Enrolment

1. Policy statement

1.1 The Adult Learning Service wants all learners to achieve and enjoy their course of study. NALS will support learners to achieve their full potential and supports the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. The ALS is committed to promoting an environment free from all forms of unacceptable behaviour and will take appropriate steps to achieve this.

2. Introduction

2.1 This policy covers the responsible learner behaviour for learners enrolled on Adult and Community Learning courses, including online courses. A separate policy for learners enrolled on the Study Programme is available.

2.2 This policy is concerned with the behaviour of a person or persons which may cause harm, or the threat of harm, either directly or indirectly to another person or persons. Experiencing, or having the perception of experiencing, unacceptable behaviour can have a significant effect on a person’s chances of achieving their learning goals and their full potential.

2.3 Examples of unacceptable behaviour include:

• bullying or victimisation, including via the internet or by texting
• harassment
• physical abuse or threat of it
• verbal, emotional, sexual, financial or psychological abuse, or other types of abuse including grooming
• behaviour intended to humiliate, frighten, distress, denigrate, pester or ignore
• behaviour or language which is hostile or shows prejudice towards individuals based on their disability, gender, race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation
• actions or behaviour associated with radicalisation, extremist views or possession of /distributing extremist material
• use of offensive language, texts, e-mail
• breach of health and safety rules, including those related to acceptable computer use
• malpractice involving work contributing to externally accredited qualifications
• being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while attending classes or being on the premises where classes are being held
• involvement in anti-social behaviour such as theft
• wilful damage or misuse of property or equipment, including inappropriate use of IT equipment
• failing to respect no smoking rules which also include the use of e-cigarettes

2.4 Any learner who has experienced unacceptable behaviour from another learner or a member of staff should report this immediately to either their tutor or any member of staff via 01604 367119 or [email protected]. Any member of staff experiencing unacceptable behaviour from a learner should report this immediately to their line manager.

3. The procedures

3.1 Instances of malpractice relating to work that will contribute to externally accredited qualifications will be investigated and reported in line with the awarding body guidelines.

3.2 Reports of incidents involving staff will be investigated in line with North Northamptonshire Council policies and procedures.

3.3 It is acknowledged that many ALS courses are by their nature very short and that if the learner does not adhere to the code of conduct the course may have finished before they can be called to the kind of meeting described in Stage 2. However, the purpose of this policy is to ensure guidelines are in place to enable all learners and staff on all courses to be treated with respect. It should be noted that regardless of the length of the course the service can move straight to Stage 3 of the process if the unacceptable behaviour is of a serious nature.

Informal procedure

3.4 Tutors should discuss minor matters of concern with a learner and agree on appropriate action. The tutor must ensure their line manager is kept informed about any informal discussions regarding a learner’s behaviour.

Formal procedure

3.5 If a learner refuses to participate in an informal discussion, there are further causes for concern or further incidents the tutor must contact their line manager who will instigate a formal discussion with the learner. Full records must be kept and the minutes of the meeting given to the learner and any staff involved.

3.6 Stage 1 - In the event of unacceptable behaviour, including a breach of the code of conduct, the line manager of the tutor will meet with the learner to discuss the nature of the problem. An action plan and review date will be agreed and if everything has gone well and the learner is committed to maintaining standards the matter will be considered to be resolved.

3.7 Stage 2 - If the matter is not resolved following this discussion a follow up meeting will be arranged with the tutor, a Curriculum Manager or the Performance and Quality manager and the learner may bring a friend. The meeting will identify and agree on actions to enable the learner to continue on the course, including any support required. A review date will be agreed and if all goes well that will be the end of the matter.

3.8 Stage 3 - This stage will be applied if Stage 2 has not resolved the problem or the unacceptable behaviour, or allegation of unacceptable behaviour, is of a particularly serious nature or is a repeat of a previous offence. The learner will be temporarily suspended from the course and invited to attend a disciplinary panel comprising the Curriculum Manager, the Performance and Quality Manager, the Service Manager and others as appropriate. The allegations and evidence will be reviewed and the learner asked to comment and present any additional evidence. The learner can bring along a friend or representative for support.

3.9 If the learner’s unacceptable behaviour is found to have been serious the Disciplinary Panel will normally take one of the following courses of action if the allegations are proven and upheld:

• a final written warning
• temporary exclusion from attending
• permanent exclusion from the course
• exclusion from ALS provision

3.10 Stage 4 – Appeal - The learner can appeal against the outcome of the Disciplinary Panel to the Service Manager. This should be done within five working days of being informed of any decision.

Learners also have the right to appeal at any stage of the disciplinary procedure using the North Northamptonshire Council complaints procedure.

It is acknowledged that many ALS courses are by their nature very short and that if the learner does not adhere to the code of conduct the course may have finished before they can be called to the kind of meeting described in Stage 2. However, the purpose of this policy is to ensure guidelines are in place to enable all learners and staff on all courses to be treated with respect. It should be noted that regardless of the length of the course the service can move straight to Stage 3 of the process if the unacceptable behaviour is of a serious nature.

