46 What We Will Provide For You

What We Will Provide For You

Careers Information Advice & Guidance

Our friendly and well-qualified Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) team, based within Student Services, are available to offer impartial careers advice and guidance and answer questions regarding future progression and career opportunities.

The IAG team is based at the Deane Road Campus and offers one-to-one appointments, both in person (and remotely when Covid restrictions apply), in addition to drop-in services. Careers support includes course advice, progression to the next level, help to change subject if you feel you are unsuited to your course and help to explore employment opportunities (including Apprenticeships).

An online careers library is also available for you, called eClips, which provides information on a wide range of careers and education options. This can be accessed via your College homepage through the eClips news story, or online at:

www.eclips-online.co.uk

The password for the site is moisho46 The IAG team may also come into your lessons to give talks and presentations and they produce a wide range of resources to support you with your future plans.

If you plan to go to university, information, advice and support includes:

• Advice on degree courses and career routes. • Higher Education Fair, at the start of each autumn term (when Covid restrictions allow). • Support to access information on the UCAS website and help with completing UCAS applications (workshops and drop-in sessions are available to all students, Covid restrictions permitting). • Support with your UCAS personal statement, both from the IAG team and university professionals. • Help with interview techniques and presentation skills. • Support with applications for student finance through Student

Finance England (drop-in sessions are available to all students, Covid restrictions permitting). • A messaging service, providing regular reminders of important deadlines, and with help available from the IAG team. • A range of resources to help with all of the above, accessed via your

College homepage, under ‘Going to

University 2022’.

When Covid restrictions apply, the following support is offered remotely:

• The Signal messaging service will provide information and reminders of

UCAS dates/deadlines, registration processes and requirements for application completion at regular and timely intervals. • This service will also provide access to resources via email. • Support will also be provided to students with their applications by phone and email.

If you are seeking employment, information, advice and support includes:

• Help to produce CVs and covering letters. • Help to develop knowledge of useful job websites and resources. • Support with completion of job and

Apprenticeship applications. • Interview skills, techniques and tips.

A range of resources is available to help you with all aspects of your job search activities. Electronic versions can be accessed via the Looking for a Job section of your student homepage.

For further information or to book a face to face or telephone appointment, please contact the student services team on 01204 482 182, email the team at careersteam@boltoncc.ac.uk or call into the Student Services Centre which is based on the ground floor at the Deane Road Campus.

Apprenticeships Why not kick-start your career with an Apprenticeship! Apprenticeships offer training opportunities in the workplace with an employer, learning while you earn and giving you the skills you need to build a rewarding career.

We support Apprenticeships in: • Business & Professional Services,

Accounting, Paralegal. • Computing & IT. • Hairdressing & Barbering. • Health & Social Care. • Motor Vehicle Body & Paint

Operations.

• Motor Vehicle & Repair. • Sport & Fitness. • Teaching (Teaching Assistant). • Construction Industry - Painting &

Decorating; Electrical Installation;

Plumbing & Heating; Roofing, Slating & Tiling; Brickwork.

Want to know more? Visit the College website and check out our Guide to Apprenticeships: www.

boltoncollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships

Alternatively, call our Apprenticeship Team on 01204 482 036 or email

apprenticeships@boltoncc.ac.uk

If you want to find an Apprenticeship further afield you can also check out

www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Help with Finance We all understand that applying for financial assistance can be a daunting task, but rest assured the Student Finance Team are here to help you through the process.

Over the next few pages we will outline the different types of assistance that are available, and the ways in which you must qualify to be eligible for them. If you have any questions, queries or are just a little unsure as to if you qualify, please don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will do our best to help you. Help with Finance:

Students aged 16-18

If you are struggling with your course due to financial difficulties, you may be able to get help with some of the essentials for your course, such as childcare, equipment and travel. There is a limited supply of funding, so early application is advised.

Student Finance 16 -18 Application forms for the funds detailed below are available online via the following link: http://bit.ly/ypfinsupp and the College website.

Free College meals If you or your family are in receipt of Income Support; income-based Jobseekers Allowance; income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA); support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999; the guarantee element of State Pension Credit; Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)); or Universal Credit with net earnings not exceeding the equivalent

of £7,400 per annum, you may be entitled to a free College meal for every day you are studying in College. Students qualifying for the Discretionary Bursary may also be entitled to discretionary free meals. If you are 16-18 (or up to age 24 for some students with learning difficulties/disabilities) and you think you may qualify – ask for more information at Student Services. Bursaries are available for some 16-18 year old students taking EFA funded courses. There are two types of Bursary:

1. Student Support Allowance

Bursary of up to £1,200 per academic year if you are: • A young person in care, or have recently left care. • A young person in receipt of Universal

Credit or Income Support in your own right. • A young person with severe disabilities who is in receipt of either

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance and is also in receipt of Employment Support

Allowance (ESA)

2. The Discretionary Bursary

The Discretionary Bursary is available to eligible students to help towards costs such as transport and equipment. This is means tested, and you may qualify if you are aged 16-18 and your family’s income is £25,000 or less a year. You will need to provide evidence of your family’s income.

Students must meet the qualifying criteria shown above, and must have to travel more than 1 mile (1.6

kilometres) from home to College (Google Maps is used to determine distance) in order to receive financial assistance with travel. Students aged 16 and 17 living in Greater Manchester can apply for the Our Pass from TfGM via

www.ourpass.co.uk

The £10 cost will be refunded to students qualifying for travel support.

Care to Learn (C2L) Care to Learn (C2L) is available to help with childcare costs for students aged under 20 studying on most courses. The C2L scheme will contribute 100% of childcare costs (up to £160 per week per child), but early application is advised.

Either contact the Student Finance Officer on 01204 482 191 or ring the nursery staff directly on 01204 482 196 for more information, or check out the following link:

www.gov.uk/care-to-learn

Care to Learn

Care to Learn applications for 2021-22 need to be made online. You can use the following link:

www.studentbursary.education.gov. uk/w/webpage/student-bursary

Help with finance - students aged 19+

Financial support is available for students aged 19+ with the cost of travel, food support, and childcare. This assistance is means tested, and you may qualify if you have a partner and your family income is £25,000 a year or less, or £21,000 a year where you do not have a partner.

You will need to supply evidence of your own or your family’s income.

Students who are taking courses at Level 3 or above (not HE courses) will also need to have applied for, and had approved, an Advanced Learner Loan to qualify for Financial Support. There is a limited supply of funding, so early application is advised. You can apply for help with finance on the 19+ Student Finance Application Form on the following link: bit.ly/adfinsupp or through the College website.

Travel support Travel Support is available to some students aged 19 or older who are taking ASB-CB funded courses. Students must meet the qualifying criteria shown above, and must have to travel more than 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) from home to College - Google Maps is used to determine distance.

You will need to have applied for, and had approved, an Advanced Learner Loan in order to receive this assistance. Please contact the student finance team on 01204 482 182 for more information.

Childcare support is available to some students aged 20 or older who are taking either CL or ASB funded courses. Students must meet the qualifying criteria shown above. The College can only assist with Ofsted registered childcare, and will contribute up to 80% of the cost of term-time childcare costs, with a maximum contribution of £45 per child per day.

Additional learning support If you are aged 19 or older and are taking a course at Level 3 or above (not HE courses); do not qualify for a waiver of your tuition fees; and you have additional learning support needs, you could get help with the cost of any additional learning support Council tax exemption You may be eligible for council tax exemption if you are studying for at least 21 hours per week for at least 24 weeks per year or if you are under 20 and are studying for 12 hours per week for at least 3 calendar months.

These hours can be made up of time you spend in class, work placements or study you do outside of the classroom.

We will check your student records to confirm that you are studying for the required number of hours during the year. In some cases, we may need to contact your tutors for more information.

Evidence of enrolment and attendance

If you require evidence that you are a student to send to someone you can

request an Enrolment & Attendance Certificate via our online form:

www.bit.ly/bcctax20 www.nus.org.uk

These certificates can be used to help with child or housing benefit or council tax exemption.

Where ever possible we will email your certificate straight to the organisation asking for it; this is usually the council. There is a space on the form to provide an email address for them. However, in exceptional cases we are able to send the certificate to your home address as it appears on your student record.

The certificate is normally processed and sent out within five working days of receipt. However, at the beginning of term it can take longer due to the number of requests we receive. Please remember to tell us if you change your address after you have enrolled.

NUS Our College is affiliated to NUS which is an organisation that has been established for nearly 100 years and their mission is to ‘promote, defend and extend students' rights’. NUS represent students' interests to ensure that students can thrive, by campaigning for change and ensuring that students Totum

One of the benefits of being affiliated to NUS is access to the TOTUM student discount platform. You can download the TOTUM app on your phone for free and buy a TOTUM card which currently costs £14.99 for one year.

