When you walk through our doors, we take on a commitment to helping you achieve your goals and aspirations. We’re always on hand to support you, and we do that in the following ways.

Empowering you for success

You’ve come to Access Creative College to gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours to work in the creative/sporting industries. Get ready to embark on a journey which prepares you for your best next steps, whether that is into work, enterprise or higher education.

Growing your professional and personal skills

We will equip you with professional and life skills and insight into you, your role in the world and your wellbeing. Through our pastoral service we will also give you personal support where you need it.

Ensuring a safe and supportive environment

Our colleges are safe, welcoming and inclusive for all. We do everything we can to support students with their individual needs. We also promote equality of opportunity and recognition of diversity, alongside wider social and cultural values and uphold safety measures such as Prevent.

Upholding equality & diversity

Everyone is different, and that uniqueness is what helps our students thrive. At our colleges, everyone meets a warm welcome and support no matter their background or culture. Together we recognise, value and celebrate diversity and actively oppose discrimination. We work hard to remove barriers and provide equality of opportunity by raising aspirations and widening participation, to support everyone’s success.

A good routine

You’ll be in college around 3 days per week over 37 weeks. This gives you time for your own independent study and for part time work, to earn money and gain important work skills. We’ll make sure sessions start and end on time, with any tutor absences covered appropriately.

Setting clear deadlines

Deadlines are an important part of life whether that be in work, education or general day to day life. Whenever you need to complete something, we’ll make sure things are crystal clear. That means:

• written instructions and an explanation of how your work will be assessed/reviewed;

• A clear deadline and a date to expect feedback on your work.

Building support networks

If you’re under 18, we’ll keep your parent, guardian or carer in the loop when it comes to your progress. We’ll also make sure we have their permission for you to attend any events happening outside of the college.

Responding to your feedback

We ask your views via 3 surveys through the year and our ‘You Said- We Did’ process - you can share your views safely in the knowledge that we value and respect what you have to say.

By becoming a student at Access Creative College, you are expected to act and behave according to our values. It’s the same when you go to work for someone. So get the most out of your time here, and prepare for your future, by being your best self.

Embrace your professional and personal development

Commit to preparing yourself fully for your best next steps by embracing and participating in all parts of the programme.

Get stuck in

Take control of your journey and really embrace the challenges on the road to shaping your future. Seek and take up opportunities. Strive for the big picture and being an active citizen.

Step up

You’re here to develop your professional practice, and that comes with both fun and responsibility. Be original - don’t copy the work of others.

Get to know our values

Make them your own and use them as a guide during your studies.

Respect others

Respect and tolerate those around you, no matter their race, religion, culture, gender, sexuality, views or background. Behave in a polite, professional and respectful way to others and help out where you can. 

Support the environment

Actively support the environment by minimising unnecessary waste, recycling materials and reducing your carbon footprint. 

Obey the law

Understand that theft, violence and being under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not tolerated on campus or at external events organised by the college.

Turn up and don’t be late

Punctuality is important for any professional. Attend all of your lessons, don’t miss out on important stuff, or disturb your fellow students. Be on time for lessons and set yourself up for your career. We expect you to keep 100% attendance as one of your targets across all areas.

Mobiles

Don’t use your mobile phone in sessions unless specifically asked to do so by a member of staff.

Meet your deadlines

Deadlines are a part of life and work. Make sure you meet them for all parts of the programme.

Stay safe

Keep yourself safe at college, outside of it and online. Wear your student ID pass at all times to help us maintain a safe and secure learning environment. Stick to the designated areas when it comes to eating and drinking.

Look after yourself

Keep yourself mentally, physically and emotionally healthy and follow health, safety and welfare practices.

Seek help

If you are concerned about your progress or experience at college, talk to your course leader. If you are worried about your welfare or that of your fellow students, or you recognise signs of radicalisation, always let the safeguarding officer know.

Need to work or go on holiday?

Check your college calendar before booking anything.

