College Policies & Procedures

16-19 Tuition Fund Policy Statement

What is the 16 to 19 Tuition Fund?

The 16 to 19 tuition fund is a one-off fund for the 2021 to 2022 academic year only to mitigate the disruption to learning arising from coronavirus.

The funding is to support small group tuition for students aged 16 to 19 in English, maths and other subjects that have been disrupted, including vocational and/or academic learning. Students aged 19 to 24 who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan are also eligible for support. All students must be on a 16 to 19 study programme and the funding should be used to support the tuition activity above and beyond the programmes of education already planned.

It is for students who:

• have not achieved a grade 4 or 5 in English and/or maths; and/or
• have a grade 4 or above in English and/or maths, are from an economically disadvantaged background and would need catch-up support. These are defined as students from the 27% most economically deprived areas of the country based on the index of multiple deprivation.

The funding must be used in accordance with published ESFA guidance.

How is Runshaw College using this fund?

• To deliver small ‘Future Ready’ sessions – these sessions will address knowledge and skills gaps in Maths and English, as applicable to all subject and programme areas.
• To deliver 1-2-1 support sessions with a dedicated programme achievement coach.
• To deliver 1-2-1 and small group support sessions with a dedicated mental health facilitator.
• To deliver 1-2-1 and small group support sessions in a dedicated Maths and English Hub.
• To deliver 1-2-1 and small group study skills sessions through dedicated study zone professionals.
• To deliver small group subject-specific sessions for students studying pre-advanced and level 3 courses, including Maths and English GCSE.

Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides a right of public access to information held by public authorities

“Public authorities” are defined in the Act and include Universities, Further Education College and Sixth Form Colleges.

What is a Publication Scheme?

This Publication Scheme is a guide to the information routinely published by Runshaw College. It describes the information about us and our activities that we make publicly available. We shall review the Scheme at regular intervals and monitor how it is operating.

It is important to us that this Scheme meets your needs and we have designed it to identify clearly routinely published information about Runshaw College.

We have adopted the Model Publication Scheme for Colleges of Further education as approved by the Information Commissioner’s Office which became effective from 1st January 2000.

The Publication Scheme consists of the following sections:

• Who we are and what we do
• What we spend and how we spend it
• What our priorities are and how we are doing
• How we make decisions
• Our policies and procedures
• Lists and registers
• The services we offer

How to Access Information

The Publication Scheme, available on our college website, provides a list of information routinely published by the College which the Information Commissioner’s Office, the independent body who oversees the Freedom of Information Act, expects us to make available unless:

• we do not hold the information
• the information is exempt under one of the Freedom of Information exemptions or Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) exceptions, or its release is prohibited under another statute
• the information is archived, out of date or otherwise inaccessible; or, it would be impractical or resource-intensive to prepare the material for routine release.

Many of the routinely published documents are available for free download from our website. Where hard copies are required, the College reserves the right to make a small charge to cover costs such as photocopying and postage. If it becomes evident that the cost of retrieving information is likely to be above £450, the College will notify the individual of the fees and ascertain whether they wish to proceed or consider refining their request. Requests for information which is not routinely available should be made in writing and, in general, the College will respond within 20 working days.

You can contact us by writing to:

Data Protection Officer
Runshaw College
Langdale Road
Leyland
Lancashire
PR25 3DQ

Email: dataprotectionofficer@runshaw.ac.uk

Further Information

General information on the Freedom of Information Act and the Model Publication Scheme can be obtained from:

The Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Telephone: 0303 123 1113

Email: casework@ico.org.uk

www.ico.org.uk

Data Protection Act 2018

Under the Data Protection Act 2018, you are also entitled to access any personal information held about you by the College. You can contact the Data Protection Officer, contact details which are provided above.

Admissions

PLEASE SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO DOWNLOAD OUR POLICY.

1. General Principles

1.1 Runshaw is a very popular and oversubscribed college. This admissions policy aims to meet the needs of as many young people as possible who wish to study at Runshaw whilst prioritising:

(i) the needs of Runshaw students progressing internally

(ii) pupils attending Partner High Schools (PHS) in South Ribble, Chorley and other nearby towns/regions

(iii) any pupil who is in care or has been in care or is seeking asylum to the above areas

(iv) a student with an EHCP and/or High Needs

(v) children of current staff at the college

(vi) students aged 15 or 16 who currently live (or who can prove beyond reasonable doubt that they are moving to live) in the boroughs of Chorley or South Ribble.

