Our promise to learners
The Service is committed to eliminating discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity by providing high-quality guidance and support to help learners achieve their potential.
Learners can expect the Service will:
- Provide impartial, personalised and constructive pre-course, on course and progression information, advice and guidance.
- Employ a “right learner, right course, right support” attitude
- Implement fair, consistent and transparent approaches to assess needs and provide the support needed to successfully complete a programme of study
- Develop learner's skills, including Maths, English and Computing & Digital skills. Providing learning that lasts and supports progression to further study or work
- Ensure learners have a long-term development plan to help them with their transition in to work
- Do all that it can to keep learners safe.
The standards that learners can expect from the Stockton Learning and Skills Service, and its partners:
- We will ensure that learners can make informed decisions about the provision available and how it can support them in achieving their goals
- We will deal with enrolments quickly and fairly, adhering to the application policy at all times
- We will deliver robust programmes with excellent quality of teaching assuring that learners are engaged and provided with the best opportunity to succeed
- On completion of any programme, the Learner Service Advisors Team will provide information, advice and guidance about progression into further study or employment
- We will provide learners with settling, mid-point and end of course surveys and learner voice forums to ensure continuity of quality and improvement. We will respond to learner suggestions or complaints promptly and fairly.
We believe that quality is very important and all our services are independently and externally inspected. We also regularly review our provision internally.
Attendance and Punctuality
It is important that you attend every session. Poor attendance will have a detrimental effect on your ability to achieve the qualification and gain the knowledge and skill you require for progression.
All learners enrolled on any course at Stockton Learning and Skills Service are required to attend all scheduled classes, workshops, and other educational activities relating to their course of study.
Attendance is a fundamental responsibility that allows learners to benefit fully from the learning experience and ensures the efficient delivery of course content. In addition to consistent attendance, punctuality plays a pivotal role in showcasing learners' dedication to their academic journey. Arriving on time for all scheduled activities demonstrates a strong commitment to learning, respect for fellow learners, and consideration for Tutors.
We acknowledge that circumstances may arise that impact attendance and punctuality. Learners are encouraged to communicate proactively with their Tutors to discuss any challenges they may face and explore potential solutions.
All learners coming on courses with us, are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of their agreed sessions. Failure to do this may result in you being put on an improvement plan, or at risk of losing your place on the course.
Health & Safety
You are responsible for your own Health and Safety, but Stockton Learning and Skills Service will do all it can to ensure you learn in a safe environment.
To ensure your safety:
- All accidents must be reported immediately to your tutor
- Always follow the rules governing the use of special equipment
- Always use specialist protective clothing when required
- If you are aware of a potential health and safety hazard, please report this to the nearest member of staff as soon as possible
- All venues, work placements and employers are vetted and monitored for Health and Safety compliance
- Any learner thought to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate.
Using our ICT Facilities
All learners will be required to agree to our ICT User Agreement.
This includes adhering to a set of mandatory rules where it is strictly forbidden to retrieve, store, view, receive or download/upload of any material or information, by means of email or other electronic facilities, that is illegal in the United Kingdom or could reasonably be construed as offensive, including any material that may be cause a concern from a Safeguarding or Prevent perspective.
It is illegal and a breach of our Acceptable Use Policy to intentionally eaves drop on another person’s connection or interfere with their computer connections, configuration or data in any way. Anyone using our services implicitly consents to have their network/internet activity monitored.
Internet usage may result in the Service being required to provide information to the Police or notify other authorities. Deliberate misuse will result in immediate suspension.
Wi-Fi networks may be less secure, and the Service accepts no responsibility for personal information that may be disclosed when using our Wi-Fi service.
Voice of the Learner
We highly value your opinions regarding the quality of the services we offer. We consider learning to be a collaborative endeavour and greatly appreciate the input of both our learners and staff members.
Learner voice forums are conducted by our Learner Service Manager. We encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions on any relevant matter. Your comments and feedback play a crucial role in enhancing our services. If you have any commendations, comments, or complaints, you can also discuss them with your tutor. Alternatively, you can contact us using the following methods:
E: learning.skills@stockton.gov.uk
T: 01642 527916
A: Billingham Community Centre, The Causeway, TS23 2DA
If you are aged 24+, you may be eligible to apply for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan to help with course fees.
You may also be eligible for money from the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan Bursary Fund if you need help with other costs, such as childcare. Further information is available on the Advanced Learner Loan page on the GOV.UK page.
Refunds
Refunds are not normally given except where a course has been closed by Stockton Learning and Skills Service due to circumstances such as low class numbers or adverse weather conditions. However, consideration will be given to each case on an individual basis.
Learners should note that any refund request must be received no later than 14 days after last attendance and refunds would be given on a pro rata basis.
If you wish to withdraw from a class and consider the circumstances to be exceptional, please submit your request for a refund in by email to learning.skills@stockton.gov.uk