Absent due to illness?

Let us know, bring in your doctor’s note or appointment card. At induction you’ll find out what to do if you’re going to be absent or late for any lessons.

Research has shown that regular and/or unauthorised absence leads directly to poor achievement. The college expects students to attend all planned and programmed sessions included within their Study Programme with a target of 100% attendance. Each component is an essential part of the course and to miss any of them, or any part of them, will undermine your steps to success.

You should arrange appointments and other commitments (e.g. doctor, dentist) outside of your timetabled programme, as well as arrangements for any extracurricular activity (showcases, rehearsals etc).

Missing sessions, or being late without good reason, undermines the development of skills and behaviours for employment and further study - when you have a job it is expected that you will turn up on time. Your teacher will make it clear that any lateness has been noticed and it is expected that the student apologises for their lateness. You will be marked as late on the register. At an appropriate moment, the teacher will inquire discreetly as to the reasons for lateness, and give any handouts or materials that have been missed.

On the fourth week of unauthorised absence, the college reserves the right to withdraw the student.

We expect you to behave in a responsible and respectful way while at college. If you do so then you will not run into any problems.

Misconduct

Misconduct can be described as any unacceptable or improper behaviour. This may be dealt with informally by a member of staff, but it may be referred to more senior staff and/or to disciplinary procedures. The types of behaviour classed as misconduct are:

1. Physical assault;

2. Theft, bribery or corruption;

3. Damage to College property;

4. Bullying including online bullying, peer on peer abuse and harassment;

5. Violent, dangerous or intimidating conduct;

6. Discriminatory behaviour which is contrary to the college’s equal opportunities policies;

7. Consuming or possessing alcohol or illegal substances;

8. Serious acts of insubordination.

9. Violation of college rules and procedures (e.g. use of IT, Health & Safety);

10. Plagiarism.

Online/IT behaviour

 It is important that you follow college regulations when using IT equipment and going online. The aims of this are:

• Staying Safe - protecting yourself.

• Protection - college systems being protected from accidental or deliberate misuse.

• Access - access to technologies that will enhance your learning. 

• Responsibility - being a responsible user.

More information can be found in this presentation.

Formal Disciplinary Procedure

The disciplinary procedure is fair and transparent to all parties and involves a clear sequential

process, consisting of three formal warning stages, which will normally be followed

progressively. These are:

1. Verbal warning

2. Written warning

3. Final written warning

Any warnings will be issued in the context of a formal meeting between the student,

the member of staff and (where appropriate) the student's parents. This meeting will be arranged to take place within 5 working days.

The member of staff conducting the meeting will identify remedial actions and targets for improvement. If, during the review period, the student's performance has improved, and they have met all of the requirements of the actions/targets issued during the formal warning, then the appropriate member of staff will briefly meet with the student to formally review the terms of the warning and confirm their compliance with them. In such cases, the disciplinary action will not progress further at this time.

If the student has failed to meet the requirements, or other significant issues subject to this

procedure have arisen in the meantime, then the appropriate member of staff will schedule a

meeting with the student (and their parents, where necessary) and they will progress to the next

stage of the formal disciplinary process.

In exceptional cases, managers may exercise discretion where a student has demonstrated

improvement, but has not fully met the requirements of the previous disciplinary warning. Instead

of progressing to the next stage of the process, the student may instead be subject to an extended

review period with revised actions/targets. This should only happen once.

Suspension

Under some circumstances, students may need to be suspended or withdrawn from college. In circumstances deemed as being serious or gross misconduct, the college reserves the right to immediately suspend a student if their attendance at a campus presents a risk to others. An appeal against exclusion must be lodged in writing within five working days of the issue of the withdrawal.

> College Learner Disciplinary Policy

If you are aged 16-18, your parent(s), carer(s) or guardian(s) play an important part in your educational journey and in your preparation for a career. Some can be influential on a young person’s choices regarding their studies and career choices.