Our current list of PHS is available on request and is reviewed annually. Decisions to add or remove any schools from our PHS list will normally be based on the demographic trends of the year 11 school leaver population in Lancashire and on recent application/enrolment trends from each school.

1.2 All schools which are not Partner High Schools (PHS) are considered to be Reserve Partner High Schools (RPHS).

1.3 We always welcome applications from pupils attending RPHS, but such applicants will only be offered and enrolled on to courses at Runshaw if spaces on relevant courses exist after the needs of the students listed in paragraph 1.1 have been met. In such cases, if the number of RPHS applicants exceeds the number of spaces, the college will normally select on the basis of prior (GCSE) attainment, and/or on the basis of other skills or achievements (eg. in sport or music) which might be beneficial to other students at the college.

2. Applications and Admissions Process

2.1 The deadline for submission of applications is 1st April.

2.2 Offers must be accepted within 2 weeks of the offer being made. By accepting the offer of a place students must also agree to comply with the college’s holiday policy. The college reserves the right to cancel the enrolment of any student who takes time off for a holiday during term time. In cases where holidays of this nature have been pre-booked prior to enrolment, these should be brought to the attention of the college at the earliest possible opportunity so that they can be considered by a member of the college’s management team.

2.3 Applicants in section 1.1 who meet the deadlines for application, and acceptance of the offer, will be guaranteed a place at the college provided they meet the entry requirements for the courses that they wish to study, and any other criteria stated on the offer letter.

2.4 Students must enrol in person with the appropriate requested documents, on the enrolment date stated on the offer letter (or on an agreed alternative date, subject to prior agreement with the college).

2.5 Students who are not able to attend the scheduled enrolment days may still be admitted to the college subject to all of the following conditions being fulfilled:

• enrol in person at a mutually agreeable time
• the college is not at overall capacity
• meeting the entry requirements for the courses of their choice
• places being available on the courses of their choice
• being available to attend all classes from the 1st day of teaching in the Autumn term

2.6 All applicants who apply by 1st April but who do not respond to the offer of an interview, or book an interview and do not attend, will be sent a reminder* providing them with a further chance to respond. If the applicant does not respond within 2 weeks, the college reserves the right not to reschedule their interview and to offer their place to a RPHS applicant who has followed the admissions procedure.

Applicants from section 1.1 who apply by 1st April and after their interview do not respond to the offer of a place, will be sent a reminder* providing them with a further chance to respond. If the applicant accepts the offer within two weeks, they will be guaranteed a place at the college provided they meet the course entry requirements. Applicants who do not respond within two weeks will be regarded as late applicants. Late applicants are not guaranteed a place at the college – see also 2.1 below.

*The reminder letter will make clear the responsibility of the applicant to ensure a response is received by the College within two weeks. It will also spell out clearly the result of not responding within the two-week period.

2.7 Applicants from RPHS must also apply before 1st April and reply to any offer within two weeks. It will be made clear to them that a place at Runshaw depends upon vacancies existing in the areas they have applied for. If these students do not reply to an offer within two weeks, they will also be sent a reminder.

2.8 If, following enrolment, some places still exist at the college, then they will be made available to students who do not meet the conditions listed above (i.e. they are not Runshaw students progressing internally and they are not applicants from partner high schools who have met the deadlines above). Priority will be given in the following order:

(i) RPHS applicants

(ii) late applicants from the list in section 1.1

2.9 Applications to study at the college received after the 1st April deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject of course to any places being available.

3. Admissions Decisions and the College’s Right to Refuse Admission

3.1 Any appeals against an admissions decision will be handled as complaints and will be dealt with in accordance with the college’s complaints policy.

3.2 The college has high expectations of its students in relation to conduct and behaviour. The college reserves the right to remove a student’s Partner School Status if there are serious breaches of the college’s high expectations whilst the student is involved in any Runshaw events, such as Sampling, Open Events and School Visits. Included within these expectations are a dress code1 and a no-smoking policy2 (please see below).

3.3 Please note that, due to the limited capacity of our car parks, the college is not able to offer car parking spaces to students3.

3.4 Whilst we would like to accommodate all students who wish to study at Runshaw, the college reserves the right to refuse admission in certain circumstances.

This decision may be as a result of, but not limited to:

• The College is unable to assure the safety of the individual or others. This may be following a risk assessment (for instance following a criminal conviction disclosure)
• The high levels of support required for success are not sufficiently supported and funded by the applicant’s Local Authority.
• The College has not had sufficient time to plan and implement any physical adjustments required beyond the anticipatory duty.

