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Learner Services

Our students are extremely important to us and are at the heart of all that we do here at South Staffordshire College.

Our Student Services team are here to provide you with support throughout your college journey. On this page you’ll find lots of useful information to show how you can access support whilst at college.

 

Learner Handbook
Adult Learner Handbook
Report an absence
Email Safeguarding

External Mental Health Support

  • Helpline information:

    We’ve put together advice, links and services to help you look after your wellbeing.

    Mind
    Support line: 0300 102 1234.  Advisors are trained to listen and help find specialist support if needed. Open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays).

    Samaritans
    Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours

    SHOUT
    Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if under 19

    Call 111 – if there is a mental health crisis or emergency
     

    Local support
    Support with specific issues
    • Anxiety UK – Providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition. Phone 03444 775 774 or text 07537 416905 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm).
    • Bipolar UK – A national charity dedicated to empowering individuals and families affected by bipolar.
    • Beat – A charity supporting people affected by eating disorders. Phone 0808 801 0677 (open 365 days a year, 1pm-9pm Monday to Friday, 5pm to 9pm at weekends) or email help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk.
    • CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably. A leading movement against suicide. Providing support for anyone who needs it. Phone 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight, 365 days a year).
    • No Panic – Offers advice, support, recovery programs and help for people living with phobias, OCD and any other anxiety-based disorders. Phone: 0300 772 9844 (10am to 10pm, 365 days a year) or email sarah@nopanic.org.uk. Young people aged under 18 can call the No Panic Youth Helpline on 0330 606 1174.
    • OCD Action – Support for people with OCD. Includes information on treatments and online resources. Phone: 0300 636 5478 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm).
    • OCD UK – Providing advice, information and support services for those affected by OCD. Phone: 01332 588112 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm).
    • SANE – Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers. SANEline 0300 304 7000 (4pm to 10pm, 365 days a year).
    • YoungMinds – Provides young people with tools to look after their mental health and empowers adults to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives. Parents helpline for parents and carers, phone 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm).

Mentoring

Your wellbeing is very important to us. We know that sometimes you might need some extra support in order to stay on top of things. Our mentors are on hand to help you with any issues that may be affecting your ability to learn and enjoy your time with us.

Safeguarding

At South Staffordshire College we are committed to safeguarding our learners. We have a moral as well as a statutory duty to ensure that we protect and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults who are at risk of harm.

  • What is Safeguarding?

    Everyone at South Staffordshire College shares the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, irrespective of individual roles.

    We commit to:

    • Providing a safe learning environment for young people and adults.
    • Ensuring appropriate action is taken to make sure that children, young people and vulnerable adults are kept safe in the college environment and during college related activities.
    • Ensuring all staff undertakes safeguarding training. Our safeguarding team are trained to a more advanced level. We have a Designated Safeguarding Lead who has accountability for all children, young people and vulnerable adults who study with us.
    • Identifying and supporting those who are suffering or are likely to suffer significant harm or who are at risk of radicalisation
    • Making certain that disclosures of potential abuse occurring at home or elsewhere are appropriately referred to relevant external agencies.
    • Developing safeguarding policies and procedures which are consistent with the local Safeguarding Children board.
    • Stand up for democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect. Fundamental British values are at the heart of everything we do. We also encourage our students to show tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs. You’ll see these values demonstrated in our tutorials and all areas of our curriculum. Make sure you respect them too.
  • Who are the Safeguarding team and how do I contact them?

    Kim Vaughan – Designated Safeguarding Lead

    07741 165217

    Nicola Truman – Deputy Safeguarding Lead

    07545 208084

    Ali Hanson – Deputy Safeguarding Lead

    07966 063149

    Email – Safeguarding@southstaffs.ac.uk

    If you have a safeguarding concern please get in touch, we are always here to listen.

  • Can I speak to a mentor if I am concerned about my safety?

    Absolutely! The mentors are also part of our Safeguarding team, and you are welcome to speak with them if you are worried.

    Every campus has access to a mentor, and you can make contact either by phone, text or email to arrange an appointment or seek advice.

    Your tutor can also refer on your behalf.

    Tamworth

    Call: 07592 229877 or 07969 279318

    mentoring.tamworth@southstaffs.ac.uk

    TORC

    Call: 07969 279318

    mentoring.torc@southstaffs.ac.uk

    Lichfield

    Call: 07792 308814

    mentoring.lichfield@southstaffs.ac.uk

    Cannock

    Call: 07545 208084

    mentoring.cannock@southstaffs.ac.uk

    Rodbaston

    Call: 07972 311348

    mentoring.rodbaston@southstaffs.ac.uk

  • What can I do if I am concerned for my safety and the college is closed?

    If you have any Safeguarding concerns when the college is closed, you should contact either your Local Authority Out of Hours Social Care number for any concerns relating to a child (under 18).

