adult learning handbook 2015–16

learningtrust.co.uk/adultlearning

ADULT AND FAMILY LEARNING IN HACKNEY

learners’ handbook 2015–2016

Contents

03 Welcome

04 Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)

05 What you can expect from us

06 What we expect from you

07 Your Voice Matters!

08 Ways to let us know your views

09 Additional Learning Support

10 Hackney Learning Trust policy statements

11 Complaints and compliments

13 Have your say

14 Making enquiries

USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS

Tutor’s telephone number:

Centre/provider number:

Information, advice and guidance number:

Complaints/compliments:

Safeguarding:

For more information contact:

Adult Learning ServicesHackney Learning Trust1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ

T. 020 8820 7339E. [email protected]

www.learningtrust.co.uk/adultlearning

Adult and Family Learning in Hackney 3

A vEry wArm wELcomE TO YOU fROM ALL Of US IN AdULT LEARNING SERVICES!

You are joining thousands of learners who have enjoyed our courses over many years. Their feedback has helped us shape the service we are offering today. Please contribute your thoughts at every opportunity to help us develop our service. If it’s good we want to know and if it’s bad we want to know so we can put things right.

Adult Learning Services at Hackney Learning Trust works in partnership with many organisations in the Borough to bring opportunities for learning to your doorstep. We aim to make it as easy as possible to find the right course or advice for you.

Our learners are adults of all ages, races, creeds, backgrounds and lifestyles, some with qualifications others with none at all. People new to the UK, those born here and those with families who have lived here for generations all contribute to the richness of adult learning in Hackney.

Our programme is made up of:

•Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) – You can call our team of advisers and they will help you plan a realistic pathway to your goal. Whether it is a short-term or a long-term aim, even a secret lifelong ambition, you can get confidential one-to-one support to get you started. Turn to page 4 for more information.

•recreational and Informal courses – These are courses for interest, wellbeing, health, fun, creativity, curiosity and to support those who are curious about digital technology.

•Formal courses – These are accredited and lead to qualifications which may help you find new or better employment.

•Family Learning courses – family members are our first and most important educators and these courses are all about opportunities for children, parents, carers and grandparents to be creative and learn together. While you brush up on your own skills, or learn something new, you gain insight into how children learn and find ways to support your children with their learning at home.

It is important to us that our learners feel welcome and safe. We want all participants in our classes to feel a sense of belonging and absolute acceptance because we believe that creating such a learning environment enables real freedom for individuals to pursue and achieve their lifelong goals and ambitions.

I hope that you will really enjoy and value the time you spend with us.

Trish Smith Head of Adult Learning Services Hackney Learning [email protected]

Wewantyourexperiencewithustobepositiveandlifechanging.

4 Learners’ Handbook 2015–2016

InFormAtIon, AdVICE ANd GUIdANCE (IAG)

Your path to loCal opportunities

•do you want to improve your skills?

•do you need help finding a job?

•do you want to change your career?

Our qualified and experienced advisors provide a free and confidential one to one service. They can give you information, advice and guidance on courses, training, volunteering opportunities and employment in Hackney.

The advisors can also offer you support with:

•confidence and motivation building

•CVs and job search

•completing application forms

•interviews techniques

You can call the IAG team Monday to friday from 10am to 4pm for advice or to book a one-to-one session with an advisor. They are here to support you every step of the way to your goal.

The team can also refer you on to another agency if a service exists that better supports your needs.

For more information please contact CrystalButler on 020 8820 7079 or DawnaLee on020 8820 7278

other support serviCes

The Ex-offenderSupportService offers advice about education, training and employment for adults with a criminal record and members of their families.

Please contact AlisonKakande on 020 8820 7086 for more information.

ToebyToe is a simple way of learning to read, and it works. do you know someone who struggles with reading and needs help, or would you like to become one of our Toe by Toe mentors and help to support someone who finds reading difficult?

Call AlisonKakande on 020 8820 7086 for more information.

for guidance on further and higher education, redundancy or becoming a teacher, please contact NainaKent on 020 8820 7172.

Mental healthAdult Learning Services works with several organisations that support learners who have mental health needs. This support can include Information, Advice & Guidance.

In addition to the above, the MentalHealthAdviceTeam at HackneyCommunityCollege run drop-in appointments and education surgeries for people with mental health needs.

Contact JohnMcCleanon 020 7613 9468 or via email at [email protected] for more information.


whAt YOU CAN ExPECT fROM US

induCtion

At the beginning of your course you will have an induction session. The tutor and students will discuss and agree class rules.

