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College Routines
Absences
If your child is absent you should inform the college as soon as possible, on the first day of absence stating the reason and likely duration of the absence. The college will attempt to contact you on the first day of absence if no contact has been made by you. If this is not possible Form W13 will be posted to you requesting information. Unauthorised absences are reported to the Local Education Authority and Department for Education and may result in intervention by the Education Welfare Officer.
Holidays
We feel it is important that students do not miss any time during their brief few years with us. Their education is of utmost importance and therefore we discourage the taking of holidays during term time. Holidays should only be taken during college time if it is the only time you, as parents, can have time off work to do so. If you must book a holiday in college time, please inform the college at least four weeks before the holiday and complete the appropriate form. Only two weeks holiday may be taken during college time in line with DfES recommendations.
Punctuality
This is seen as an important part of college life and students who are frequently late without a valid reason will be detained after college. Students who arrive after the registration period should sign in at the college office where they will be given a late slip. It is important that students understand the importance of punctuality as part of their development into adult life. Repeated lateness will be counted as unauthorised absence and may result in intervention by the Education Welfare Officer.
Break and Lunchtime
Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available from the dining room during the mid-morning break. At lunchtime our dining room offers a range of hot and cold meals, served on a cafeteria basis. Those eligible for free college meals should apply to the college office. Students who bring a packed lunch also eat in the dining room under supervision.
If parents prefer, students may go home for lunch. In this case students should not return to college before 13.30 hours. A pass will be issued to students who go home for lunch and these will be checked on a regular basis. Students who stay on site at lunchtimes remain our responsibility and must seek permission before leaving the college grounds. It is not acceptable for students to roam the street during lunchtime; they should either be in college or at home.
Casual Admissions
Following an enquiry from a parent/guardian admission into the College, the student’s present/past College will be contacted prior to a meeting with the parents/guardians to gain information about the prospective new entrant. At the meeting with parents/guardians will be the Deputy Principal (learning).
We are constantly aware of the need to ensure the safety of students at all times and would ask for your co-operation in only agreeing to your child being off the premises if they are going home for lunch.
Bicycles
All cyclists should have passed their Cycling Proficiency Test and ensure their cycles are correctly maintained. Brakes must be properly adjusted, tyres must be safe and bicycles must have a lock. A member of staff will check the bicycle for safety and will need to see a Cycling Proficiency Certificate before issuing a cycling permit.
Insurance of bicycles may be a wise course of action. The college cannot accept responsibility for bicycles. Parents are urged to keep a record of the make and the serial number (to be found on the frame). It is also a sensible precaution to ask for bicycles to be post-coded, this can be done at the Police Station.
Insurance for Students
The Parent, Teacher and Friends association of the college has a personal accident insurance policy for every student in the college between the ages of 11 and 19.
We feel this should give security to families whose children take part in a wide variety of activities both in college and beyond.
The policy, which is held by the college, covers any activity organised by the college in term time anywhere in the United Kingdom and has a maximum claim per person of £50,000.
Parents can request a copy from the college office.
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