TOTUM provides students with ‘significant extra benefits’, including concessionary rates of entry to many facilities, discounts for shops, travel schemes and leisure activities. It is currently the only student discount card that can be used on the high street and online, that includes PASS ID.

If you would like to apply for a TOTUM Card go to www.totum.com or download the app now from the Google Play Store or Apple App store.

The College’s Early Years and Pre-School Centre is an Ofsted registered nursery on the Deane Road Campus, where students can leave their pre-school children whilst they are studying.

The nursery was last inspected by Ofsted on 1st May 2019 and judged to be ’Good’ in all areas: leadership and management; the quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development welfare; and behaviour and outcomes for children.

Some of the comments in the most recent Ofsted Report were as follows:

• Staff make regular observations and assessments of children's learning.

They plan meaningful next steps to help children make progress in their development. • Partnership working with parents and other professionals is strong. This helps to provide a shared approach to supporting children's care and learning. • Children are happy and settled.

The key-person system is effective.

Children share good supportive relationships with staff.

• Staff set high expectations for all children. They foster positive behaviour and are good role models. Children are well behaved and play co-operatively.

PLEASE NOTE: This service is not on demand, childcare must be prebooked with our Centre. The nursery is divided into two separate age groups:

• 6 weeks - 2 years • 2 years - 5 years

The Centre opens Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm, during term time. Our staff are professional, caring and welcoming; we offer quality care provided by friendly staff who have extensive experience of working within the early year’s field.

All nursery team members are qualified to NVQ Level 3, NNEB or above. All our nursery team are trained in current paediatric first aid.

We also have student placements that join the team for experience of working in a nursery alongside their College courses, but they are supervised and supported by staff at all times. Each child is allocated a key person from the nursery team. The child forms a close attachment to the key person and they support the child’s learning and development whilst at nursery. They will also be responsible for building a relationship with you, as their parent, providing you with regular updates on your child’s progress. We operate an Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum aiming to ensure that:

• Each child feels valued and is cared for in a safe, secure, happy and stimulating environment. • An exciting, well planned and wellresourced curriculum is delivered. • Each child is encouraged to become independent. • We develop the whole child emotionally, intellectually, physically, socially and spiritually. • We encourage children to become familiar with letters and sounds (phonics). • We offer a variety of additional support if needed.

You can be confident that your child will receive first-class care at our Bolton College Early Years and PreSchool Centre. Some team members

are bilingual and will be happy to interpret for parents if required. Due to Covid-19, our setting has had to implement some additional measures to ensure that the children, their parents and the staff are safe at all times.

The setting may have more rigorous risk assessments and routines in place e.g. checking children’s temperature on entry, more frequent handwashing routines, and fewer places available to accommodate social distancing. We can explain everything that’s in place if you join us!

There is a charge for using the College childcare facilities but you may be entitled to receive help towards these costs - see the Help with Finance section of the Student Handbook for details.

You may also be entitled to receive help towards the costs of childcare through the same channels if your child is placed at an Ofsted registered nursery outside of the College facility.

Food and Refreshments

Our students at Deane Road have a number of restaurants to choose from on campus, which are operated in partnership with Atalian Servest, our onsite catering provider in College.

All our outlets accept cash, debit/ credit cards/contactless and also free meal fingerprint payments.

Diversity This is our main student food court, offering hot food from 8.30am until 2.30pm, Monday to Friday. The menu includes an extensive breakfast offer; halal options; healthy choices; hot snack items; and a comprehensive 'grab and go' menu and homemade cakes for busy students 'on the go'.

Infusion Coffee Bar

Infusion is our Costa Coffee Bar, which offers a relaxed environment where students can enjoy a branded coffee with a continental-style breakfast and healthier options including homemade bio yoghurts, as well as a hot food offer at teatime for learners attending evening classes. Infusion is open from 8.30am until 8pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8.30am until 2pm, Friday.

Foundation

This is the construction and arts food court, offering a traditional breakfast service and lunch items, which include vegetarian and halal options. Foundation is open from 8.30am until 2.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Students who are eligible for free meals can use their allowance at any outlet. This allowance can be topped up with a cash or card payment if required. We have a range of meal deals specifically aimed at our free meal customers to give our students the best value possible.

Signature Restaurant Signature is the College’s luxurious restaurant, where you can book excellent meals for special occasions at amazingly low prices. We also offer a takeout service so you can order and collect a healthy tea-time meal to take home after a hard day’s study!

Vending machines are also available to provide our out-of-hours service and are maintained by our external partners. There are also snack bars at our community centres.

The Atom – College shop The Atom shop is open Monday to Friday, 8.20am to 3.30pm, on a daily basis during term time, and sells a range of stationery, art supplies, students’ work, confectionery, drinks, jewellery, cards, gifts and College clothing.

Cash machine

The main campus at Deane Road has a cash machine installed on the first floor landing. The cash machine charges 95p for cash withdrawals. This decision has been made by the machine suppliers, not the College.

We would advise you to keep your money securely and not carry around large amounts of cash with you for your own safety.

ID cards

You will be issued with a Student ID Card at the start of your course and you will be offered the choice of a lanyard or a pin badge for your card. will need to use to borrow books from the College LRCs and to use a College laptop. Your Student ID Card is also proof of identity, and you must wear it and show it if requested by a member of College staff. If you forget your ID card, you must sign in and collect a temporary ID wrist band from the security desk, which you need to wear whilst you are in College. If you lose your ID card, replacement cards can be obtained from the Enrolment Centre at the Deane Road Campus and from centre receptions at other sites.

Your first replacement ID card will be provided free; you may be charged for further replacements. The Behaviour for Success Policy will be invoked if you persistently forget your ID card, refuse to buy a replacement one, or if you refuse to show it to staff when requested.

Student ID Cards are dated and colour coded, and you will need a new ID card for each year you come to College.

For 2021/2022 cards and lanyards will be yellow.

The lifts at our Deane Road Campus are for staff and people with mobility difficulties so students should use the stairs wherever possible. However, if you are unable to walk up the stairs you can use the lift next to Diversity and the Sports Hall.

Lost and found

If you have lost something please check whether it has been handed in at main reception. We keep a log of items and will ask you to sign for anything you collect. If your item is of value and we don’t have it when you first ask, we can take your details and contact you should it be handed in at a later date. If you find something which doesn’t belong to you, we would ask you to hand it in to reception and we’ll keep it safe until the owner collects it.

What you should do if you change your personal details If you change your address or contact number after you have enrolled, you need to update your student record. You can do this by logging in to your Learner Hub Account here

www.bit.ly/learnerhub

It is really important that you do this because letters and exam certificates for you on our records. If you receive financial assistance from Student Services, please also notify them of any changes to your name, address, phone number or bank details so that we can ensure we can keep in contact with you and you can still receive the payments you are entitled to.

If you change your name after you have enrolled you will need to take evidence of your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or passport, to the Enrolment Centre at our Deane Road Campus or to reception at one of our community centres. Staff will update your learner record.

Travelling to College - Deane Road Campus by public transport Details of public transport services to and from the College are available on the following website:

www.tfgm.com

Bolton’s bus and rail interchange, which also includes a cycle hub, is on Newport Street/Great Moor Street. Bolton Interchange provides passenger information and ticketing facilities and a safer, more secure waiting environment for buses and trains. The College is an easy 15 minute walk from the Interchange.

By bicycle We have two covered lockable cycle shelters available at Deane Road. One is near the steps to the Signature Restaurant at the rear of the site and the other is next to the Construction Centre.

One of the shelters also has small lockers to store a helmet and belongings which can be secured by supplying your own padlock. There are also lockers in the main building and Construction Centre which can be used for a change of clothes etc. If you would like to use the cycle shelters, please call in to Student Services.

There is a small refundable charge to use these facilities.

By car - parking arrangements

These are available from 8.15am each morning and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. On entry to the car park, the blue badge holder will need to drive up to the barrier and press the intercom system and they will be asked to show their blue badge.

Students at the Deane Road Campus are encouraged to use the NCP Bolton Deane Road Car Park behind the main building to reduce illegal parking and causing inconvenience to our neighbours. The postcode of this car park is BL3 5EQ . You can find out prices for car parking at Deane Road by logging on to www.ncp.co.uk clicking onto 'Find a car park' and searching using 'Bolton Deane Road'.

Our community sites have a limited number of car parking spaces. The College has a few spaces for blue badge holders on the private car park at the back of the main campus.

On leaving the car park they will need to drive to the barrier and it will automatically be raised. Please do not tailgate other cars into or out of the car park.

Student Printing Each student is awarded a termly £10 purse attached to their ID card for printing.