Your tutor will also:

•tell you about safety in the classroom

•give you information about what you will be doing each week and how you will be assessed

•tell you about our IAG team and how they can help you.

individual learning planThe Individual Learning Plan (ILP) helps you to plan your own ‘learning journey’.

Think about these questions:

•What skills do you already have in the subject?

•What do you want to work on improving?

•How are you going to achieve this and what help will you need?

Your tutor will use various assessment activities so you can check how well you are progressing

equalitY & diversitY

Everyone who attends a course through Hackney Learning Trust is able to access high quality learning regardless of:

•gender (including gender reassignment)

•ethnic origin

•age

•marital status

•disability

•religion or belief

•sexual orientation

•ex-offender status.

virtual learning environMent (vle)

Our VLE includes online learning resources, details of upcoming courses and a calendar of events.

Please contact your tutor to sign up for an account.

http://alsvle.learningtrust.co.uk

reMinder

Hackney Family Learning Festival 19 – 30 october 2015

reMinder

Black History Monthoctober 2015


whAt WE ExPECT fROM YOU

attendanCe and punCtualitY

It is important that you come to every class and arrive on time. If you know that you cannot come to a session, or will be late, please phone your tutor or the centre to let them know.

Ifyoumissthreesessionsinarow,yourplaceonthecoursemaybeofferedtosomeoneelse.

CoMpleting enrolMent forMs and other Course paperwork

Most of our courses are free because we receive money to run courses from the Skills funding Agency. It is important that you fill in any forms that your tutor gives you. The forms prove how many students we have and that we are making a difference to people in Hackney. This information will help to keep our courses free in the future.

staYing safeWe want you to enjoy your learning and be safe in the learning environment.

Staying safe means keeping aware of potential dangers which may be physical or psychological. They may come from people you meet in person or online.

Awareness may simply mean ensuring your bag is closed to prevent theft or it may be more complicated and mean questioning potentially harmful opinions including those which are sexist, racist or extremist.

Please talk to your tutor if you feel worried as a result of something which has been said to you, or someone you know, whether in person, by phone or via the internet.

If you feel unsafe at any time please let your tutor know and they can contact someone to help you.

You can ask your tutor about:

•first aid and fire safety procedures

•Staying safe on the Internet

•Getting support if you feel threatened by violence

•Getting support to challenge bullying or hate crime

•Getting support to counteract the risk of extremism

respeCting othersWe aim to create a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment and will not tolerate any abusive behaviour towards other learners or members of staff.

•No one should be made to feel uneasy or excluded.

•Please treat the tutor and all other learners as you would wish to be treated yourself

•Please switch off your mobile phone in class.

•do not smoke during your class or inside the building. Please use designated smoking areas.

Please report any accidents to your tutor.Please do not offer gifts to tutors as they are unable to accept them.

reMinder

Anti Bullying Week 16–20 november 2015


whAt IS LEARNER VOICE?

Here are some examples of services that have changed during the last year.

yoU SAID wE DID

Learners requested more access to digital technology in the classroom to aid their learning.

The use of more digital technology in the classroom has being rolled out across many subject areas and venues. for example, functional Maths learners use mobile apps to continue their learning outside the classroom, and learners also discover social media and how to stay safe on the internet.

Learners requested functional English classes to improve their reading and writing to help them get work.

We are running more functional English courses across Hackney designed to help people gain or improve skills that will help them find work.

ESOL learners from Hackney’s Roma community asked for courses to improve their language and literacy.

A course was run and was well attended. These learners will progress onto further courses this academic year.

Learners requested that classes take place on or near the estates where they live to make them easier to access.

Good partnerships with Hackney Homes and estate offices have been established and courses, including ESOL, have been piloted. further classes are planned this academic year.

Hard of hearing, and deaf residents who took part in a new initiative aimed at integrating hearing and deaf learners in the classroom requested more opportunities to learn like this in the future.

We hope to continue to provide opportunities for hearing and deaf residents to learn together, including classes on practical and creative skills, but also vocational and functional skills such as Maths.

Learners in Printmaking classes asked for an ‘aquatint’ box so they could work to professional standards.

The equipment was provided and is now used by everyone in the classes.

Learners requested the opportunity to learn pottery and sewing skills with their families.

We ran family Learning courses in these subjects in two schools and three children’s centres. due to their popularity, more courses are planned this academic year.

yoUr voIcE MATTERS!

