WELCOME!

1. WELCOME! • You will find that Open Door is a very friendly environment to learn in. • The Centre offers courses in the following areas: • Information Technology – OCR, BCS & NOCN accredited courses in various computer subjects • Fashion & Craft classes - at various levels Accredited Fashion and social crafts classes • Maths & English - Preparation and sat examinations of National tests up to level 2 FOR FURTHER DETAILS SEE JULIE, ANGELA OR TERRY Academic year 2012/13

2. OPEN DOOR ALC 2012 Priorities Information for Everyone Safe Learner Equality & Diversity Health & Safety Fees Academic year 2012/13

3. Terry’s Introduction Academic year 2012/13

4. Safeguarding(Terry McHale is the safeguarding nominee) We want everyone who attends the Centre to feel safe and secure. We have adopting the “SHAPE” philosophy • S is for Safe • H is for Healthy • A is for Achieving • P is for making a Positive contribution • E is for achieving economic well-being What to do if you are NOT in “SHAPE” please discuss, in confidence, with your tutor, Terry or Julie. We are here to help please do not hesitate to ask!!!! Academic year 2012/13

5. Safe Learner - HEALTH & SAFETY • We will:- endeavour to assess your abilities and competencies • identify hazards that could injure you • put in place effective controls to prevent injury • inform of where they can get help/advice • issue and enforce any written safety procedure • Close drawers after use • Be aware of own posture • straight back, don’t slouch • both feet on the floor • Tell your tutor if you have any medical condition i.e. epilepsy, migraine, dyslexia etc. • It is important that you properly adjust your chair, computer monitor to ensure you are sat properly -it’s your responsibility !!! • Ensure all bags, coats etc. are stored safely and do not cause a ‘trip hazard’. Can we ask all learners to observe the following:- Academic year 2012/13

6. Safe Learner - FIRE! • If you find a fire, sound the alarm, or let staff know immediately • There are fire exits throughout the building • in the main IT room • the main entrance (foyer) • in the back room PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU FAMILIARISE YOURSELF OF WHERE THE FIRE EXITS ARE SITUATED • in case of fire, leave the building immediately and congregate on other side of road. Do not depart until roll call complete. • Your responsibility is to leave the building as quickly and safely as possible. Fire extinguishers are for staff use only. Academic year 2012/13

7. Fire Safety Academic year 2012/13

8. Learning Modules • We have a variety of different IT courses: • NOCN accredited at Entry level, 1, 2 and 3 (Crafts & I.T.) • OCR Text/Word Processing level 1, 2 and 3 • BCS Essentials - ITQ level 1 - • BCS Extra - ITQ. level 2 • OCR Maths and English Entry level, 1 & 2 Sessions are available to brush up and up-date your skills - dependant upon demand we may offer evening sessions !! Please let Julie, Angela or your tutor know if you are interested! Academic year 2012/13

9. FASHION AND CRAFT CLASSES We offer accredited classes including: • Fashion Design • Garment Construction • Pattern cutting • Tailoring NEW FOR THIS YEAR WE ARE ALSO OFFERING SOCIAL CRAFTS CLASSES (not working towards a qualification) • Improve your sewing skills and learn how to make a range of different craft items Academic year 2012/13

10. TERMLY INFORMATION Near the end of each term, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire. • This is your opportunity to give your opinions about the Centre, your tutor, resources, administrative staff etc. • We always appreciate your comments and feedback as it helps us to improve the quality of the service we offer you. Academic year 2012/13

11. PROBLEMS ? • Your first point of contact is your tutor • You can also talk to the following • Terry - Centre Co-ordinator • Julie - Assistant Centre Co-ordinator • Any member of the Board YOU WILL FIND THAT WE WILL LISTEN! Academic year 2012/13

12. Equality & Diversity Open Door ALC endeavours to share its’ view of treating absolutely everyone the same, irrespective of their differences. In order for you to share our view, we would ask that everyone understands that Equality and Diversity is vitally important, and that no-one is disadvantaged, or treat differently, because of their gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and that we observe individual’s rights to equality and human rights. Academic year 2012/13

13. COSTS • You will have been told the cost of your course at enrolment • If you are still unsure of the cost please see your learner handbook or see Julie • In cases of any financial difficulty, we have a ‘learner support fund’, please see Julie in confidence, to discuss. We do not want anyone to be disadvantaged because of the cost of their course!! Academic year 2012/13