Where relevant, a refusal will only be exercised where the College has considered the necessary adjustments and these are considered beyond reasonable. Every effort will be made to find a course appropriate for all applicants. However, despite all reasonable adjustments being made, in some circumstances, enrolment may not be possible. Where an applicant has a current EHC plan and is eligible for High Needs funding the college will endeavour to inform the student’s home local authority of the course offer and the grounds of any admissions refusal.

3.5 Further information in relation to any of the above can be supplied on request to prospective students and/or their parents/guardians.

Appendix 1 – Explanatory Notes

1 DRESS CODE

All students are expected to wear clothes which are appropriate for a respectful learning community and therefore:

• must not wear clothing which could cause offence or embarrassment to others
• must not wear clothes which could pose a risk to health and safety
• are not allowed to wear clothes or garments in a classroom setting which could interfere with teaching and learning

2 SMOKING

Smoking (including the use of e-cigarettes) is only permitted in designated smoking areas. Students may smoke off site, but are not permitted to smoke on the road at the front of the college (Langdale Road) as this creates a poor impression of the college and causes offence to local residents. Anyone found to be smoking outside of the smoking areas, or on Langdale Road will normally receive a formal disciplinary warning.

3 PARKING

Bicycles

Bicycles should be left in the racks outside the Eskdale or Rydal buildings, firmly secured, with a chain and padlock. We recommend that students insure their bicycles to cover against potential damage or theft; this can often be obtained via an extension of an existing home insurance contents policy.

Buses

The college has a proud track record for the reduction of its carbon footprint, so we encourage all our students to travel to the college by bus (if they are not able to cycle or walk). Dedicated college buses provide a safe, convenient and environmentally-friendly way to get to and from college. The bus network is very extensive and serves all our catchment areas. All of our bus passes are attractively priced due to a 50% college subsidy. Bus passes and timetables can be obtained from our transport team transport@runshaw.ac.uk.

Car Parking

The college car parks only have sufficient capacity to meet the needs of staff and visitors. Car parking permits are only ever considered to be issued to students based on the grounds of ESSENTIAL NEED (eg. due to a specific disability or medical condition). Students wishing to apply for a parking permit should please discuss this with their progress mentor. All applications for a permit will be considered by college managers and decisions will normally be communicated to students within 2 weeks. All vehicles brought onto the premises must have valid MOT, tax and insurance and be driven in a safe manner and parked in designated areas.

Please note: A private firm manages our car parks and anyone found to be parking without a permit will be subject to parking penalty charges. We therefore urge all students and visitors to observe parking restriction signage, to avoid receiving a parking fine. South Ribble Council sell a small number of termly parking passes to Runshaw students for the Worden Park overflow car park. These work out at approximately £5 per week. The programme office reception team can advise on how to apply for one of these permits.

IMPORTANT: There are parking restrictions in operation on most of the local roads surrounding the College. Students are therefore advised to check these carefully before parking on any of the local roads. Motorcycles Students wishing to use the designated motorcycle parking area on campus must first register their motorcycle with Student Services. Students will be required to present a vaild MOT certificate, insurance documents and driving licence. Any unregistered motorbikes on site are liable to parking penalty charges.

Appendix 2 – Overseas Applicants

1. The Sixth Form College Admissions Policy defines the criteria for admission to Runshaw College. Overseas students do not meet the criteria of belonging to a Partner High School or Reserve Partner High School and therefore applications will not ordinarily be accepted.

2. However, as per para 1.1 of the Sixth Form College Admissions Policy, consideration may be given where an applicant can evidence that they are moving (or have moved) to live in Chorley or South Ribble.

3. In these circumstances, the College will refer to the ESFA funding guidance ESFA Funding Guidance on residency eligibility.

4. If an applicant satisfies the criteria for ESFA funding, then an offer may be made, subject to the following conditions:

• The applicant must be resident in Chorley or South Ribble for the duration of the whole study programme.
• Applicants must be fluent in the English language.
• The applicant must have legal entitlement to reside in the UK.
• Students must meet the entry requirements for the course they want to study by providing evidence of results of GCSE’s, I GCSE’s or International Baccalaureate. Students who have completed the exams of the residing country must provide a statement of comparability from UK NARIC. This statement of comparability will only be used for students wishing to take a vocational study programme not A Levels.