We work to involve parents etc. in your learning journey. They have access to a Parent Portal which enables them to see your progress, achievements and attendance. They also have access to the reports recording the outputs of your termly Professional Development 1-2-1s.

Finally, we invite parents to attend Parent Evenings, Open Days and college events and showcases.

Sometimes things go wrong – but we’ve got your back. Here you’ll find useful info so you know what to do if there’s a problem. We’ll help make sure issues are dealt with as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Thinking of leaving or changing your course?

If you want to withdraw from your course or move to a different one, don’t rush. Come and talk to your Course/Programme Leader or Learner Support Manager about your options. We want to make sure it’s the best thing for you and do all we can to hold your place before you make that final decision.

Complaints and appeals

We want your time with us to be as exciting, rewarding and trouble-free as possible. But if you do find yourself feeling unhappy with parts of your experience, talk to us. Raise your concerns with your course leader so we can understand where things are going wrong and put steps in place to make things better. Or, if you’ve tried everything you can and are still unhappy, you can make a formal complaint by contacting the Complaints, Comments and Compliments (CCC) department on: 0330 123 3155 or ccc.admin@accesscreative.ac.uk 

Formal complaints against staff should be made through your personal tutor. Where your personal tutor is the member of staff against whom you’re raising a complaint, you should contact the CCC department (details above).

We know there’s a lot to take in, but remember – you can look back at this information anytime you need to. Most of all, we want you to enjoy your studies. So get stuck in, make the most of any opportunity and just know we’re here if you need us!

Disciplinary matters

We’re counting on you to be your best self when studying with us. If you fail to meet your commitments when it comes to attendance, behaviour and work, disciplinary action may be taken. At this stage we may also involve your parent or guardian. Instances of gross misconduct will result in immediate disciplinary action. If you’d like more information about student codes of practice, speak to your Course Leader.

Your right to appeal

If you’re unhappy with any outcomes during your studies, you always have the right to appeal. If you want to appeal a grade or an assessment decision, raise this with your Course/Programme Leader in the first instance. If you’re still unhappy with the outcome, we’ll then raise this with the Head of Quality for your campus. Remember, before you submit any work, always check it meets all the requirements of the unit, module or project spec. You can also appeal against a tutor’s management of course work, against being given incorrect or inappropriate assignment briefs and against slow turnaround of assessments, especially if this affects your ability to complete your course and achieve your qualification.

If you feel you have been discriminated against, you can make an appeal against this. Your Course/Programme Leader will make you aware of the appeals process during your

course induction.

> College Complaints, Comments & Compliments Policy

We want to know what you think of your experience at college. There are a few ways you can make your voice heard.

Student Surveys

The main way we collect feedback is via termly student surveys, where we will ask you to rate various aspects of the college and your study programme. You may also be invited to take part in specific focus groups and you can always chat to your Course Leader.

Student Representatives/Ambassadors

Student Representatives are elected to represent and support the views of students, while Ambassadors represent the college at events. You will have an opportunity to put yourself forward for these roles and you may be involved in the selection of candidates.

Using feedback

We respond to feedback with You Said We Did actions. We also proactively review our practices by observing lessons, meeting with staff and students, as well as reviewing learning plans.

When you have finished your course we would love you to keep in touch!

You will be invited to join our Alumni, which offers various benefits, such as inviting you to events, or to deliver a guest speaker session. You will also be encouraged to create a LinkedIn account connected to the college account. That way we can keep you informed of developments and opportunities, such as events and jobs.

Come prepared

Arrive at college in good time with everything you need for your studies with us. Some of you may have invested in a course pack of useful tools for your college work, so remember to bring that. If not, bring in what you need to help best develop your skills. 

A welcoming induction

We don’t just drop you in the deep end and expect you to swim. Whether you’re a new student or returning for another year, you’ll have an induction period to kickstart your journey. Induction is there to help you settle in, get comfy in your surroundings and find out everything you need to know about the year ahead, from programme info to where you’ll study and what equipment you will use. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions, meet the team and make some new friends.