Print charges are as follows: 5p per black & white sheet and 10p per colour sheet. If you use up your £10 allowance, you can purchase additional credits via IT Services (Room A2.12).

If you wish to print from your own laptop, go to your homepage and click on PRINTING and then click 'Printing

from Your Own Device.'

Sustainability Enforcement Days Litter enforcement is real! Council Enforcement Officers are able to issue fixed penalty notices to anyone seen dropping litter which includes cigarette ends. If you drop litter in or outside College, you could face a fine as it is a criminal offence, under The Environmental Protection Act 1990. The Council Enforcement Officers will be visiting will be visiting the College on the following dates:

• Wednesday 6th October 2021 • Wednesday 26th January 2022 • Wednesday 16th March 2022 • Wednesday 18th May 2022

If you have litter - just bin it! Please remember, do not drop any litter including cigarettes outside the College building. The College is your space and we ask that you tidy up after yourself wherever you are on campus by placing all litter in the recycling bins provided.

Bins are provided throughout the College and can be found outside, in each classroom, landings and communal areas.

Additionally, when eating in the College food outlets, remember that these are self-clear areas.

We want you to do your very best when studying with us and for your future life. We recognise that in order to do this your health and wellbeing needs to be in good shape. Being able to focus, concentrate, get organised and learn well is the key to performing at your best on your course but we recognise that sometimes, things can get in the way.

Here at Bolton College we provide many opportunities for you to get your head clear, to make friends and have new experiences which build your confidence and belief in yourself – we call this our Wellbeing for Learning & Life Strategy. We will give you opportunities throughout your time with us to reflect on and enhance your wellbeing.

Your tutors and LDMs may suggest that you join in with different activities and clubs to promote your wellbeing or that you speak with someone who has specialist knowledge and can support you – go ahead and see the difference it makes to your studying and to your whole life!

Have a look at some of the activities and support available to you to enhance your wellbeing. You can view these on the Wellbeing & Enrichment tab on your student homepage. Enrichment Activities Enrichment activities give students the opportunity to do something different to their usual classroom and workshop-based activities. They add a different dimension and value to the study experience of our students.

Curriculum Area Enrichment Within each Curriculum Area, Enrichment activities are organised by staff specifically for their students.

These vary from skills competitions; visits to trade exhibitions to keep up to date with the latest developments in a particular industry; university fairs; or events specifically linked to course topics and themes.

Curriculum Area Enrichment is key to preparing you for your next step, whether it's to get a job in a particular industry or to move on up in education.

Cross-College Enrichment Cross-College Enrichment activities develop your knowledge and skills beyond the subject you are studying. All these activities are based on the NHS ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’: be active, be mindful, connect with others, give to others, and keep learning.

The activities help you to have fun, stay physically and mentally well, and develop transferable skills you can use for learning, life and work.

Activities in College include events such as our Freshers' Fair, Diversity Festival, and visits from external organisations such as the army and Pets for Therapy. There are a variety of daily sports sessions and classes, with the opportunity to represent our College teams in AOC leagues, cups and competitions.

All abilities and genders are welcome to participate in the many sports our enrichment programme provides – come along, meet new friends, and have fun!

Activities outside of College include a variety of educational, cultural and fun activity trips. These have included trips to Planet Ice Blackburn Arena; BBC Media City; Liverpool Slavery Museum; Manchester Museum of Science & Industry; Octagon Theatre; The National Cycling Centre; Chester Zoo and Challenge 4 Change, to name but a few!

Cross-College Enrichment activities are organised by our Student Liaison Officer (based in the Student Services Centre), sports staff, and staff in the LRCs at our Deane Road Campus. We value the contribution of students to inform the content of the Cross-College Enrichment programme, so if you have any suggestions and/or would like to be involved in organising an enrichment event, please contact our student liaison officer via Student Services, Deane Road Campus or email

studentliaison@boltoncc.ac.uk

The Student Volunteer Group Are you interested in doing something different, having new experiences and meeting new people in College? If so, then the Student Volunteer Group may be for you!

Becoming a Student Volunteer helps to build your confidence, make new friends, gain valuable work experience and have fun! Examples of volunteering opportunities include meeting and greeting visitors; providing guided tours of the College; aiding staff to care for visitors; and helping events run smoothly.

At the end of the academic year you will receive a signed certificate, detailing the number of voluntary hours you have completed. It really is a fantastic way to build your CV and show future education institutions or employers your commitment, achievements and skills that you have developed.

For more information please email studentliaison@boltoncc.ac.uk or complete the online application found on the Wellbeing & Enrichment tab on your student homepage.

Student Wellbeing Champions Student Wellbeing Champions are volunteers who promote health and wellbeing in the College by encouraging students to access wellbeing-boosting services and enrichment activities.

Responsibilities include promoting health campaigns through stands and poster displays and giving out leaflets (e.g. World Mental Health Day, National No Smoking Day); signposting students to activities and events that are available; being a good wellbeing role model by promoting a healthy culture within the College; involvement in wellbeing events in College; and collaborative working with other wellbeing champions.

Requirements for the role:

• An enthusiasm for and interest in wellbeing. • Being approachable and willing to help. • A basic understanding of healthy lifestyles and health promotion. • Being keen to keep up-to-date with activities within Bolton College's

Wellbeing for Learning & Life Strategy • Attending the occasional training event/meeting and collaborating with others.

For more information please email studentliaison@boltoncc.ac.uk or complete the online application found on the Wellbeing & Enrichment tab on your student homepage

Wellbeing at Bolton College – Contacts Bolton College is an inclusive college and support is available to anyone with mental health needs who wishes to learn. The mental health team and wellbeing team, led by Rachel Butler, will help you to join in College courses with or without support, depending on your individual needs. We work across all College departments to enable a smooth transition into education. Sampling of courses can be arranged for school leavers to lessen anxiety and help them to make informed choices. As part of this team we have pastoral mentors who will offer informal pastoral support.

Email the team at mental.health@ boltoncc.ac.uk or visit room AG.47b to self-refer to the mental health and wellbeing team.

Rachel Butler

SEN Specialist (Mental Health) 01204 482 589 rachel.butler@boltoncc.ac.uk

Alana Hughes

Mental Health Mentor 01204 482 589 alana.hughes@boltoncc.ac.uk

Chris Charles

Cross-College & Mental Health Mentor 01204 482 775 chris.charles@boltoncc.ac.uk

James Dawson

Mental Health Mentor 01204 482 589 james.dawson@boltoncc.ac.uk

Sue Holder

LAC & Foundation Learning Mentor 07582 110 303 susan.holder@boltoncc.ac.uk

Iqbal Mallu

LAC & Cross-College Mentor 01204 482 667 iqbal.mallu@boltoncc.ac.uk

Shahida Khan

What type of things do students come to talk about? • A problem that is affecting you, your home life or your course work • Being bullied or harassed • Feeling confused, anxious or generally not coping as normal • Exploring what the future holds for you and attempting to make changes in your life

ESOL Mentor 01204 482 666 shahida.khan@boltoncc.ac.uk

Julie Barlow

Cross-College & Community Mentor 07849 847 296 julie.barlow@boltoncc.ac.uk Who can use the counselling service? Counselling is available to all students and staff attending courses or working at any College centre.

How do the meetings take place?

College Counselling Service Counselling offers the opportunity for you to talk privately to someone who will listen to you, value you as the person you are and who will not make judgements about you. It offers the space within which you can express and explore your thoughts, feelings and concerns. Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances the counselling team have adapted to be able to offer the following methods of counselling, depending on your personal preference and circumstances.

Counsellors will not give advice as attempting to make decisions for you would be wrong, so with support from your Counsellor, counselling helps you to come to your own decisions on how to move forward. The service is free, confidential and sessions are held in comfortable rooms offering private space to talk. 1. Face-to-face counselling in line with all COVID-19 safety measures within the College. 2. Face-to-face counselling via Microsoft Teams using Office 365 log in – both video and live chat options. 3. Telephone counselling. 4. Counselling by email.

How do I make an Appointment?

Take time to consider which method would suit you best. You can contact the College counsellors in a variety of ways:

• Call Shirley on 01204 482190 or 07754 068 014 or email

counsellingservice@boltoncc.ac.uk

• To make a referral, type “Counselling

Referral” into Ask Ada and the link to the form will appear. Email the form to counsellingservice@boltoncc.ac.uk

Care leavers and care experienced students Bolton College particularly welcomes young people who are care leavers or who have recently experienced being in care. If you are a young person who has been looked after by the local authority or have recently been in care, or if you have been adopted by a family in the past, there is support for you at College if you would like it.

We understand that young people do not like to be labelled, singled out or be made to feel different in any way, therefore we will work with you to ensure that any support you receive is delivered sensitively and discreetly.

