It is the policy of Yorkshire English School to protect its staff, learners, visitors and agents against unacceptable behaviour that may compromise their safety, health and welfare. Therefore any form of violence, harassment, bullying and abuse, including verbal abuse, against or coming from the above- named individuals is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Responsibilities

Managerial

• To ensure that this policy and procedures are understood by staff and is available at hand.

Employee

• All employees have to meet the terms of this policy
• Should any immediate violence, aggression or harassment arise, this should be reported immediately to their manager whether committed by staff, learners, visitors or agents.
• Staff has a responsibility for implementing the bullying/harassment policy and making learners aware of the school policy.

Learners, visitors and agents

• All the above should follow this policy and should report any acts of violence, aggression or harassment immediately.

Measures taken

Measures the school will take depending on the severity of the acts:

1. Verbal warning: A method of addressing unacceptable behaviour with a view to achieving realistic and workable solutions. Verbal Warnings will not always be appropriate and should only be attempted when it is safe to do so with relevant and appropriate staff present. Where the process has no effect or is inappropriate, and unacceptable behaviour continues, alternative action must be considered.
2. Written warning (Parent/guidance, agency, school may be informed).
3. Final written warning: The final written warning should: Explain the reasons why further sanctions are being considered (Including relevant information, dates and times of incidents); Explain that the behaviour demonstrated is unacceptable; Explain that appropriate sanctions will apply; Give details of the mechanism for seeking a review of the issue.
4. Expulsion: Complying with the school’s rules and regulations is a requirement for learners attending the school. Repeated unacceptable behaviour will result in expulsion from the college. In order for this to be implemented, there must be a majority decision made by a committee consisting of at least three members, which may include the Principal, DoS, one of the teachers and the Director, and a learner representative.

Damage

If there is any wilful damage, the school will charge the offender directly for repair or replacement depending on circumstance caused. The cost of damage may also be deducted from advanced course payments where applicable. This may lead to reduction in the study period.

Physical danger

Where there is actual, immediate or anticipated physical danger to anybody protected by the unacceptable behaviour policy, any member of staff should call ‘999’ immediately. Such action will also result in the immediate termination of learner/staff registration within the school.

All types of warnings will be noted down on the learners’ personal records and followed up.

Academic misconduct is dishonest, unacceptable and not allowed by YES. If you are discovered or suspected of academic misconduct, YES will investigate and this may result in disciplinary action being taken.

All applications are dealt with on a case by case basis. Applications are accepted via post, email, the school website or in person. All learners must complete an application form, which includes a medical form, and a writing test where appropriate.

Introduction

Yorkshire English School (YES) Procedures for Recording and Monitoring Students’ Attendance are intended to assist students to achieve their learning potential.  Regular attendance at classes and where applicable, examinations, is expected of all students.

All staff and students are made aware of the Attendance Policy and Procedures as part of their induction and student enrollment respectively. Students should be signposted to all the school’s policies on YES website.

Unauthorised Absences

According to YES Procedures for Recording and Monitoring Students’ Attendance, students must attend a minimum of 70% of their whole course of study.

• All cancellations must be made in writing.
• If a student cancels their course within the first two weeks after purchase, all fees will be refunded minus the administration fee, provided these two weeks do not fall within a fortnight of the student’s start date.
• Any cancellations made within two weeks of the start date, or after the student begins their course, will not be refunded.
• There will be no refund when holidays are taken by a learner in accordance with our rules.

Yorkshire English School recognises its responsibility for safeguarding and child protection.

PART 1

This policy has been developed in accordance with the principles established by the Children Act 1989, and in line with the following:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education” 2016
• “Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015”
• “Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families” 2000
• “What to do if you are worried a Child is being Abused” 2015
• Kirklees Safeguarding Children Board guidelines

Yorkshire English School welcomes all feedback from learners and members of staff. Informal and formal complaints are taken seriously and staff will follow standard school procedures when dealing with them. The school will make sure that all feedback and complaints received, are responded to.

All members of staff and learners using the computer facility agree to abide by the school policy. The school havemeasures to ensure that learners only access suitable material appropriate to the school environment.

Some learners may come across unsuitable material such as pop-up advertisements whilst using the school networked computers. The school cannot accept liability if these materials are accessed, nor any consequences resulting from the internet access. All learners, excluding those under 18 years of age, may have some unsupervised access to computers for independent research or study.

Yorkshire English School will take into account its economic, social and environmental impact in everything we do.

Yorkshire English School will:

● Monitor and look at ways of protecting the environment by minimising our pollution of land, air and water

● Keep our wastage to a minimum and dispose of any waste in a responsible manner

● Increase awareness among staff, learners, partners and suppliers of environmental issues and possible solutions

● Monitor our energy and water consumption in order to set realistic targets to manage their use

● Increase awareness among staff and learners of alternative methods of transportation to encourage the reduction of CO2 emissions

● Monitor staff, clients, partners and suppliers’ satisfaction with regular surveys to ensure we are meeting their expectations

● Include a range of people from different backgrounds and different points of view, without regard for gender, age, race, nationality, religion, disability or sexual orientation

Definitions

1. Personal data is information about a person which is identifiable as being about them. It can be stored electronically or on paper, and includes images and audio recordings as well as written information.
2. Data protection is about how we, as an organisation, ensure we protect the rights and privacy of people, and comply with the law, when collecting, storing, using, amending, sharing, destroying or deleting personal data.