Right choice

Induction is an exciting time to think about the adventure ahead. But it’s also an opportunity to double-check you’re on the right path. Your tutor team will work with you to make sure you’re on the right course at the right level and in the right place to get the most out of your studies. You’ll also meet your Tutor to chat through your progress and set targets for the future. During the first term you will have a Professional Development 1-2-1 tutorial where you can talk further about your aspirations, choices and set targets for future success.

Getting the right support

Now is also the time to chat through any learning or pastoral needs, so we can offer you the right support and the best start.

Not sure? Ask us!

If you have any questions or problems, speak to your Course Leader first. They’re there to make sure the student experience meets your expectations and needs.

Look out for others

If you notice someone struggling, please let us know so we can help them.

You will be expected to be in college approximately three days per week over 37 weeks, from early September to early July. You will have approximately 14-18 hours of lessons each week, on top of which you will be expected to undertake self-directed study and complete project work for assessment.

Each course has a different timetable to allow you to be able to best access the facilities at our sites. You will be issued with your timetable in induction.

At Level 3 Year 1 you will complete an additional 56 hours of Self-Directed Study, containing 36 hours of self-directed online lessons, and 20 hours of Professional Development projects. At Level 3 Year 2 you will complete 111 hours of Blended Learning over the year - on average 3 hours a week where you undertake your own learning activity. The above does not apply to T Level courses or the Esports programme.

You will also be expected to engage in additional Enrichment activities outside of your timetable, such as visits to exhibitions and events, places of work and to attend workshops and guest talks. The following are the additional Enrichment hours per year:

• Level 2: 24

• Level 3 Year 1: 68

• Level 3 Year 2: 48

Outside of these requirements, we encourage you to look for part-time work or volunteer/work experience opportunities to grow your skills and experience.

Your safety, welfare and wellbeing matters, that’s why we take your safety and welfare very seriously. It’s our responsibility to protect, support and look out for you at all times so you can feel safe whenever you’re at college. What does this mean in practice? We believe that all staff and students have the right to:

1. Live and work in a safe environment and be protected from harm;

2. Experience emotional wellbeing;

3. Feel valued and be supported by a network of professional relationships;

4. Have a positive self-image;

5. Have a secure sense of cultural, social and racial identity;

6. Develop good interpersonal skills and confidence in social situations.

Any behaviour which promotes extreme values and actions is not acceptable and action will be taken against those promoting it.

Prevent is a government-led initiative to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. The objectives of Prevent are to:

1. Tackle the ideological causes of terrorism;

2. Intervene early to support people susceptible to radicalisation;

3. Enable people who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate.

If you have any concerns about radicalisation and/or extremism, please talk to a member of staff.

> College Safeguarding, Child Protection & Prevent Policy

> Educate Against Hate

Our friendly and supportive college community is one of our best assets, and with your help we aim to keep it that way. We don’t accept any kind of bullying or harassment, and want you to feel safe knowing that violent behaviour, victimisation and bullying are major disciplinary offences.

Remember, what you might find funny another person might find hurtful. Thoughtless comments, unkind remarks and name calling, use of derogatory language in any form, including bullying via the internet, social media and/or mobile phones, may result in disciplinary action being taken.

Bullying or coercion is unacceptable behaviour which is taken seriously and may lead to disciplinary intervention. We uphold that:

1. All staff and students, without exception, have the right to protection from abuse regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, marriage/civil partnership or religion;

2. All concerns and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to;.

3. We are committed to promoting the values of a fair and free democracy (British Values), the rule of law, individual liberty and the rights of everyone to live free from persecution of any kind. We strive to protect learners against extremist views and radicalisation.

If you have any concerns about bullying and/or harassment, please talk to a member of staff.

