When you study at New Directions College, you will be asked to read, understand and agree to our Learning Charter. This is a learning agreement between the College and our learners. The Charter sets out a series of expectations so that everyone is clear about their role and responsibility.
What can you expect from the College?
- High quality education that will enable you to achieve your personal goals and aspirations.
- Reviews and feedback that will enable you to see the progress you are making and set targets with you so that you can continue with your learning journey.
- Impartial information, advice and guidance based on each person’s individual needs and requirements. This will be identified through high-quality initial assessments before you enrol on your course.
- Access to high quality learning support services; including learning support and financial support where it is needed.
- Staff will be professional, polite, supportive and punctual.
- Wherever you access our services, you will learn in a safe and supportive environment, that is free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
- We will promote equality of opportunity & foster good relations between different groups, promoting British values.
- We will follow Reading Borough Council’s Customer Service policies.
- We will only reschedule or cancel services when there are no alternative options.
- We will respond to customer complaints in line with Reading Borough Council policy and take seriously any issues that are brought to our attention.
- We will request your feedback and responses will influence and shape future services.
- In order to draw down Government funding for your place in learning, we will ask you for evidence of your personal circumstances.
- We are required to follow up with you after you have left our service to find out what progress you have made.
What do we expect from you as a learner?
- Always provide us with the most up to date contact information and personal details so that we hold accurate records about you.
- Complete a learner enrolment form and provide evidence of any supplementary evidence, before using any facilities and re-enrol every year if you continue using our services.
- Inform us of any additional needs and/or disabilities before starting so that we can give you the support you need.
- Attend regularly and punctually and come prepared to learn.
- Fully participate in learning, complete work that is set for you, meet given deadlines and engage in the process of receiving feedback, doing progress checks and taking part in reviews.
- Inform us every time you are unable to attend lessons and if you have to leave your College programme, you should notify us as soon as possible.
- Behave in a way that does not offend or upset others, and show care, consideration and respect to all staff and fellow learners, whatever their race, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability.
- To respect your learning environment, equipment and resources.
- Not enter our centres under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Comply with current health and safety requirements, taking care of yourself and others always.
- Pay all fees promptly (when required).
- Let us know what you are doing after your learning has finished and/or when you start work as part of our follow up activity.
- Provide feedback regarding the services you have used.
- To ask questions if you are unsure of anything.
If any learner behaves in a way that breaches the Learner Charter, they may be asked to leave.
This agreement sets out the terms under which the New Directions College facilities are made available to you. By using the facilities at New Directions College you agree to be bound by these conditions.
New Directions College accepts no liability in respect of loss or damage to personal possessions. Please do not leave any personal belongings unattended in the College centres/delivery sites.
Support for those seeking employment
New Directions College offer a bespoke Job Search area at our main College site on 330 Northumberland Avenue, Reading. We offer access to a computer with internet connection and a printer and access to a landline phone. Service users are encouraged to book a computer to ensure one will be available. However, this service is available on a drop in basis too.
We ask all service users to read, understand and agree to the Learning Charter and;
- Only use the computer and ICT equipment, including internet, for job searching purposes only. It is not intended to be used for personal use.
- You are welcome to print & photocopy job-related documents such as CV, covering letters and application forms (maximum of 10 items per day).
- We will provide telephone access (for job search only).
- We will provide access to impartial National Careers Service advice sessions and Employability courses (dependent on eligibility).
- Where possible we will support and encourage you to join one of our employability programmes that will enable you to gain nationally accredited qualifications and access to work experience.