5. If ESFA funding is not forthcoming, Fees (as determined by the Head of Finance), for the whole programme will be payable and must be paid to the College prior to the applicant starting their programme of study.

6. Should additional learning support needs be identified, these will be chargeable and due for immediate payment by the learner.

7. In all cases above, an offer of a place at Runshaw College will be subject to agreement by the Deputy Principal.

8. The College reserves the right, without prejudice, to refuse any application from any overseas applicant.

Complaints

Our Complaints Policy can be downloaded below. The policy applies to complaints from any person who wishes to express dissatisfaction with any aspect of College activities (including raising concerns about malpractice).

Data Protection & Privacy

The College recognises the benefits and opportunities which IT offers in both the workplace in general as well as teaching and learning. We actively encourage the use of IT in order to enhance skills, promote achievement and improve productivity.

We believe that acceptable usage coupled with good online safety practice can be achieved through a combination of security access measures, training, guidance and good practice.

Effective online safety needs the participation and support of all users of IT facilities and in particular the College’s IT facilities. It is the responsibility of every user at college to be aware of this policy and to follow its guidance on the use of all such IT facilities.

The full policy is detailed in the document below.

The College’s commitment to advancing equality as an employer and education provider goes beyond legislative compliance to ensure that everyone is able to participate fully, irrespective of their background or personal characteristics.

Equality and diversity at Runshaw College is underpinned by our college Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. This is reviewed regularly to reflect any changes that we want to make as a result of feedback from our learners, staff, visitors and contractors and to adhere to best practice.

We produce an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report which details the work that has been done around equality and diversity at Runshaw over the previous academic year.

We have a Strategic Plan which sets out our goals, including equality and diversity. These Strategic Goals align with the requirement of the Equality Act 2010 to set equality objectives. Our Goals are made real through a Strategic Plan Project Plan which shows the actions we are taking, how these are monitored and the impact they have on the advancement of equality of opportunity across the College.

If you have any queries relating to or about Equality and Diversity at Runshaw, please contact Tracey Croft – Croft.T@runshaw.ac.uk or by phone on 01772 622677.

Fees & Funding

Our funding bodies, as part of the Financial Memorandum with the College, require the Governing body to approve a Fees Policy annually.  The Fees Policy sets out the basis on which the College will charge learners or their sponsors for the provision of education and training.  The Policy is therefore available to learners, prospective learners, sponsors and stakeholders.  The Policy determines the framework within which College managers and marketing staff decide the fees that the College will charge for courses to individuals, groups of learners or sponsors, how such fees should be paid and circumstances under which fees may be refunded.  The Policy informs the College business planning process and informs staff involved in the recording of fees data within College information systems of how fees should be calculated, structured, recorded, collected and refunded.

Runshaw College recognises its responsibilities, as an ‘Employer’ under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and all other health and safety legislation and directives that affect the activities of the College, including the EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act 2018.

HR & Recruitment

The College aims to recruit the best person possible for each vacancy through effective recruitment and selection procedures. This will ensure that the College continues to deliver a high quality learning experience to all students.

We are delighted that your son/daughter/ward has chosen to study at Runshaw and we would like to welcome you as their parent/carer/guardian to Runshaw too.

We hope that as students they will enjoy their time with us, achieve their academic goals and personal ambitions and find that their experience here enables them to progress with confidence to further successes in higher education, training or employment.

As a student at Runshaw College they will be at the centre of everything we do. Runshaw has one simple aim: for all our students to be HAPPY, SAFE, SUCCESSFUL and EMPLOYABLE. We believe that a close partnership with parents/carers/guardians is an important element of the support needed to achieve this success.

The Programme Office will coordinate their support and monitor their progress throughout their time with us. The Programme Office team consists of Heads of Studies, Pastoral Mentors and Administrative Support Staff whose time and energies are devoted to supporting students and their teachers.

Safeguarding & Wellbeing

Runshaw College holds as one of its highest priorities the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in activities that come under the responsibility of the College and has a duty to ensure that their staff fulfils their responsibility to prevent and report any abuse discovered or suspected.

Safeguarding means:

• Promoting health & well-being
• Ensuring safety
• Protecting from abuse and neglect
• Preventing bullying and harassment
• Offering the best life chances

There is a designated Safeguarding Team at the College with a senior manager who is responsible for any safeguarding matters affecting students.  We also have a Child and Vulnerable Adults Protection Policy, which explains how the College deals with any safeguarding concerns.

