing CPD on safeguarding adults statistical work on behalf of the SFA or its Opportunities policy and that they know and children. partners. to complain if they become victims of harassment and bullying. Have a range of policy statements that support The SFA is also a co-financing organisation the safeguarding of adults and children that are and uses European Social Funds from the • ensure a diverse curriculum that is sensitive known to partner organisations. European Union to directly or indirectly part- to difference. Promote a culture of value and respect for all finance learning activities, helping develop • invite and encourage constructive feedback within a supportive learning environment. employment by promoting employability, from learners about standards and styles of business spirit and equal opportunities, and behaviour and promote an open and honest investing in human resources. culture of respect for diversity. Further information about partner organisations • deal with complaints of abuse, harassment and what they do may be found at: and bullying promptly, sensitively, www.sfa.gov.uk/National/Partners/Data confidentially and in accordance with procedures (see WBC complaints and by following the links to data protection. procedure for formal complaints).

18 Warrington Borough Council Lifelong Learning Service | 19 Further information Current venues used

Lifelong Learning policies Schools / Colleges Community and Learner Charter • Alderman Bolton CP School • Alford Hall • The Village Hotel • Beamont CP School • Bewsey Park Pavilion • Volunteer Centre Please go to the Lifelong Learning website to • Bewsey Lodge CP School • Calland’s Children’s Centre • Walton Lea view all our policies and Learner Charter in full. • Birchwood CE School • Cheshire Therapy Centre • Warrington Collegiate • Brook Acre CP School • Dallam Children’s Centre • Warrington Day Centre www.warrington.gov.uk/lifelonglearning • Bruche CP School • Dallam Community House • Warrington Disability Partnership • Burtonwood Children’s Centre/ • Dallam Day Centre • Warrington Hospital CP School • Fairfield & Howley Neighbourhood • Warrington Job Centre Plus Or contact the Lifelong Learning team on : • Calland’s CP School Project • Wash Lane School Rooms • Christ Church CE School • Fairfield Community House • WBC Personal Development Centre 01925 443322 • Cinnamon Brow CE School • Fearnhead Community Centre • Westy Children’s Centre • Culcheth CP School • Gorse Covert Day Centre • Whitecross Community Centre if you would like to be sent a copy of any of our • Dallam CP School • Greenwood Day Centre • Woodlands Children’s Centre policies. • Evelyn Street CP School • Halliwell Jones Stadium • YMCA • Fox Wood Special School • James Lee House • Gorse Covert CP School • Lea Court • Green Lane School • Long Lane Garden Centre Libraries Comments, compliments and • Latchford CE School • Longford Neighbourhood Centre • Locking Stumps CP School • Longshaw Street Community Centre • Birchwood Library complaints • Lymm High School • Lymm Baptist Church • Burtonwood Library • Meadowside CP School • Lymm Children’s Centre • Culcheth Library www.warrington.gov.uk/ • Oakwood Avenue CP School • Nora Street Community House • Lymm Library Councilanddemocracy/ • Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School • Old Orford Residents Association • Padgate Library Corporatecomplaints/contact_us.aspx • Penketh South CP School • Orford Youth Base • Penketh Library • Priestley College - Main Site • Padgate Community Centre • Stockton Heath Library • Sacred Heart Catholic • Penketh Day Centre • Woolston Library Primary School • Penketh OAKS Centre • St Albans Catholic Primary School • Sankey Bridges Community House • St Andrews CE School • Sankey Valley St James Children’s • St Augustines Catholic Centre Primary School • St John’s UR Church • St Benedicts Catholic • St Joseph’s Family Centre Primary School • St Margaret’s Community Centre • St Bridgets Catholic Primary School • St Mary’s Hospital • St Ann’s CE School • Sunshine Children’s Centre • St Barnabas CE School • The Beaches at Sandy Lane • St Oswald’s Catholic Children’s Centre Primary School • The Gateway • Sycamore Lane CP School • The Orchard Children’s Centre • Warrington Collegiate

20 Warrington Borough Council Lifelong Learning Service | 21 Computer and safe practice Remember... take regular breaks!

Seating and posture Computer safety

1. Shoulders relaxed Computer use is covered by all WBC appropriate computer use policies. Learners 2. Forearms and hands in a straight line must not intentionally visit any inappropriate 3. Forearms level or slightly tilted 9 sites that may contain offensive, obscene, hateful, racist, sexist, homophobic or materials 4. Lower back supported that others may find objectionable. 5. Thighs tilted slightly 1 Learners must abide by copyright law and 6. Clear under work surface should not take part in illegal acivities. 2 8 7. Feet flat on the floor or on a footrest 3 10

8. Screen positioned to avoid glare 4 6 Useful computer safety 5 9. Top of the screen at or slightly below eye information sites level (you may need to adjust the height of your display by raising or lowering your www.becta.org.uk/safeguarding work surface). Face to screen distance: 7 45-70cm (18-28 in). http://clickcleverclicksafe.direct.gov.uk/ index.html 10. No food or drink www.getsafeonline.org.uk

www.makeitsecure.org Computers are electrical Hands and wrists equipment and should be • Don’t grip the mouse too tightly, a light treated carefully touch and a gentle click is best

• If cables or wires become damaged get a • Sit close to the desk and keyboard qualified person to replace them • Position the mouse close to the keyboard • Never open any part of a computer, even if it • Keep forearm and wrist straight, don’t angle is switched off your wrist • Never have any liquids or food near the • Don’t hold the mouse if you’re not using it computer • Don’t rest wrists on the edge of the desk

22 23 Notes

24 25 Notes

26 Warrington Borough Council Lifelong Learning Service Learner Handbook

If you would like this information provided in another language or format including large print, Braille, audio or British Sign Language please telephone 01925 443322.

Family Learning Warrington Borough Council People & Improvement Lifelong Learning T: 01925 443322 E: [email protected] www.warrington.gov.uk/lifelonglearning