> Help with Bullying

> Bullying Helpline

A big part of your creative learning includes access to digital technologies. This brings many advantages, but in return we ask you to be responsible users at all times.

That means following the rules whether using the internet, email and other digital technologies for educational, recreational or personal use. At the same time, we promise to protect college systems from accidental or deliberate misuse that could put security at risk.

As part of our commitment to e-safety and e-responsibility we also build your knowledge when it comes to staying safe online. If you have any concerns about online safety, please talk to a member of staff.

> Internet Watch Foundation

Support to make the internet a safer place, including reporting and removal of inappropriate images.

> Online Safety Guide

> Online Safety Course

Some of your studies may get hands on – that’s the perk of practical learning. But handling equipment and taking part in activities can carry some risk. We ask everyone to be responsible, follow safety guidelines and behave in a way that keeps you and those around you safe.

1. Always follow safe working practices, health and safety instructions and fire regulations.

2. Report any accidents, incidents, unsafe situations and broken equipment to staff immediately.

3. Let us know of any potential risks, even if an injury didn’t occur. That way we can take steps as soon as possible to prevent it happening again.

4. Never wilfully damage or break equipment. This not only puts people at risk, but also stops your fellow students from using it. If you damage equipment on purpose, you will be asked to pay for it.

5. Keep volume to a minimum. That includes the headphones you use to listen to music.

6. Stick to the rules - follow all ear protection and noise guidelines at all times.

In case of fire

If the fire alarm sounds, proceed immediately to the nearest fire exit and to the agreed evacuation point. Make sure you are aware of where the fire alarms and fire exits are and where the evacuation meeting point is. Never obstruct a fire exit point.

Electrical safety

Always take care when using electrical equipment and never overload power extension cables. All college equipment is PAT safety tested. If you bring any electrical equipment into college then this must also be safety tested.

Trip hazards

Take care to avoid creating trip hazards around the college, such as leaving your bag in a corridor, or running loose equipment cabling in public areas.

Protecting your ears

Too much noise can cause hearing damage, including permanent hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and other complications. By the time you notice, it is probably too late. Doesn’t sound so good, right?

Some of the things we do to protect your hearing are:

1. Using sound-treated rehearsal and performance spaces;

2. Supplying you with ear protection;

3. Monitoring noise levels in performances and throughout the college day.

However, it’s crucial that you take responsibility for protecting your hearing. We’ll ask you to sign an agreement that states you understand our guidelines and that you will use ear protection where directed.

The ear protection we supply is a necessary part of any course that potentially exposes you to high levels of sound. You must wear ear protection to be able to take part in music activities. If you lose them, or attend college without them, we’ll ask you to pay £5.00 to replace them immediately, as you won’t be allowed to work without them.

> College Health & Safety Policy

We’re all responsible for each other’s safety and welfare, so we need to know what to do when we suspect something is wrong. The most important place to start is to tell someone. If you ever feel you, or another student, is at risk from harm, please speak to any member of college staff.

Every campus has a team of people responsible for safeguarding. You’ll find out who they are during your induction. You can also find their names, pictures and contact details on campus notice boards.

The college is committed to being an organisation which values diversity, promotes equality of opportunity and is free from unlawful discrimination on any grounds. We recognise that equality issues are complex and disadvantages can occur for a wide range of reasons such as cultural and economic background, physical and social environment and ill health which may limit an individual's

opportunity to access education or employment. We take account of these issues in our approach to ensuring equality of opportunity for all.

We are proactive in all matters relating to equality of opportunity and diversity. We value and celebrate the richness brought to our college by a diverse population of staff, students, apprentices, clients and partners.

> College Equality & Diversity Policy

Mental health and wellbeing is important for all of us. We can help you with strategies to overcome symptoms of common conditions, such as anxiety and stress. This will enable you to be able to work more effectively for preparing for your future.