    Alternatively, if you feel that you or any other student is at immediate risk and in need of protection you should contact the Police immediately (999 emergency, 101 non-emergency).

  • What is the College’s Safeguarding policy?
  • Are there any other agencies I can contact if I am worried?

    There are lots of external agencies who can support you. Here are a few that our students have found useful:

    Counselling/Mental Health Support

    Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Wellbeing Service

    Young Minds 

    Mind – you can also use their helpline by calling 0300 123 393 or texting 86463

    Samaritans

    Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide) or call 0800 0684141

    Anxiety UK – you can also use the infoline: 03444 775 774 or text 07537 416 905

    The Mix – you can also call 0808 808 4994 or text the crisis line THEMIX to 85258

    SHOUT – Crisis Support 24/7 text service ‘Text Shout’ to 85258

    The Hub of Hope (directory of services)

    Domestic/Sexual Abuse

    Staffordshire Womens Aid or call 0300 330 5959

    The Survivors Trust/SARAC or call 08088 010818

    Victim Support or call 0808 16 89 111

    Savana Staffordshire or call 01782 433204

    Sexual Health

    Open Clinic or call 0300 124 5022

    Bereavement

    Cruse 0808 808 1677​

    Homelessness

    Centrepoint or call 0808 800 0661

    England Shelter or call 0808 800 4444

    Drug and Alcohol Support

    Talk to Frank or call 0300 123 6600

    T3 or call 01785 241393

    LGBT

    Staffordshire Buddies or call 01782 201251

    LGBT Foundation or call 0345 3 30 30 30

    Gambling Awareness

    Gamcare or call 0808 8020 133

    Debt Advice

    StepChange 0800 138 1111

  • What can I do to be safe on campus?
    Wear your ID badge

    Everyone – students, staff and visitors – must always wear their ID card around their neck when in or around any of the college buildings.

    You’ll also need your ID card to access buildings, use our printers and photocopiers.

    Code of conduct

    Follow the Learner Code of Conduct/ABC Standards and be mindful of how you interact with others both in person and when online.

Equality and Diversity

  • Equality, Diversity & Sustainability

    The College policy on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is driven at an organisational level by a committed Senior Leadership Team supported by the College Leadership Team and cross-college engagement of staff and learners. EDI is embedded throughout policies and procedures across all aspects of operation and is overseen by The Equality and Diversity Committee. Related procedures include (not an exhaustive list):

    • Bullying and harassment
    • Grievance
    • Health & Safety
    • Safeguarding
    • Whistleblowing

    At operational level Equality and Diversity is promoted ensuring that all staff receive appropriate training (managed and planned via an annual appraisal process), are informed of their responsibilities and monitored and supported in their ongoing development. All marketing materials and campaigns are designed to promote and encourage Equality and Diversity and we ensure learners are aware of our commitment by proactively promoting our values via, for example; induction, learning content, promotional materials. A portfolio of 14 tools, accessible via the intranet, is available to assist staff in communicating this commitment.

    Our Equality and Diversity policies and procedures ensure that:

    • We avoid reinforcing stereotypes
    • We identify and address mobility and access issues
    • We examine and equality impact assess all of our policies and procedures to avoid an unintentionally negative impact on any group with a protected characteristic
    • We comply with all legislation
    • We place equality at the centre of our decision making
    • We work with others who are aware of, and comply with, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status act 2000
    • All staff are aware of their responsibilities and participate in Equal Opportunities and Disabilities Awareness training, including the identification of hidden disabilities
    • Equal opportunities extends to the recruitment and advancement of staff
  • Equality and Diversity Objectives
    • Foster good relations between different groups
    • Promote the Harassment and Bullying procedure to learners
    • Narrow the success and achievement gap of different groups (EDIMS Targets) and ensure that all – learners achieve at least 5% above national averages
    • Ensure that there is a continued analysis of staff and learners in line with statutory requirements
    • Increase understanding and awareness of Equality and Diversity
  • Sustainability

    Sustainability is one of South Staffordshire College’s core principles. The College has placed the protection of the environment at the heart of what it does. We are devoted to informing both current and future students, staff and partners of the College’s environmental sustainable activities, including:

    • Our stunning BREEAM Excellent building at Rodbaston
    • Celebrating being the first FE College in England and Wales to achieve certification to ISO14001.

    We also have two large turbines installed at Rodbaston that contribute green energy to the College and the national grid.

  • Our Policy

More useful information this way

Student Finance

We understand that money matters, especially when you decide to take up a course of study.

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FAQ's

We have compiled some of our most frequently asked questions and provided useful information.

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Career Information

Our dedicated team of advisors provide in-depth careers information, advice and guidance.

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Transport

Transport to Rodbaston couldn’t be easier with local designated pickups from around Staffordshire.

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