Information for Parents

This page includes information that relates to many aspects of college life including an outline of key contacts, whom to contact, attendance policy, paid work, holidays in term time and coursework policy. We hope that some of your questions are answered but if you need further clarification then don't hesitate to contact the College.

Term Dates

To view the term dates please click here.

Useful Contacts

The Personal Tutor

Each Student has a Personal Tutor who will provide academic and personal support throughout the student’s time at College.

All Students will meet their Personal Tutors weekly and also twice a term for an individual review of their College programme. During the autumn and spring terms, students will also meet individually with their Subject Tutors to discuss their progress in each subject. On these occasions, parents receive copies of the Reviews and during the year are invited to College to meet Subject and Personal Tutors at Parents’ Evening.

The Curriculum Leader

The Curriculum Leader supports his/her team of Personal Tutors to address issues of attendance, behaviour, organisiation and achievement. It is the Curriculum Leader who will contact parents should the need arise.

Careers Advice

Careers education is part of the tutorial programme and the personal tutor will discuss future plans with each student. The Careers Suite has information on employment in the area and details about all course available at universities and other educational institutions. A Careers adviser is always on hand to help students with their enquiries and to help them with applications for jobs and higher education.

Student Welfare

The Welfare Advisor, Sue Skarstein, assists students with advice and practical help with issues such as Learner Support Funds, travel allowances, benefits, filling in claim forms, Care to Learn, housing and homelessness. She also supports students with personal difficulties, referring them to specialist help if necessary.

Sue is available Monday - Thursday 8.30am until 4.30pm and Friday 8.30am until 4.00pm during term time (Learner Support Services - Welfare, in the old building, by the bridge to the new building) to help with any of these matters. You are welcome to just drop in or to make an appointment: sskarstein@centralsussex.ac.uk or 01444 456281.

College Counsellor

The College Counsellor is in College twice a week. Students can arrange appointments through the Welfare Officer.

Learner Support

All students have the right to equal access to education. If students have a learning difficulty or disability or require literacy, numeracy or language support, the Additional Support Department is there to help.

Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

These are available to students whose families are on low incomes. For further information and application forms, contact the College finance office.

Expectations

Paid Work

Students must not undertake paid work at times when they are required to be in College. This includes course-related trips and visits which could take place at times other than during their normal timetabled lessons. Research shows that any job commitment in excess of 8 hours per week will interfere with students’ learning.

Holidays During Term Time

Students should not arrange to be away from College during term-time, even for family holidays, unless this is absolutely unavoidable.