Yourviewsareveryimportanttous.Ifyoutelluswhatyouthinkitwillhelpustoimproveourservicesforyou.


wAyS TO LET US KNOW YOUR VIEWS

1. You can speak to your tutor at any time and give feedback about your course through your Individual Learning Plan (ILP).

2. You can contact us on 020 8820 7075 or via email at [email protected]

3. You can complete the Learner Satisfaction Survey that will be given to you by your tutor at the end of your course.

4. You can use our compliments and complaints procedure (see page 11).

lesson CheCklist

1. Was the aim of your lesson explained?

2. Was it connected to your previous lesson?

3. Were the teaching activities interesting?

4. did your tutor check that you understood?

5. do you know more now than when you came into the lesson?

yoUr voIcE MATTERS!

Wereallyvalueyourfeedbackasithelpsusimproveourservices.Thereareseveralwaysthatyoucantelluswhatyouthink:


ADDItIonAL LEARNING SUPPORT

•Our providers have access for wheelchair users.

•We have provided specialist software for learners with visual impairment.

•We have installed hearing loops for learners with hearing impairment.

dYslexiaIf you have dyslexia and would like support, the British dyslexia Association can provide useful advice and information.

Telephone helpline: 0333 405 4567Opening hours: Monday to friday 10am – 12:30pm and 1pm – 4pm. Closed Wednesday afternoons.

Email helpline: [email protected]

General enquiries: 0333 405 4555fax: 0333 405 4570

www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

ChildCare

for information on childcare, and services for families with children aged 0–19, please contact the family Information Service on 020 8820 7590 or visit www.learningtrust.co.uk/childcare

CreCheSome of our courses have a crèche but we cannot provide this service for all courses. If you need a crèche, please check with the venue before enrolling on the course.

reMinder

Adult Learners’ WeekJune 2016

reMinder

Gypsy Roma Traveller History MonthJune 2016

Wetryourbesttosupportalllearnerswithissuesthataffecttheirabilitytolearn.


HACKNEYLEARNINGTRUST POLICY STATEMENTS

equalitY & diversitY

Hackney Learning Trust has an Equality & diversity Policy that tries to ensure that everyone that uses our organisation, either as an employee or as a learner on one of our courses, is treated fairly. Adult Learning Services is committed to preventing discrimination at all levels both as an employer and contractor. It recognises the wealth of cultural diversity of the communities living and working in Hackney. Courses will seek to eliminate barriers. You will be treated fairly irrespective of gender (including gender reassignment), sex, age, marital status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, ethnic origin or ex-offender status.

Our courses endeavour to respond to the needs of all people taking part. This policy applies to providers that deliver courses on behalf of Hackney Learning Trust as well as the Adult Learning Services team. We will ensure staff are trained and kept up to date with legal requirements.

All learners, as well as staff, have the responsibility to make sure that equal opportunities are provided and promoted for all. This involves treating everybody with respect and dignity, avoiding any form of unfair or unlawful discrimination and being sensitive to each other’s needs.

health and safetY poliCYYour learning provider has the responsibility to ensure that the learning environment or classroom is safe and free from any potential harm. Please report any accidents or incidents to your tutor so that they can make appropriate improvements to the learning environment.

no sMoking poliCY

You cannot smoke during any Hackney Learning Trust class or inside any building where a Hackney Learning Trust funded class is taking place. Smokers are requested to smoke outside and ensure that all cigarette butts are placed in the bins.

fire and first aidIt is important for you to become familiar with the fire and first aid procedures of your learning provider. These will be explained during your induction. If this does not happen you must ask your tutor to provide the information.

safeguarding adultsYou have the right to a learning experience free from harm, abuse or neglect from others, including electronically (i.e. e-mail, Twitter, facebook).

If you are concerned about yourself or another learner please talk to your tutor or contact one of the designated safeguarding officers: Elena Brooks 020 8820 7339 [email protected] mills 020 8820 7073 [email protected]

Log on to the VLE http://alsvle.learningtrust.co.uk and look at our e-safety and safeguarding section for more information.

reMinder

Safer Internet Day9 february 2016


compLAIntS ANd COMPLIMENTS

how to Make a CoMplaint or CoMpliMent

If you are happy or unhappy with the service that you receive or the course that you attend, please let us know in writing, by fax, by e-mail or in person (by appointment please).