14. IF YOU ARE ABSENT ... • Should you be unable to attend your class, please ring the Centre. • If you are missing for longer than 2 weeks without notifying us, you could risk losing your place. Academic year 2012/13

15. Extra SUPPORT • If you feel you need more assistance with your learning, all you have to do is ask your tutor, or Terry or Julie. • You may be able to drop into the Centre, after checking first for extra time - just ask. Academic year 2012/13

16. POLICIES • Open Door is open to all, irrespective of gender, age, religion, culture etc. • All of our policies are reviewed at least annually to ensure they are up-to-date • Equal Opportunities apply to all learners • For further details, see your Handbook, or read the policy document in the Centre. • All of our policies are available to view on our computers, and on our website. • Data Protection – we are registered with the data protection registrar? and ensure that any information you supply is kept confidentially. Academic year 2012/13

17. Data Protection Statement 2012/13 • At no time will your personal information be passed to organisations for marketing or sales purposes. From time to time learners are approached to take part in surveys by mail and phone, which are aimed at enabling the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) our funders and its partners to monitor performance, improve quality and plan future education provision. • MIAP – (Managing Information Across Partners) • Some of the information you supply will be used by the Skills Funding Agency to fulfil its statutory functions, issue/verify your Unique Learner Number (ULN) and update/check your Personal Learning Record. The Skills Funding Agency may share your ULN and Personal Learning Record with other education related organisations, such as your careers service, school, college, university, Government Departments and public bodies responsible for funding your education. Further details of how your information is processed and shared can be found at • www.learningrecordsservice.org.uk/privacynotice Academic year 2012/13

18. NOT ALLOWED • To prevent damage to the computers, in the IT rooms, the following are not allowed: • food • drink • Smoking • You can eat & drink in the foyer though. A selection of drinks are available in the kitchen area at a cost of 50p. Chilled water is free. • MOBILE PHONES - Please switch them off – unless you are expecting an urgent call, then please use your silent facility!! Academic year 2012/13

19. PRESENTATION EVENTS • Each year, we celebrate our student’s achievements. • Following last year success we will be coinciding the presentation of certificates with the Christmas parties we will be holding at the Centre • Food and refreshments will be available • All are welcome • We will advise you of the dates later in the year. Academic year 2012/13

20. REASONS WHY WE CARRY OUT A THOROUGH INITIAL ASSESSMENT During the first few weeks of your course you will undertake a thorough initial assessment the purpose of this is to: • Agree starting points • Identify learning goals • Plan routes toward these goals The information provided during the initial assessment helps us to identify: • Attainment – the level of knowledge a learner has already reached • Potential – what a learner could be capable of achieving • Level – of programme a learner should start on • Needs – what support the learner needs • Plan – the programme of study • Distance – forms the basis for measuring distance travelled Academic year 2012/13

21. How your Initial Assessment will be carried out INTERVIEW/DISCUSSION Your tutor or a member of staff will spent time with you and discuss • The reasons you are attending the course • What your career aims and personal goals are • What previous experience you have • What prior achievements you have • What your likes and dislikes are • What support you are likely to need PRACTICAL TASKS • All new learners will be asked to undertake the BKSB diagnostic test to provide us with detailed information about your strengths and weaknesses, in order that we can provide you with the necessary support throughout your course. Academic year 2012/13

22. Individual Learning Plan The information provided during the initial assessment will form the backbone of you Individual Learning Plan (ILP). An Individual Learning Plan is: • A personalised, flexible route map to your learning journey • It is owned by you and supported by your tutor and Open Door • It is a record of your learning goals, progression routes, initial assessment, progress and achievement A correctly completed ILP helps you: • NEGOTIATE and plan EXACTLY what you are going to do, how and when • Your Individual Learning Plan is kept at the Centre but is available for you to access whenever you want to up-date it. The weekly record of review forms you complete are part of your ILP so please be as detailed as possible when completing. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO BE AN EQUAL PARTNER IN YOUR LEARNING PROGRAMME !! Academic year 2012/13

23. We hope you enjoy your learning experience at Open Door. Remember we are here to make sure you achieve your full potential in a friendly, supportive learning environment. Please never hesitate to ask us for help at any time, that is why we are here! Thank you for choosing to study at Open Door. Academic year 2012/13