The following organisations can help you with your mental wellbeing:

1. Young Minds

2. MIND

3. NHS

4. Mental Health Foundation

5. Time to Change

6. Samaritans

7. Rethink

8. Shout

9. Kooth

> College Suicide Policy

Physical health refers to the state of your physical body and how well it's operating. It represents one dimension of total well-being. Physical health involves many aspects of life such as sleeping well, eating well, being physically active and having good hygiene. It's also about making lifestyle choices that ensure health and avoid preventable diseases and conditions.

The following organisations can help you with your physical wellbeing:

1. NHS

2. British Heart Foundation

3. Active Partnerships

4. Humankind

5. Parkrun

6. Swim England

7. Ramblers

8. MIND - physical and mental health

9. Eating Well

10. Vegetarian Society

We’re here to help you grow your career, whatever your individual needs or circumstances. We can offer additional support for:

1. Students with learning difficulties, differences, disabilities and medical conditions.

2. Exam access arrangements when taking formal exams

3. Young people who are in or leaving the care system.

4. Students who are carers.

5. Students who are experiencing estrangement from their families.

Our Assistant Heads of Student Support Maths & English and Learning Support Managers (LSMs), along with their team of Additional Learning Support Tutors and Learner Support Assistants offer support for academic studies and look after your health and wellbeing. Our Learner Support Teams will help you feel welcome, inspired and supported so you can confidently achieve all your learning goals. We also provide support relating to any issues that may be perceived as disadvantages or potential barriers to your success.

Talk to us

If you have a disability, learning difference or a concern relating to your emotional health and wellbeing, please speak to your Learning Support Manager so we can make reasonable adjustments to support you with your studies. We’ll do our best to ensure support is in place when you start your course.

We’ll work with you to create individual support strategies based on any existing documentation (such as an Educational, Health & Care Plan or statement, diagnosis or Form 8 relating to exams).

We’ll work closely with students with an EHC plan, their families and other external agencies to carry out statutory annual reviews and monitor the outcomes and progress of the EHC Plan. Contact us if you’d like to know more, get in touch with the Assistant Heads of Student Support Maths & English or Learning Support Managers for your campus.

Student support can include:

• Additional learning support including one-to-one or group support.

• Support in your English and Maths lessons.

• Further assessments for Exam Access Arrangements. (We will assess learners for any exam access arrangements and ensure that you receive the help appropriate to your normal way of working).

• Read&Write assistive technology. 

Additional support activities may include:

1. Attending high school yearly reviews prior to application.

2. A tour of your campus and facilities.

3. Additional familiarity visits.

4. Interview support.

In the event that your chosen course is not suitable for you, don’t worry. We’ll work closely with you and your parent or guardians to look at other opportunities.

> College SEND Policy

Financial support

We offer financial support for those who need it. The Learner Support Fund or Discretionary Student Support Fund provides financial help to students unable to start or continue with their course because of financial difficulties. You’ll find out who’s eligible and how to apply during induction.

Financial Bursary Support is available for 16-18 year olds and 19-24 year olds with an EHCP you may be eligible for support for travel, meals, equipment costs and support from the Vulnerable Bursary. Funds are dependent on your circumstances. 

Aged 19+ with an Advanced Learner Loan? We might be able to help you with travel costs to your chosen campus, you may also be eligible for support with meals, travel, childcare and also towards accommodation costs. (provided you’re not in receipt of any other  grants or already receiving travel payments).

The Online Bursary Management Portal provides a streamlined, paperless application process as part of our commitment to being more environmentally considerate. 

Please note that all Bursary Awards are subject to eligibility and adherence to the College Code of Conduct.

> College Bursary Policy

The college collects and processes your personal data to effectively manage your learning and to meet our contractual and statutory obligations as a provider of education and skills.

Your information is kept safe and is securely destroyed after it is no longer required for the purposes it has been collected for. We will retain personal data required for funding audit purposes, for 7 years after the end of your final academic year.

> College Privacy & Data Policy

> College Cookie Policy

> College Appropriate Data Policy

> CCTV Policy