Our young people who are looked after and those leaving care have some entitlements. These students aged 16-18 are usually entitled to a weekly Student Support Allowance (cash to support you with the costs of studying at College) and you can find out more about this by contacting the Student It is also usual for these students to have a Personal Education Plan (PEP) when they come to College. PEP meetings are set up with you, your social worker, your tutors and those who support you at College. They are designed to check how College is going for you; to see if anything needs to be changed to help your progress; and also to plan ahead for your future.

In 2021-2022 we would like to set up a Care Leavers Forum, where care leavers can meet and they can advise the College about the needs of care leavers to ensure we get our services right for you. If you are interested in being part of this please contact the Student Services Manager in A1.17 or on

eileen.nicholson@boltoncc.ac.uk

If you need to link up with your social worker or you need to talk about any issue which may be affecting you – speak to your tutor directly or you can contact your allocated Student Mentor who organises your PEP in College, or contact the Student Services Manager who is the Designated Person for LAC and Care Leavers in College, in room

A1.17.

Bolton LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) Support and Youth Group This group meets at Bolton Library every second and fourth Monday of the month, 4.30pm-6.30pm. The group is for anyone aged 13-25 who is LGBT+ or questioning their sexuality or gender identity. The youth group organises fun things to do, arts, crafts, sports, weekends and trips away and supports LGBT+ young people.

Phone/text: 07834 168 128 Email:

sam.cresswell@theproudtrust.org

To find out more visit: www.theproudtrust.org

What support is College offering to LGBTQ students? Bolton College is a friendly and inclusive place where we want all our students to feel safe and at home, whatever their sexuality.

We have set up a support group for LGBTQ students at Bolton College, so that they can share ideas and experiences as well as feel part of a wider social college community. To begin with we have set up a Facebook group, where we will share news updates and communications. To join, click this link www.facebook.com/groups/ boltonLGBT and answer the security questions.

Once the group has been established, we will be asking group members if they would like to meet on a regular basis and organise events at College.

Students aged 18 and over can also join the Bolton University LGBT+ Society via this link www.facebook.com/

groups/700648043463563

Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Chaplains representing a number of churches and places of worship are available to support you if you wish. Contact Student Services at the Deane Road Campus and they will be happy to put you in touch with one of our Chaplains.

Lawrence Aboagye is available to speak to students every Monday between 10am-12.30pm, and our Muslim Chaplain, Imam Hassan Yusuf, offers Friday prayers in the Quiet Room A1.61 from 12.30pm during winter and 2.30pm during summer.

Imam Hassan Yusuf is available for approx. 1 hour and available to speak to students during this time. They are both friendly and ready to listen to you without making judgements.

Quiet Room – A1.61 There is a Quiet Room (Room A1.61) at the Deane Road Campus for staff and students to use for prayer or quiet contemplation/meditation. There is keypad access to this room, and staff and students can collect the code from

main reception. At our other campuses, please ask at the main reception if you require a place for quiet reflection or prayer.

Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy Salon Services The Hairdressing & Beauty Academy at Bolton College offers, from Monday to Friday, several commercial salons for both students and the general public. The salons offer a wide range of professional treatments that reflect the salons on the high street but without the premium price tag. awarded the Wella Centre of Excellence status, which is only awarded to institutions that have achieved the highest standard for training. Hairdressing and barbering services include some of the following: styling, cutting, colouring and perming.

If you want a new look or just an opportunity to pamper yourself and relax come along and speak to the hair and beauty receptionist who will advise you accordingly.

The Academy is a training environment and the treatments are undertaken by hairdressing, barbering, nail, make-up, complementary and beauty therapy learners showcasing their skills under the strict supervision and guidance of our experienced tutors. The learners, as budding professionals on their programmes, are required to complete treatments on clients as part of their practical assessment, delivering a topclass service within a sophisticated and relaxing salon environment.

The beauty and holistic therapy treatments offered include some of the following: facial, body, nail treatments, make-up, lash treatments and waxing, as well as the more specialised treatments, which include aromatherapy, reflexology and micropigmentation. The hairdressing salon has been

College Partners

The College has strong links with specialist organisations that can help students with a range of issues outside of their studies:

360° - Young Person’s Substance Misuse Service, The Parallel, 9A Church Gate, Bolton, BL1 1HU 360° give help and support to young people from Bolton (usually this means up to 19 years old), their families and friends in a number of situations. They can give you time to talk about what’s going on in your lives and how alcohol or drugs are affecting you. The service is for young people who are using alcohol or drugs, or who are worried about alcohol or drugs. It is also for anyone who has a concern about young people and alcohol or drugs.

Monday - Friday 9am-5pm Call 01204 337 330 or 01204 462 444

ACHIEVE Recovery Service – Beacon House, 69 - 73 Manchester Road Bolton, BL2 1ES ACHIEVE identify and support adults affected by alcohol or drug misuse into appropriate treatment. Call 01204 483 090, Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. The Parallel (Young People’s Health

Centre) - 9A, Churchgate, Bolton,

BL1 1HU

Helping students who are Bolton residents and aged up until their 19th birthday with any health issues, including physical and sexual health issues and emotional wellbeing.

Members of The Parallel team are available:

Monday - Friday (except Bank Holidays) 9am-6pm Saturday - Sunday, 12pm- 4pm Call: 01204 462 444

The Health Centre offers a drop in six days of the week: Monday, 3.30pm-6pm Tuesday, 2.30pm-6pm Wednesday, 3.30pm-6pm Friday, 3.30pm-6pm Saturday - Sunday, 12.30pm - 3.30pm

MhIST (Mental Health Independent Support Team) - Hanover House, Hanover Street, Bolton, BL1 4TG

MhIST provides a friendly, safe and confidential service to support and voice the interests of mental health service users and their carers. They offer support groups e.g. mental health and wellbeing group; autism groups; craft and social group; depression recovery group; as well as advocacy support and a talk therapy service. Contact MHIST using their website www.mhist.co.uk

Under 18s homelessness - Castle Hill Centre,Castleton Street, Bolton, BL2 2JW If students are 16 or 17 then they have to be referred through the Leaving Care Team (LCT) if they have a homelessness issue. This is even if they have never had any involvement with them before. The LCT deal with all homeless referrals for under 18s in Bolton. They will assess the student and discuss housing options available e.g. mediation with parents/carers; emergency hostel accommodation; and social housing and supported accommodation. 520 183 or 01204 396 818 email:

mail@backup-charity.org.uk

NB: This service takes referrals only from the Leaving Care Homelessness Service.

Over 18s Homelessness – Housing Options Team This service is for people aged 18 or over if they’re currently homeless, sleeping rough or in need of accommodation. The help offered will depend on your set of circumstances.

Monday – Thursday, 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm Friday, 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm4pm. Call 01204 335 900 or visit Housing Options on the Ground Floor at Bolton Town Hall:

Outside of office hours speak with the Emergency Duty Social Work Team Call 01204 337 777.

During office hours call 01204 337 376. If you find yourself homeless out of office hours, contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01204 337 777.

Backup North West (formerly BYPHS Bolton Young Persons’ Housing Scheme) Bridgeman house, 77 Bridgeman Street, Bolton, BL3 6BY A registered charity providing temporary supported accommodation to people aged 16-25 who are homeless and/or in special need. Contact Back Up North West on 01204

Connexions Bolton – The BASE, Marsden Road, Bolton, BL1 2PF Connexions offers careers information, advice and guidance for young people in Bolton. The centre works with young people aged 16-19 (up to 25 for SEND people with learning difficulties/ disabilities).Call 0800 0525 559 Email:

cx.boltoncentre@bolton.gov.uk

Safeguarding

You might hear the word ‘safeguarding’ when you are at College and it simply means ‘keeping our students safe’.

The College employ a team of people who all work together to help keep students safe during their time with us e.g. the College Safeguarding Team; College Counsellors; Security Team; Caretakers and Cleaners; Fire Wardens; First Aiders; Teachers; Support Tutors; Support Workers, LDMs; and Mentors. In fact all staff are involved and trained in keeping students safe. There are several aspects to safeguarding:

• Ensuring that we comply with health and safety regulations and procedures e.g. making sure that we have fire drills and lockdown drills regularly; making sure students wear their personal protective equipment when tackling tasks which have some physical risks attached; ensuring that machines are operated safely; and ensuring that electrical equipment is

PAT tested regularly. • Making sure that only students and those authorised for entry to College can come into our buildings e.g. security team check ID badges, and we ask all our staff and students to wear their IDs at all times so we can easily identify strangers and deal with them accordingly. • Ensuring all our young people aged under 18 and our adult students who

Abuse and exploitation can take many forms. It may be:

Physical e.g. punching, hitting, assaulting, kicking.