Your complaint/compliment should be sent to:

HeadofAdultLearningServicesHackney Learning Trust1 Reading Lane, London E8 1GQ

T. 020 8820 7339f. 020 8820 7174E. [email protected]

what happens next?

•We will reply within 15 working days of receiving a complaint.

•If your complaint requires more detailed investigation, this may take longer. We will keep you updated on the process and let you know when you can expect the full reply.

•The full reply will include details of who to contact next if you believe that your complaint has not been dealt with properly. This will normally be one of the directors of Hackney Learning Trust.

•If you are still not satisfied following the second response, you can ask for your complaint to be referred to the Head of Hackney Learning Trust, Anne Canning.

•for general advice on this procedure please contact the Hackney Learning Trust Complaints Officer on 020 8820 7036.

suMMarY of CoMplaints proCedure

Write, fax or email

Address:

Hackney Learning Trust, 1 Reading Lane, London E8 1GQ

fax: 020 8820 7174

[email protected]

Response within 15 working days

Head of Adult Learning Service

You the learner

InvestigationYou the learner

yoUr voIcE MATTERS!

12 Welcome to Adult and Family Learning in Hackney

WOULd YOU LIKE TO LEARN NEW COMPUTER SKILLS?

InFormAtIon AnD commUnIcAtIonS tEchnoLoGy (Ict)

Are you new to computers? Are you looking to upgrade your knowledge and skills? We offer a number of accredited ICT courses from Entry Level to Level 2 to help you gain the skills and qualifications that you need. We also offer a range of non-accredited courses covering subjects such as internet safety, creating CVs, launching online businesses and learning about other useful and creative software packages.

For further information please call 020 8820 7075


hAvE YOUR SAY

If you have any comments or suggestions for Adult Learning Services at Hackney Learning Trust, please fill in the box below, then remove the page and send it back to us at the address overleaf, or hand in to your tutor. Comments will be reviewed at regular intervals and will inform our future course planning and policies.

yoUr voIcE MATTERS!

Yourviewsareimportanttous.


mAkInG ENQUIRIES

If you would like to find out what this document says, please put a tick in the appropriate box n and fill in your name, address, phone number and email at the bottom of this page and return it to address below.

Return to: Adult Learning Services, Hackney Learning Trust,1 Reading Lane, London E8 1GQ

Your Name

Address

Tel: Email:

Do yoU WANT TO LEARN ENGLISH?

EnGLISh For SpEAkErS oF othEr LAnGUAGES (ESoL)

There are free ESOL classes in Hackney to help you. To join a class, you need to come one of the ESOL advice sessions below. An adviser will check your level of English and help you to find a class.

wEEkLy

hoMerton librarY tuesdays, 10am – 11am

haCkneY learning trust tuesdays, 1pm – 2pm

woodberrY down Children’s Centre

wednesdays, 10am – 11am

linden Children’s Centre thursdays, 1pm – 2pm

monthLy

the petCheY aCadeMY

First wednesday of every month, 6pm – 7pm

CoMet nurserY and Children’s Centre

Last wednesday of every month, 1pm – 2pm

You need to come in time for a ticket and will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

Advice sessions run from the first week of October to the end of the fourth week in June each academic year. There are no advice sessions during school holidays and we are also closed for 4 weeks from the second week of december to the second week of January. for specific dates, please visit www.learningtrust.co.uk/esol

For further information please call the ESOL Advice Line on 020 8820 7043, email [email protected] or come to one of the advice sessions.

dO YOU NEEd TO IMPROVE YOUR REAdING, WRITING OR MATHS SKILLS?

FUnctIonAL EnGLISh AnD mAthS

Adult Learning Services run functional English and functional Maths courses for everyone at all levels. Our learners say that they enjoy their classes because they use what they learn every day and that improves their skills and confidence. Classes also help them to understand how to plan their learning.

If you want to gain a recognised functional English or Maths qualification that may help you find a job, or improve your vocational skills, please call 020 8820 7606 to find out more.

ARE YOU INTERESTEd IN LEARNING WITH YOUR CHILd?

FAmILy LEArnInG

do you want to find out more about the school curriculum and how to support your child with their homework? do you want to brush up on your own basic skills?

family Learning classes take place in schools, children’s centres and community venues across Hackney.

For further information please call Barri Disu on 020 8820 7119 or tabita thompson on 020 8820 7269

hackney learning trust1 Reading Lane London E8 1GQ

T. 020 8820 7000

learningtrust.co.ukhackneyservicesforschools.co.uk

adult learning handbook 2015–16

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