If you have questions we haven’t answered here, contact us: york.learning@york.gov.uk.[/sm_column_text][sm_column_text]If you are reading this then you have already signed up for one of our Computing or Digital Skills courses. This page is designed to give you some basic information about our service that should help you enjoy your course and get the most from your learning. We would particularly draw your attention to the sections on health and safety, Prevent and safeguarding. It is important that you read and understand these. Your tutor will highlight these sections and take you through the detail.[/sm_column_text]
We offer exams when you are ready to sit your exam for most of our courses. Some have exams at a set time. You can discuss this further with our tutor during your assessment, or with your course tutor when you start your course.
If you need to borrow equipment for your course (eg a laptop) we can in some circumstances do this. There is a code of conduct we require you to sign before this can happen, which includes promises not to download software you don’t need, use the equipment for any purpose other than the York Learning course and recognition that the equipment is the property of York Learning and can be recalled at any time. Without signing the code of conduct we will not be able to lend out any equipment. You can talk further to your tutor about this if you feel you need to borrow equipment for your course.
You will need to look at your course guide, which will be on your email confirming booking, and check what equipment you need to have with you for your course. Please try and make sure that you have equipment before the first class (for example, this might include a USB memory stick.)[/sm_column_text][sm_column_text]
What we ask of you
- Attend every session that you can, arrive on time and let us know if you are unable to attend.
- Complete work in the timescale agreed with your tutor.
- Treat our staff and other learners in the class with respect.
- Fill in review sheets to give us your views.
Course cancellations and refunds
- If we cancel a course you will be given a full refund.
- If we have to cancel an individual session then no refund will be available if this is less than 10% of the total course.
- All other refunds are at the discretion of the Head of York Learning. If a refund is given, an administration charge may apply.
- If you decide to leave once a course has started, there will be no refund given under any circumstances.
Complaints
We have very high levels of satisfaction. However, from time to time things do go wrong. If you are not satisfied with your course then please do one of the following:
- Discuss the issue with your tutor or centre staff as soon as possible.
- Give feedback via our on-course and end of course reviews.
- Email us at york.learning@york.gov.uk.
Bad weather
Occasionally, classes have to be cancelled because of bad weather conditions. In adverse weather conditions it is not feasible for us to contact everyone, so please check before travelling. We will post information about closed classes on our website and via social media.[/sm_column_text][sm_empty_space]
What is Prevent and what can you do?
“Prevent” is one strand of the UK Government’s anti-terrorism strategy, designed to raise awareness of and report any behaviours which might be a sign that an individual is being radicalised or might adopt extremist ideas. We incorporate “Prevent” into our safeguarding arrangements designed to keep all of our learners safe.
People might become radicalised when they are vulnerable, through circumstances such as economic pressures, relationship breakdown or changes in family or personal situations. Of course, these are not in themselves signs that somebody will become radicalised, more that individuals in such situations are more vulnerable.
If you have a concern about an individual, then you should alert your tutor or another member of our staff who will know what to do next and be able to inform you of our procedure. Remember you are simply reporting a concern and it will be up to others, who have a wider understanding, to judge whether the information you provide is significant enough to act upon.
One of the best ways to avoid radicalisation is to build communities. We very much value the contribution that all of our learners and tutors make to this by working with and supporting each other, celebrating differences and respecting each others’ views.[/sm_column_text][sm_empty_space]
Terrorists incidents and keeping safe
Fortunately incidents of terrorist attacks are rare, but that is not to say that the threat of an attack should not be taken seriously. Therefore we are highlighting the advice of the UK Counter-Terrorism Police in the event of an incident:[/sm_column_text]
If you have a concern about any of this advice, including our Prevent strategy or how to keep safe in the event of an incident, please contact our Safeguarding and Prevent team on:
SafeAtYorkLearning@york.gov.uk
07798 660109[/sm_column_text]
Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Outlined below is what we expect of you, and also what we will do to ensure that you are kept safe.
We ask you:
- Not to engage in any activities that will put other learners at risk.
- Not to bring any items into class that could pose a health and safety risk.
- To tell us if you have any health conditions that could mean you require us to take action to keep you safe.
- To tell us if you think there are potential health and safety issues that you notice whilst you are in your class or whilst moving around the building.
We will:
- Check our classrooms and other facilities to ensure that they meet the required health and safety standards.
- Inform you about our fire evacuation and first aid procedures.
- Carry out risk assessments of particular activities and put control measures in place to minimise risk.
[/sm_column_text][sm_column_text]If you’re attending your course online, make sure you’re sitting comfortably at your computer. Can you match the descriptions to the different areas below?
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- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
We are committed to ensuring that all our learners are treated fairly and with respect. We hope to achieve this by:
- Modelling our behaviour to promote these values.
- Creating an environment where it is safe to express your views.
- Ensuring that in expressing your views, that expression does not impact negatively on other faiths and beliefs.
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If you do not feel safe or wish to make a report about another learner who you feel is in danger of being exploited, please contact our Safeguarding team. If you feel that an individual is in immediate danger, always phone the police.
Contact the Safeguarding team at SafeAtYorkLearning@york.gov.uk or 07798 660109[/sm_column_text]
Ask For Angela
‘Ask for Angela’ is the name of a campaign in that is used by bars and other venues across England, to keep people safe from sexual assault. If you feel that you are unsafe or threatened, during a class you can ‘Ask for Angela’. Your tutor will understand that this is a discreet codeword and that you are in an unsafe situation.[/sm_column_text]
Help Me Signal
The Help Me Signal or the Violence at Home Signal for Help) is a nationally recognised single-handed gesture that can be used by an individual to alert others that they feel threatened and need help over a video call, or in-person, without leaving a digital trace. Your tutor will recognise this sign and that you are in need of help.[/sm_column_text]
Advice about what to do next
For information about other courses available across the city, including English, maths, IT or apprenticeships, or if you need advice and guidance about your long-term learning or employment prospects, please contact us on 01904 554277 or visit us at West Offices.
Support within your class
If you think you can only fully participate in your course with some extra support, please let us know. We might be able to help with:
- Reading, writing and maths support
- Special equipment and other aids
- Information on access to, or help getting around buildings
- Extra time to finish the course or an exam
- Someone to explain and help you to do things in class
- Religious or faith needs
Help with costs on your accredited course
Funding is available for learners on all of our accredited courses whose level of income might prevent them from completing a course. We will consider applications to fund:
- Home to course travel (public transport within city boundaries only)
- Essential equipment for the course
- Course materials
- Course visits
- Childcare expenses
- Course fees (in exceptional circumstances)
For more information please contact our Learner Support Manager Jill Murphy on 07798 660109 or jill.murphy@york.gov.uk.[/sm_column_text][sm_empty_space]
Once you have read the information on this page, please click here to complete your induction.
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