Runshaw College recognises that members of staff and learners have an important role to play in safeguarding the welfare of young people and preventing their abuse.  The college has written a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy to ensure that the welfare of the young person is always placed at the centre of its activities.

If you have any concerns about any issues outlined above or would like further information please contact:

Jane Pearson (Designated Safeguarding Lead)
Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Telephone: 01772 622677
Email: pearson.j3@runshaw.ac.uk

College Values & Beliefs

We believe education changes lives, so we put teaching and learning and the needs of our students first.

Therefore the College is committed to:

1. Providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where difference is celebrated.
2. Ensuring you are given accurate information about your chosen course and are placed on a study programme that meets your individual needs.
3. Identifying your learning needs and providing support to enable to you settle into college quickly.
4. Developing positive working relationships with you that are built on a foundation of mutual respect.
5. Agreeing targets with you that are meaningful, challenging and support you in reaching your full potential.
6. Providing high quality teaching, learning and assessment to engage and motivate you.
7. Delivering impartial information, advice and guidance on career and personal goals.
8. Providing comprehensive, high quality support services that remove barriers to learning and develop positive attitudes and skills.
9. Listening to your views and taking action to further improve your college experience.
10. Providing a wide range of opportunities to develop your employability skills, interests and ambitions.

Our aim is to make sure you are happy, safe and successful. In order to achieve this aim, it is important that you work in partnership with us and meet our expectations.

This includes to:

1. Embrace the spirit of Runshaw Respect.
2. Attend all classes, exams, appointments, work experience / placements sessions and learning commitments punctually; report and account for any absence or lateness.
3. Tell us promptly about any additional help you may require so we can provide the best support for you.
4. Value everyone in our learning and wider community, treating them with courtesy and respect at all times.
5. Actively engage with all learning and support opportunities both in lessons, and outside of the classroom.
6. Meet the requirements of your study programme such as assessment deadlines, coming prepared to lessons and completing tasks set for personal directed study.
7. Complete all work to the best of your ability and use the feedback you are given to further improve and meet agreed targets.
8. Respect the college environment and act responsibly and safely at all times.
9. Take responsibility for your own learning, development and progression, participating fully in activities that support your future.
10. Participate fully in opportunities to share your views, providing constructive feedback to enable the College to continually improve your experience.

Discipline

Our Student Disciplinary Policy can be downloaded below.

Sustainability

This policy outlines the commitment of Runshaw College in relation to its impacts on the environment and its responsibility to sustainability.

Copyright
All website design, text, graphics, the selection and arrangement thereof, and all software compilations, underlying source code, software (including viewlets) and all other material on this web site are copyright Runshaw College and its affiliates, or their content and technology providers. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Publications and various application forms may be downloaded solely for use by the individual as a means of applying to Runshaw College for a place on the programme. Permission is not granted to electronically reproduce and/or print any part of this website for use in another website or publication.

Trademarks
Runshaw College and and/or other Runshaw services referenced on this website are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Runshaw College . Other services and organisation names mentioned on this site may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Conditions Of Web site Use
This website was designed to provide information to inquirers, students, staff, and other individuals who may be interested in the services of Runshaw College and its affiliates.

No contract will subsist between you and Runshaw College for any product or service unless and until Runshaw College has accepted your request in writing.

Disclaimer
Runshaw College is providing this website and its contents on an “as is” basis and makes no (and expressly disclaims all) representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, with respect to this web site or the information, content, materials or products included in this site. Information on programmes of study are included in all student packs. In addition, Runshaw does not represent or warrant that the information accessible via this web site is accurate, complete or current. Tuition fees and academic regulations are subject to change without notice.

Except as specifically stated on this website, to the fullest extent permitted at law, neither Runshaw College nor any of its affiliates, governors, employees or other representatives will be liable for damages arising out of or in connection with the use of this website or the information, content, services, materials or products included on this site. This is a comprehensive limitation of liability that applies to all damages of any kind, including (without limitation) compensatory, direct, indirect or consequential damages, loss of data, income or profit, loss of or damage to property and claims of third parties. For the avoidance of doubt, Runshaw College does not limit its liability for death or personal injury to the extent only that it arises as a result of the negligence of Runshaw College , its affiliates, governors, employees or other representatives.

Runshaw College has a reputation for and is committed to widening participation of all learners across the Chorley and South Ribble community. The college highly values the range of experience and diversity of all its applicants and students across the full range of courses on offer including Higher Education students.