4. Linked policies

4.1 Other policies and information that support the Unacceptable Learner Behaviour Policy are:

• ALS Online Safety Policy
• ALS Safeguarding Policy
• ALS Equality and Diversity Policy
• ALS Malpractice Policy
• ALS Fair Assessment Policy
• ALS Code of Conduct ( appended to this policy)
• ALS Learner Guide
• Learner Agreement
• ALS Learner Support Policy
• NNC Code of Conduct for Employees
• NNC Health and Safety policies

Appendix 1 - Learner code of conduct

Code of Conduct

To ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to learn in a safe environment, we ask you to:

• respect the rights and values of other people
• use behaviour and language which is inclusive and respectful to all
• tell us about bullying or harassment if it happens to you or other learners
• talk to us if you are concerned about your safety or the safety of other learners
• tell us if you have a disability that may affect your learning or if you need additional support to help you to achieve
• attend your course regularly, be on time and stay until the end of the session. Please let us know if you are unable to attend
• ensure that the work you hand in for assessment is your own or let your tutor know anything that is not your work
• give feedback to your tutor about your learning and progression
• use equipment and resources safely, including IT equipment and follow safety procedures

1. Complaints or comments

If you have a complaint or comment about the standard of service, quality of tuition or any other matter relating to a course, you should in the first instance either telephone 0300 126 3000 for advice as to how best to pursue your complaint or comment or email [email protected].

Alternatively, if you wish to formally complain this should be in writing to: Customer Feedback, Northamptonshire Adult Learning Service (NALS), FREEPOST NH0078 Customer Service Centre, One Angel Square, Angel Street, Northampton, NN1 1ED.

2. Variation of course details

The published details of each course are the basis on which NALS intends to provide the course at the time of publication. However, if the required number of enrolments (which varies from course to course and area to area) is not achieved, the course will be withdrawn and the course fee refunded. Also, any details shown for a course might have to be changed due to unforeseen circumstances, in which event every effort will be made to inform learners as soon as possible. If any such change is made either before or during a course which causes difficulty, the learner is advised to contact us as soon as possible.

3. How We Use Your Personal Information

Northamptonshire Adult Learning Service (NALS) is a countywide Adult Learning provider offering learning opportunities to residents of North and West Northamptonshire unitary authorities. The service is funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) with lead authority held by North Northamptonshire Council.

For the purposes of relevant data protection legislation, the Department for Education (DfE) is the data controller for personal data processed by the ESFA. Your personal information will be used by the DfE to exercise its functions and to meet its statutory responsibilities, including under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 and to create and maintain a unique learner number (ULN) and a personal learning record (PLR).

Your information may be used for education, training, employment, and well-being related purposes, including for research. The DfE and the English European Social Fund (ESF) Managing Authority (or agents acting on their behalf) may contact you to carry out research and evaluation to inform the effectiveness of training.

For further information about the use of and access to your personal data, details of organisations with whom we regularly share data, information about how long we retain your data, and how to change your consent to being contacted, please visit the Gov.UK website

4. Smoking

Please note that all schools and related premises are smoke free environments.

5. Safety first

You must follow regulations made for your safety and that of others. Ties and loose clothing should not be worn in workshops and areas where machinery is in operation. Long hair should be tied back. Students working in workshops and craft areas should discuss with their tutor the need for any necessary protective clothing.

6. Bad weather

In the event of very bad weather, e.g. heavy continuous snow or other dangerous road conditions, classes may be cancelled. We will: inform the local radio, place notices on our website if during office hours, and attempt to inform all learners by phone or email where possible. Replacement classes will be arranged whenever possible.

7. Behaviour code

Behaviour on site and in classes is expected to be of a standard to allow effective learning to take place. Students on site and in classes are expected to ensure that their behaviour/activity does not cause offence, damage or injury to other students, staff or property. Students must follow any regulations or guidance given concerning the use of equipment, smoking arrangements or car parking.

8. What to do if you have a medical condition

If you are worried about participating in a course because you have a medical condition you should consult your General Practitioner. Neither course tutors nor Northamptonshire Adult Learning Service can undertake to advise you as to whether or not any medical condition could be adversely affected as a result of attending a class. Upon request, the course tutor will provide your GP with any information about the course that they require.

9. Examination courses

Learners are advised that if they enrol on an examination course they will have the option to enter or register for the examination or equivalent at the appropriate time.

10. Admission to courses

Admission to any course is at the discretion of Northamptonshire Adult Learning Service. Our courses are available to people aged 19 or over.

For many courses, no previous experience or qualification is required for entry. In some subjects, an assessment of ability will be given and participants will be advised as to the suitability of the course, or as to what they should be learning.

If you want advice on selecting a course please phone the enrolment line.

Courses can be cancelled up to two weeks before the start of a course. Students are advised not to buy materials until the week before a course begins. Late starters will be charged a pro-rata fee only after the third week of the course.