Emotional e.g. threats of harm, humiliation or blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, indifference, harassment.

Sexual e.g. rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual exploitation, sexual photography.

Financial e.g. theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.

Neglect e.g. ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care, or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating.

Domestic Violence e.g. incident or pattern of incidents of controlling,

coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse by someone who is or has been an intimate partner or family member regardless of gender or sexuality.

Forced Marriage e.g. where one or both of the parties is married without their consent or against their will. A forced marriage differs from an arranged marriage, in which both parties consent to the assistance of their parents or a third party in identifying a spouse.

Modern Slavery e.g. slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude.

Organisational Abuse/Poor

Professional Practice e.g. a service that denies, restricts or curtails the dignity, privacy, choice, independence or fulfilment of people in any setting providing health or social care.

Discriminatory Abuse

e.g. discriminatory and oppressive attitudes towards people on the grounds of disability, gender reassignment, age, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation, and political beliefs.

Self-neglect e.g. this covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s own personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding.

Honour-based Violence e.g. this may happen to someone when their family feels that dishonour has been brought onto them. Domestic violence and abuse, concerns about forced marriage, enforced house arrest and missing persons’ reports may form part of honour based violence. Honour based violence is also evident in gang-related activity and county lines activity where young people are threatened with violence unless they obey the gang’s code of behaviour.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) e.g. procedures which include the removal of part or all of the external female genitalia for cultural or other nontherapeutic reasons. The practice is medically unnecessary, extremely painful and has serious health consequences, both at the time when the mutilation is carried out and in later life.

Human Trafficking e.g. this involves recruiting, transporting, transferring, harbouring or receiving a person through force, coercion or other means, for the purpose of exploiting them.

Exploitation by Radicalisers who

Promote Violence e.g. this is the process by which people come to support terrorism and violent extremism and, in some cases, to then participate in terrorist groups. Sometimes the internet is used to persuade people to join violent extremist groups and sometimes it’s through personal contact with radical extremists.

ICT Abuse e.g. using social media, the internet and phones, computers and mobile devices to show content and deliver communications that may be harmful to others such as cyberbullying; sexting or photos, videos and text which is illegal or damages a person’s wellbeing.

Upskirting: This practice typically involves taking a picture under a person’s clothing without them knowing, with the intention of viewing their genitals or buttocks. Some people in the past have seen this as a joke or a prank but it causes a great deal of distress and upset to victims and since April 2019 ‘upskirting’ has become a criminal offence, with offenders facing up to two years in jail and being placed on the sex offenders register.

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE): Both CSE and CCE are forms of abuse and both occur where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance in power to force, manipulate or deceive a child (anyone under the age of 18) into sexual or criminal activity. In some cases, the abuse will be in exchange for something the victim needs or wants and/or will be to the financial benefit or other advantage (such as increased status) of the perpetrator.

Peer On Peer Abuse: Young people can abuse other young people. This is generally referred to as peer on peer abuse and can take many forms. This can include (but is not limited to) bullying (including cyberbullying); sexual violence and sexual harassment; physical abuse such as hitting, kicking, shaking, biting, hair pulling, or otherwise causing physical harm; and sexting and initiating/hazing type violence and rituals.

If you are being affected by one of these issues or you are worried about a friend in College and feel they are being affected by one of these issues, you can contact the College Safeguarding Team directly on 01204 482 180 or 01204 482 758.

If you prefer you can speak to your tutor, LDM or a member of staff you trust – all our staff have been trained in Safeguarding and you will be listened to properly. We will support you and your friends with any of these issues and ensure you and they are safe. Alternatively, serious issues such as these can be reported directly to services outside of College via the local and national website contacts below:

www.bolton.gov.uk/website/pages/ Safeguardingadultsatrisk.aspx www.boltonsafeguardingchildren.org. uk/worried-child www.gov.uk/forced-marriage

Stay Safe at College

Bolton is a safe place to study, live and work. However, it is important not to get complacent. By taking a few simple precautions in your home and while travelling, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime:

• Keep your laptop, car keys, smartphones and other valuables out of sight and never leave them unattended. Write your postcode on your valuables using a UV pen and register them on:

www.immobilise.com

• Be aware of your surroundings when you have your headphones on or you are talking on your mobile phone.

Walk facing the traffic so a car cannot suddenly pull up behind you. • Keep a record of your mobile phone’s

IMEI number as you will need this if it is stolen - press *#06# into your keypad or ring your network provider. • Install a tracking app on your phone. • If your phone is stolen, call your network or 08701 123 123 to get it blocked. • Don’t be an easy target. Travel in groups at night and arrange a meeting place to avoid getting lost. • Stick to well-lit areas and avoid shortcuts. • If you want to travel by taxi, use a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle from a recognised firm or official taxi

• rank. You should only ever flag down a black cab. You will need to book a private hire cab with the company. • If you want to travel by public transport, plan your journey. Visit journey planner at www.tfgm.com • Try not to use a cash point late at night or in a deserted place and never count money in the street – put it away immediately. Always keep your PIN out of sight. Stop, look and check the machine for anything unusual. If you have any doubts do not use it. • The threat we face from terrorism is real and the Prevent Team is built on the very simple concept that we can’t arrest our way out of the problem.

That is why we must work alongside the public to tackle extremism in all its forms. If you are concerned about somebody you know there are options open to you. You can contact the anti-terror hotline free on 0800 789 321 or you can speak to your local

Prevent Officer for advice. Ask in

College for the Prevent Officer.

To call the Police use the following numbers:

Non-Emergency calls 101 Emergency calls ONLY 999

What We Expect Of You

Behaviour for Success Agreement The Behaviour for Success Agreement sets out what the College will give students and what the College staff expect from students in return.

Behaviour for Success Agreements are documents which are signed by students in class at the beginning of their studies. They support students to become successful in their studies and help prepare them for the work environment.

We will:

• Treat you fairly and with respect and courtesy. • Do all we can to prepare you for your next steps to employment or further learning. • Have high expectations for what you can achieve. • Understand your learning needs and make sure you have the support you need to reach your goals. • Make sure your learning is engaging and enjoyable. • Make sure you stay on track to achieve your goals. • Help you improve your English and maths. • Ensure your safety and security. • Listen to your views on how we can improve further. • Provide opportunities to enjoy activities outside class time.

We expect you to:

• Make the most of the opportunities provided for you by the College. • Work hard to achieve your goals and fulfil your potential. • Come prepared for learning. • Attend all your classes on time. • Wear your ID badge at all times on

College sites. • Abide by class rules regarding the use of mobile devices. • Show respect to others at all times. • Use respectful language with others in our College community. • Respect the College environment and help us to keep it clean and safe. • Adhere to the College’s No Smoking

Policy. • Comply with the College’s zero tolerance approach to drugs and alcohol.

Education and Workplace Standards: In the classroom and on your work experience or industrial placement, we have some standards which will help you get the most from your studies with us. • √ Attend all your classes. √ Be prepared. √ Come on time. √ Bring pens and the right equipment to class. √ Switch off your mobiles or have them on silent. √ Dress appropriately.

Behaviour for the workplace √ √ Come with a positive attitude. √ Work flexibly. √ Pay attention. √ Meet your deadlines. √ Work with classroom colleagues as a team. √ Take pride in your work.

Improving your skills

√ Learn from your feedback. √ Ask for help when you need it/offer help when you can. √ Reflect on what you can do to improve your skills. √ Always do the best you can. √ And please be ready to tell us about your next steps after the course has finished!

Key Policies and Procedures

The College has several key policies and procedures in place which are designed to promote a positive and comfortable learning environment for all. They also ensure that students, staff and visitors to the College remain safe at all times.

Attendance and Punctuality Due to the uncertainties of the Coronavirus pandemic, it may be necessary to make changes to your timetable during the course of the year. In the event of this, your tutors will let you know in good time of any changes that need to be made.

Bolton College has an Attendance & Punctuality Policy which applies to all students undertaking courses at all of Bolton College’s campuses and hubs.

The College expects students to attend all their lessons, whether they are classroom based or in directed study, as this is critical to your success in learning. The College expects all its students to recognise that good attendance and punctuality, along with working hard, will maximise your achievement and enhance not only the learning experience but also in addition, develop your employability skills. Many employers and universities request details of attendance in references.

This policy also applies to workplace learning. All students should have 100% attendance and punctuality. We recognise that life events can have a negative impact but we do become extremely concerned when attendance falls below 95%.

Genuine long term absences will be fairly assessed and monitored by Learning Development Mentors (LDMs). Tutors will contact students and the parents of those under 18 after any unexplained absence from learning.

Students’ Responsibilities

All students are expected to:

• Attend all of their timetabled sessions which make up their study programme, unless prior agreement has been made and agreed with the tutor. • Return after any timetabled break.

Failure to do so will result in a late slip being issued. Repeated behaviour will instigate the monitoring process (see below).

• Obtain permission from the tutor at the start of the session if the student needs to leave class earlier than the set finishing time (attendance will be recorded on the register). • Arrive at the start of the sessions properly equipped and prepared. • Comply with the lateness process for their area, enter the class quietly with minimum disruption and explain their lateness to the tutor at an appropriate point in the session. • Contact their LDM/course tutor on their first day of absence using the number given at their induction, explaining their absence and indicating its duration. • Inform their LDM/course tutor if a prolonged absence is planned to discuss the possibility of an alternative study arrangement. • In addition, students can contact

Student Services if they wish to discuss reasons for prolonged absence and where additional support can be offered. • Arrange medical appointments, driving lessons and any other appointments that are non-emergency in their own time. • Ensure that any part-time work undertaken outside their College programme does not clash with their timetabled sessions.

Students who consistently breach these responsibilities could be subject to the College’s Behaviour for Success Policy. is different and will be treated individually.

The College accepts that many causes for absenteeism and lateness exist and will work with students on an individual basis to best address the needs and wants of each student. However, unexplained absence is unacceptable.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement - Our commitment Policy Statement - Our commitment Bolton College is committed to the Bolton College is committed to the Bolton College is committed to the promotion and development of equality promotion and development of equality promotion and development of equality of opportunity, valuing and celebrating of opportunity, valuing and celebrating of opportunity, valuing and celebrating the diversity of all of our staff and the diversity of all of our staff and the diversity of all of our staff and students and being inclusive to all of the students and being inclusive to all of the students and being inclusive to all of the College’s communities. This is reflected College’s communities. This is reflected College’s communities. This is reflected in the College’s mission statement: in the College’s mission statement: in the College’s mission statement:

‘Bolton College will enable individuals, businesses and communities within Bolton and the City Region to realise their potential through education and training that is inclusive, inspiring, innovative and responsive to their needs.’

Bolton College recognises the value of education in transforming people’s lives and we actively embrace our role in the promotion of educational opportunities for all. The College’s Values also underline an ongoing commitment to the continued embedding of a culture that embraces and celebrates equality, diversity and inclusion: • Excellence in all we do • Ensuring learning and the learner are at the heart of everything we do • Equality of opportunity and celebration of diversity • Serving our community • Honesty and professionalism • Caring for the environment and the communities we serve We provide a safe and supportive environment for all, which values individuals equally, regardless of:

• Age • Sex • Disability • Race • Gender reassignment • Marriage / Civil partnership • Faith, religion or belief • Sexual orientation or re-orientation • Pregnancy and maternity ‘Bolton College will enable individuals, Bolton College plays an integral role ‘Bolton College will enable individuals, businesses and communities within in promoting social inclusion both businesses and communities within Bolton and the City Region to realise their within the college community and Bolton and the City Region to realise potential through education and training within the wider Bolton context and their potential through education and that is inclusive, inspiring, innovative and its diverse communities, and we training that is inclusive, inspiring, responsive to their needs.’ work collaboratively with a range of innovative and responsive to their community organisations and other needs.’ Bolton College recognises the value partners to tackle social exclusion, of education in transforming people’s address discrimination and promote Bolton College recognises the value lives and we actively embrace our community cohesion. The College is of education in transforming people’s role in the promotion of educational responsive to the needs of the local lives and we actively embrace our opportunities for all. The College’s Values community and the success of all our role in the promotion of educational also underline an ongoing commitment learners is at the heart of everything we opportunities for all. The College’s Values to the continued embedding of a culture do. also underline an ongoing commitment that embraces and celebrates equality, to the continued embedding of a culture diversity and inclusion: Bolton College is committed to the that embraces and celebrates equality, promotion and development of equality diversity and inclusion: • Excellence in all we do of opportunity, valuing and celebrating • Ensuring learning and the learner are the diversity of all of our staff and at the heart of everything we do students and being inclusive to all of the • Equality of opportunity and College’s communities. celebration of diversity This is reflected in • Serving our community the College’s mission • Honesty and professionalism statement: • Caring for the environment and the ‘We are home to communities we serve people from a wide range of cultures and We provide a safe and supportive backgrounds with diverse beliefs, values environment for all, which values and abilities. We celebrate diversity and individuals equally, regardless of age, aim to meet the needs of all individuals gender or cultural background. and encourage

Bolton College plays an integral role in promoting social inclusion both within the college community and within the wider Bolton context and its diverse communities, and we work collaboratively with a range of community organisations and other partners to tackle social exclusion, address discrimination and promote community cohesion. The College is responsive to the needs of the local community and the success of all our learners is at the heart of everything we do. We are home to people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds with diverse beliefs, values and abilities. We celebrate diversity and aim to meet the needs of all individuals and encourage them to share their experiences and beliefs. We are highly inclusive and committed to reducing gaps in attainment amongst individuals from all backgrounds, including those who have not traditionally accessed education or training.

We welcome learners and staff with learning difficulties or disabilities and support them in accordance of their needs. We want everyone to feel comfortable and secure enough to be themselves; we do not tolerate harassment, bullying, victimisation or discrimination.

Shared values and expectations Bolton College will strive to provide an effective and meaningful learning and teaching experience for all our learners, whatever their background.

We aim to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where prejudice and discrimination has no place. We value the individuality of all learners and staff, recognise differences and work hard to ensure that each individual feels safe, at home and valued.

Bolton College has a group of staff who also act as Diversity Champions. It is their job to make sure equality and diversity is respected, promoted and celebrated in college life. They also organise our hugely popular Diversity Festival which takes place every winter in the College.

This is an event where students, staff and local community groups contribute to a celebration of the different values and cultures that comprise our student life.

As a College we are absolutely committed to:

• Ensuring our learner policies are fit-for-purpose and reviewing them regularly. • Acting swiftly to challenge and eliminate prejudice, bullying or harassment. • Listening to learner opinions about how we can further improve student experience. • Monitoring data on student achievement and taking action if we find some groups of learners are less successful than others. • Using a variety of different methods to attract and retain learners from all backgrounds. • Complying with all equalities-related legislation. • Making reasonable adjustments for learners with particular needs. • Encouraging open, honest discussion about issues which support learners’ educational attainment. • Continuing to develop a learning community that is reflective of Bolton and Greater Manchester’s diversity mix.

Fitness to Study Policy and Procedure The College is wholeheartedly committed to supporting students and recognises the importance of their health and wellbeing in relation to their academic progress and College experience.

Students (and their parents/carers for those under 18 and/or who may have additional needs) are expected to take a proactive part in the process, by managing their own health and wellbeing and engaging with any support, in order to fulfil their academic potential.

There may be instances where the health and/or wellbeing of a student deteriorate to a point where it raises questions about their fitness and suitability to continue with their studies at the College.

This policy and procedure will be used to support staff in all areas of the College to deal with instances where concerns have been expressed over a student’s health, wellbeing or behaviour, which have led to:

a) Concerns from staff about a student’s fitness to study at the College and/or the ability to meet the learning outcomes of the course, notwithstanding reasonable adjustments which have been made.

b) A negative impact on the health, safety, wellbeing and/or learning of the student and/or others with whom s/he has contact.

This procedure has three stages, based on the level of support needed by the student and/or the seriousness of risk posed by the health and/or behaviour of a student. Depending on the concern raised, it may be appropriate to move straight to a higher level. Students are encouraged to engage with the College and access all support available to them.

If they choose not to do so, then this procedure may continue without their involvement.

Meetings will take place which involve the student their Parents/Carers (where appropriate), tutors, College support staff, Managers from academic departments, Head of Learner Support and the Student Services Manager to determine the best and most practicable way forward for the student, the College and it’s community.

Smoke Free Policy All students at Bolton College are required to subscribe to the Smoke Free Policy. The College does not permit smoking in any of its premises and buildings. Some centres have shelters which may be used by smokers, but other

centres are completely smoke free and no smoking is permitted in or around the centre.

The use of e-cigarettes is not permitted in/on College premises, only in designated areas.

IT Responsible Use/Acceptable Use Policy You will have to agree to comply with the College’s IT Responsible Use Policy if you want to use the College’s computer hardware and software or network facilities.

The policy covers a range of issues including unacceptable access and use of the internet and email, downloading materials and copyright issues. You will be made aware of the policy when you first log-on to the College IT system. The policy is also available in College Learning Resource Centres (LRCs).

Anti-Bullying & Harassment Policy Bullying and harassment is defined as any conduct which is unwanted by the recipient, or any such conduct which affects the dignity of any individual or groups of individuals. Bullying or harassment may be repetitive or an isolated occurrence.

It may be: • Physical – contact, assault, gestures, intimidation or aggressive behaviour • Verbal – unwelcome remarks, suggestions, propositions, malicious gossip, jokes or banter • Non-verbal – offensive literature, pictures or photographs, graffiti, computer/social media imagery, comments or phone texts, isolation or non-cooperation, or exclusion from social activities • Persistent, offensive, abusive, intimidating or insulting behaviour; abuse of power; or unfair sanctions which make the recipient feel upset, threatened, humiliated or vulnerable

If you feel you are being bullied or harassed, keep a note of the date, time, place, name of the person who is bullying/harassing you, what happened, how you felt at the time, names of any witnesses, action taken and whether you reported it and to whom.

You should also keep a record of any written evidence or social media/text evidence relating to the incident and any subsequent incidents.

You should report any incident of bullying or harassment to your tutor, a member of staff who you trust, or a member of the Safeguarding Team at the Student Services Centre at Deane Road Campus. An investigation will then take place, and you will receive support whilst the issue is being resolved. Those behaving in a manner that is regarded as bullying or harassment may face sanctions under the Behaviour for Success Policy & Procedure.

Drugs & Alcohol Policy The taking of, dealing in, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly forbidden in the College. If any staff member suspects that you are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, you will be asked to leave the College premises immediately (for under 18s, College will call your parents/carers to ask that they collect you) and it is likely that you will be subject to the Behaviour for Success Policy & Procedures.

If we suspect that you have been selling or supplying controlled drugs at the College or if you bring them onto the College premises, you will be immediately suspended, the Behaviour for Success Policy & Procedure will be invoked and the police will be called to investigate.

We recognise that many people who have ongoing issues with substance misuse, have been impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s). If you wish to discuss drug/alcohol misuse issues with someone, contact your LDM or tutor who can arrange to see you for a one-to-one discussion.

Alternatively, you can log on to www.talktofrank.com for more information.

Your Health & Safety Responsibilities When attending Bolton College, all students have a duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of both themselves and others who may be affected by their actions.

This will require all students to:

• Observe all instructions, whether written or verbal, to ensure personal safety and the safety of others. • Conduct themselves at all times in an orderly manner and refrain from any form of horseplay that could cause injury to themselves and/or others. • Treat the building structures and internal fixtures, fittings and furniture with respect and care. • Use all safety equipment and/or protective clothing as instructed, reporting any loss or defect to their tutor/lecturer. • Not interfere or misuse any equipment provided for health and safety purposes (criminal offence). • Report all hazards to their tutor. • Report all accidents or near-miss incidents to their tutor, whether injury is sustained or not. • Be familiar with the emergency evacuation procedure, and the location of fire alarm points and emergency equipment.

As part of your health and safety responsibilities, students should adhere to the Smoke Free Policy (this includes the use of e-cigarettes), Drug & Alcohol Policy and Fire & Emergency Procedures including the Emergency Lockdown Procedures. Fire & Emergency Procedures It is the responsibility of all students to familiarise themselves with and adhere to the College fire/emergency procedures.

Action to be taken by a student discovering a fire:

• Raise alarm by operating the nearest break glass call point • Following alarm activation, key evacuation personnel will investigate the cause of the alarm and, where necessary, contact the Fire Brigade.

• If you are in any doubt you can notify the Fire Brigade directly by dialling 999

• Do not attempt to tackle the fire unless your escape route is blocked

On hearing the fire alarm:

• Leave the building immediately by the nearest safe emergency exit. Do not use any lifts and do not stop to collect personal belongings. • Close all doors and windows when leaving. • Remember that you may not be allowed to re-enter the building, so it is advisable always to carry your car keys, wallet and phone with you to ensure that you can get home. • Report to the appropriate Fire

Assembly Point and register with your tutor. • Remain at the Fire Assembly Point and await further instructions. • Do NOT re-enter the building until you are instructed to do so.

Evacuation Procedures for Students with Disabilities and/or Learning Difficulties

On hearing the fire alarm:

• From ground floor areas with direct access to assembly points, students with reduced mobility or those requiring assistance should be escorted by the tutor or volunteer buddy to the Fire Assembly Point. • From upper floor areas, students with reduced mobility or those requiring assistance should be escorted by the tutor or volunteer buddy to the nearest refuge point. • Once the escape route is clear from obstructions and it is safe to do so, the most able students with a disability or students with a learning difficulty shall be assisted down the stairs and to the appropriate assembly point. • The volunteer buddy should remain with the wheelchair user in the safety of the refuge until the arrival of the

Emergency Services or College staff. • Visually-impaired students should be escorted to their designated assembly point by their tutor, unit staff and/or by their volunteer buddy. In addition to the operation of the fire alarm sounders, visual alerts will illuminate throughout the College buildings. • Tutors and support staff will accompany D/deaf students when they evacuate to their dedicated assembly point. • Once accounted for, all students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities should remain at their Fire Assembly

Point and await further instructions.

No student should re-enter the building until they are instructed to do so. Fire Alarm Sounder Testing will take place on Tuesday mornings between 7.15am-8.45am. Fire Alarm Drills will take place throughout the year.

False Alarms and Malicious Acts Raising a false alarm is a very serious breach of the Health & Safety Regulations. Any student found deliberately setting off the fire alarms without good reason will be subject to the Behaviour for Success Policy & Procedure.

It is a criminal offence under the Health & Safety at Work Act to knowingly damage or interfere with any equipment provided in the interest of Health and Safety.

Reporting Accidents and Incidents Know the location and contact details for your nearest First Aider. In the event of an accident or incident, students must report it to their tutor or to the College reception.

Once reported, a College Accident/ Incident Form must be completed by a first aider, your tutor or a member of staff.

Accident forms should not be completed by the injured person. This will then be forwarded to the College Health and Safety Department. An

investigation will be conducted to see how and why the accident/incident occurred. Once the investigation has taken place, control measures will be implemented to prevent the accident/ incident from occurring again.

Lifting and Carrying Students should not lift or carry any heavy or awkward items unless they are instructed to do so and have been provided with appropriate training.

Using Electrical Equipment Remember, electricity can kill. Treat it with great care. No portable electrical equipment belonging to a student may be used on College premises, unless they have permission and/or it has been inspected by an authorised member of staff. Where these rules and regulations are needed, they MUST be adhered to at all times.Failure to do so will result in you being refused access to work in that area.

Working in Construction/ Engineering/Motor Vehicle/ Catering Workshops Great care should be taken by all students when using any machinery to avoid both personal injury and damage to equipment.

Codes of Practice have been established and must be strictly observed when using items of workshop equipment.

Students must never use any item of work equipment or machinery without the appropriate protective devices, guards or interlocks in place.

Any student found removing or causing damage to a guard or device will be subject to the Behaviour for Success Policy.

Students should report any defects found on a guard or interlock immediately to a member of staff. Where machinery is in use, arrangements must be made so that a second person is within direct or close proximity and could be called upon

The use of certain specific electrical equipment and machinery will only be appropriate when students have received appropriate training and information. Students should read all instructions carefully before using the electrical equipment. If you do not understand, ask your tutor, technician or another member of College staff.

Students should report any damaged electrical equipment to the nearest tutor or member of staff.

Specialist Areas Certain areas of the College, such as workshops and laboratories, have

should an emergency arise. Rowdiness and practical joking are very dangerous behaviours in the workshop environment and are strictly forbidden.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Specific tasks require that students wear personal protective equipment. Students will be provided with personal protective equipment and training in accordance with College Policy. All instructions for use and care of PPE must be followed.

Working with Chemicals Never deliberately taste, swallow or inhale any hazardous substance or chemical. All hazardous substances or chemicals should be regarded as toxic by ingestion; hence pipetting liquids or solutions by mouth is strictly prohibited. Use a pipette pump, syringe or a mechanical dispenser.

Chemicals can also enter the body through skin absorption or through the accidental inhalation of vapours or dusts. Suitable protective equipment must therefore be worn when handling chemicals. Cuts and wounds are particularly vulnerable and may allow direct entry of chemical substances into the bloodstream.

Broken skin should be covered with a suitable dressing, but if the wound is on the hand then the dressing should be waterproof and protective gloves must be worn while handling chemicals. Always wash your hands before touching other parts of your body, especially the area around the eyes, or before taking food.

Never smoke, eat or drink in the presence of chemicals.

Vandalism of College property Any person found wilfully vandalising/ misusing College property will be subject to the College’s Behaviour for Success Policy & Procedure and will be charged for the damage to be repaired. CCTV is in operation throughout the building, internally and externally, and is recording 24/7.

Police may be called in serious cases and the College may also choose to prosecute.

Security and Safety To ensure the safety and security of yourself, others and the premises you are required at all times when on College premises to wear your student ID badge and be ready to produce it if asked by a College staff member. You must only use the designated access and egress routes associated to the buildings you are accessing for study. All students at Bolton College are required to subscribe to standards of behaviour, (similar to those when someone is at work) specified in the Behaviour for Success Policy & Procedure.

Lockdown Policy and Procedures As part of the Health & Safety Policy and Procedures, the College has a Lockdown Policy & Procedure. The Lockdown Policy & Procedure applies to all College sites. Lockdown procedures are seen as a sensible and proportionate response to any external or internal incident which has the potential to pose a serious threat to the safety of learners, staff and visitors in the College.

Lockdown procedures may be activated in response to any number of situations, but some of the more typical might be:

• A reported incident/civil disturbance in the local community with the potential to pose a risk to staff and learners at College. • An intruder on the College site with the potential to pose a significant risk (use of weapons) or a terror-related attack. • A warning received of a local risk e.g. air pollution or gas cloud. • A major fire in the vicinity of the

College. Staff will be notified that lockdown procedures are to immediately take place and they will direct students to ensure they are safeguarded. The basic message from the police is that in the event of lockdown, all staff and students should: Run, Hide and Tell.

RUN to a place of safety rather than surrender or negotiate e.g. to a classroom or office in College which can be locked and the windows will be locked down too. No one should move from the room unless told to do so. If there is nowhere to run to...

HIDE It’s better to hide than confront. Turn mobile phones to silent and turn off vibrate, and turn all lights, computer screens and equipment off. Classrooms and offices will be barricaded if possible and all those inside should hide under desks and away from doors and windows wherever possible. Stay hidden until you are told it is safe to move.

TELL If you are in College when the lockdown procedures are enforced, College staff will tell the emergency services on 999. If you are outside the premises – contact emergency services but only when you are sure it is completely safe to do so.

Covid 19 safety on site During the current Coronavirus pandemic there are additional safety measures and procedures at all Bolton College sites. Bolton College will continue to follow Government/ FE guidelines and any information will be shared with students as and when guidance changes.

Guidance includes: wearing of face coverings, unless exempt; washing and sanitising hands regularly; social distancing; following one-way systems around buildings; temperature checks; and regular Covid testing either at home

using the lateral flow rapid testing or the PCR testing processes.

It is expected that all students will play their part in maintaining Covid safety on site and follow College/Government/FE guidance for the safety and protection of all site users.

Behaviour for Success Policy and Procedure The Behaviour for Success Policy aims to support every student throughout their time at the College and to promote positive behaviour across the College at all times. We believe such behaviour will produce a climate conducive to learning for all learners.

All students at Bolton College are required to subscribe to standards of behaviour (similar to those when someone is at work) specified in: The Behaviour for Success Agreement & Policy & Procedure. If it is thought that a student is not complying with the above standards of behaviour, then staff may discuss issues which are causing concern with them informally to try to ensure that the student changes their behaviour.

The College has a trauma-informed approach to presenting behaviour which means ensuring that every effort is made to understand what is happening for the student and seek to intervene in a supportive manner where possible thus avoiding the need for formal procedures.

However, if no improvement is forthcoming, then the formal Behaviour for Success Policy & Procedure will be invoked. This is a four-part process – allegation, investigation, hearing and outcome. There will be no pre-judgement of outcome.

In cases where the outcome is that the student is deemed to be non-compliant with the standard of behaviour required, they will be subject to the following five-stage process:

1. Verbal Warning 2. Formal Verbal Warning 3. Written Warning and Amber Contract is issued which is monitored fortnightly by staff 4. Final Written Warning and Red Contract is issued which is monitored weekly by staff 5. Disciplinary Hearing with a member of College Senior Management Team

A student may proceed through the stages of the Behaviour for Success Policy by failure to recover his/her position at a previous stage or by continued lapses and/or incidents.

In some cases, the seriousness of the incident indicates that it will be treated at a certain level, e.g. Theft at Level 5.

A student subject to the Behaviour for Success Policy stages 1-5 has the Right of Appeal within 10 days of the student receiving the warning.

All students have the right to be accompanied by a parent/guardian, friend or advocate at any meeting or students can request that a member of the Student Services Team acts as your advocate.

The parents/guardians of students up to the age of 18 will be informed in writing at all stages of the procedure and copied into all correspondence sent to students. Disciplinary warnings will be recorded on ProMonitor.

The Behaviour for Success Policy also recognises that the vast majority of our students behave in a positive, cooperative and work-ready manner. Through the Policy, staff are encouraged to formally acknowledge these positive instances of behaviour in and around College, on ProMonitor.

Making Complaints & Comments

Bolton College welcomes feedback from students, employers and members of the public about courses, services, facilities and other matters for which the College is responsible.

All formal complaints will be fully investigated sensitively and our aim is to respond quickly, positively and to reach an outcome that is satisfactory and fair for all concerned. The information gained as a result of these investigations will be used in the pursuit of corrective action and/or continual improvement.

It is always our aim to manage issues and complaints in a way that is sensitive to the needs of individuals and groups, and supportive of Bolton College’s goal of providing excellent customer service, every time. There are a number of informal channels you can follow which we expect would usually lead to a resolution if you have an issue you wish to raise at the time. Manager at: customer.services@

boltoncc.ac.uk

This can be done by:

• Speaking to a tutor, manager or member of staff who represents the department of the College about which you have an issue or concern • Speaking to a Curriculum Leader, or

Head of Programme Area • Discussing with Student Services • Email your suggestions for improvement to our Customer Services

However, if you feel it is necessary to pursue a complaint formally, you can be assured that we will treat it seriously and impartially.

A formal complaint should be made in the following way: Initially you should speak with a Tutor, Curriculum Leader, or Head of Area for your department and discuss your concerns with them. You may find that the matter can be resolved at this stage.

However, if that is not the case you should then:

• Complete our online complaint form www.boltoncc.ac.uk/pub/

complaint.php

• Visit Student Services or the

Principalship office for assistance and to complete a complaint form digitally.

Complaints about Higher Education and Non-Prescribed HE courses There is a separate complaints procedure for students on Higher Education and Level Non Prescribed Higher Education courses (for example: AAT Level 4; Beauty Therapy Level 4; ABC Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and Early Years Practitioner Level 4 Certificate).

For these courses please direct complaints initially to the appropriate Head of Area and lesley.groom@

boltoncc.ac.uk

Students should be able to access all the required forms and these are all placed on the college web via the link below.

www.boltoncollege.ac.uk/about-us/ governance/he-strategies/

Academic Assessment Appeals Procedure There is a formal complaints policy within the College that students and the public can use. However If the complaint concerns the assessment of a qualification then please see the appeals procedure below. This will be explained at student inductions and throughout your assessment process. If you are not satisfied with any decisions of any work, you have the right to appeal. Step one: You should first consult with your assessor/tutor in an attempt to resolve the problem. At this stage another assessor or course tutor may become involved to give a second opinion. You will receive a response within 14 days.

Step two: If you are not satisfied with the outcome ask for a copy of the Appeals Procedure and fill this in. This should be handed to the Internal Quality Assurer within one month of the situation occurring. Ask in your department who that person is

Step three: The Internal Quality Assurer will interview both yourself and the assessor. Your work will be re-assessed by another assessor. You will receive an outcome within 14 days Step four: If your grievance is not resolved, a report will be prepared; this will be presented to the Appeals Panel. You have the right to appear at the meeting to state your case. The External Quality Assurer from the awarding organisation may also be consulted at this stage. Step five: Within 7 working days of the hearing you will be informed of the final decision.

Malpractice Procedure Malpractice is any activity or practice which deliberately goes against academic regulations and/or awarding organisation procedures with regards to your qualification.

It covers any deliberate actions or neglect by you or by a member of staff that compromises or could compromise the integrity of the internal or external assessment process and/or the validity of your certificate.

At Bolton College we take this very seriously and have arrangements in place aiming to prevent malpractice but where malpractice does occur we will investigate and treat this as a form of misconduct. If you suspect malpractice by a tutor/assessor or teacher, please talk to the Curriculum Leader or Head of Area for your department.

Deane Road Campus, Deane Road, Bolton BL3 5BG Tel: 01204 482 000

Brownlow Fold Community Learning Centre, Eskrick Street, Bolton, BL1 5EF Tel: 01204 482 901

Deane & Derby Community Learning Centre, Board Street, Bolton, BL3 5EH Tel: 01204 482 920

New Bury Community Learning Centre, Buckley Lane, New Bury, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 9PR Tel: 01204 482 960

Absence Helpline: 01204 482 999 All student absences need to be reported to this helpline between 8am-4pm each weekday. Student Services: 01204 482 182 Customer Support Team: 01204 482 000