All teachers are to apply for an enhanced DBS check before they start work, or as soon as is practical thereafter. Employing somebody without a completed enhanced DBS check, to work with children or vulnerable adults, is noted as a safeguarding risk. However, we take measures to minimise this risk by not allowing staff unsupervised access until the result of the enhanced DBS check has come through. In the case that we have not received the enhanced DBS disclosure before a candidate begins employment, they are instructed not to be unsupervised with any learner, under the age of 18, at any time.

Access for All

Yorkshire English School welcomes disabled people. Our Equal Opportunities Policy stipulates that all students have the same rights. Management is responsible for supporting disabled students and those with language support needs.

The school’s warm environment helps learners to be happy and to show respect to each other. All learners should follow the school rules which can be found displayed around the school walls and at the Administrator’s Office. No offences or distress to others ought to be caused within the school based on racial, sexual or religious differences. The school also does not accept abusive behaviour, such as: harassment, bullying, violence – threatened or actual or damage to personal property.

Regulations relating to the use of Display Screen Equipment

Yorkshire English School (YES) shall comply with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 and any guidance notes which accompany the regulations.

Statement of Intent

YES will take appropriate steps to reduce health risks associated with the use of Display Screen Equipment, by adopting a policy based upon care, support, assessment and education. YES has a legal obligation only to employees.  However, as a caring organisation, the Institution also acknowledges its responsibility to students.

YES recommends that learners travelling to the UK take out travel insurance. The policy should cover ‘flight delays, for any reason’. 

Our Cancellation and Postponement policies apply in all cases. 

In the event of flight delays or ‘force majeure’ and subsequent course cancellation or postponement, YES will not normally refund fees. However, given outstanding circumstances, where a cancellation can be seen to be directly as a result of ‘force majeure’, we will look at the individual circumstances and may issue a credit for the full amount of the course fees and assist with re-booking the course at a later date. In these circumstances, the school will not charge cancellation fees, although accommodation charges may still apply.

This policy sets out Yorkshire English School’s approach to Equal Opportunities and establishes guidelines for dealing with workplace discrimination. YES will commit to a comprehensive policy of Equal Opportunities in employment, in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant qualities and abilities and are given Equal Opportunities within the school. The aim of this policy is to ensure that no job applicant or employee should receive less favourable treatment on any grounds not relevant to good employment practice. The School is committed to a programme of action to make this policy fully effective.

YES will make sure that all students are treated fairly and equally.

The School will aim to provide an environment for students where there is no harassment, bullying or discrimination.

All students at Yorkshire English School are enrolled according to their language ability and there will be no discrimination based on a student’s race, gender, disability, colour, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

Yorkshire English School recognises its obligations to students, clients, staff and the communities in which it operates to observe and maintain the highest ethical standards. These standards are to be upheld in the day-to-day activities of all members of the Institution. They include and embrace the principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. In addition, helping students to acquire a sense of professional and personal ethics in their work is an important part of the educational process offered by Yorkshire English School. In particular:

This fire safety policy has been prepared by YES Welfare Officer, Yousuf Zubair, on behalf of The Director, as the Responsible Person for the premises known as Yorkshire English School at 32 John William Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1BG, to comply with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 [FSO].

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety from fire hazards of all relevant persons on, in, or in the vicinity of, the premises by effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of the preventive and protective measures.

Grievances can arise from a variety of sources and it is important for members of the School to recognise that many potential problems and difficulties can be better and more quickly resolved informally. Formal procedures are intended to be used for problems which are serious in themselves, or serious because they remain unresolved after informal steps have failed to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

The policy and procedures aim to ensure that:

• The procedures are known by all employees
• Any employee can raise grievances and issues in respect of their employment within the school
• Grievances are dealt with promptly and in a fair and supportive manner; as near as possible to the point of origin and with a fair appeal procedure available.

• Pass the final test (the pass mark is 65%)

• If you don’t pass the final test, you can still go to the next level if:

• You have only one or two below target marks in your latest continuous assessments (NB if both your speaking and writing are below target you will be asked to repeat the level)

• Your attendance is good (75%+)

• You have good marks in your other tests (65%+)

• Your assignments are mostly on target or above target.

Yorkshire English School understands that some learners wish to leave their course earlier than scheduled for a variety of reasons; for example, to join a university pre-sessional course or due to an emergency. The school aims to be flexible but also must manage resources and staffing levels.

We STRONGLY RECOMMEND that learners take out insurance prior to arrival.

Yorkshire English School understands that learners may need to take a break from their studies for emergency situations.

Periods of absence due to accident, sickness or other emergencies are non-refundable.

However, in certain circumstances, an extension to course dates may be applied for. Learners are strongly advised to take out insurance. A doctor’s note is required to confirm authorised absence.

This document outlines the Marketing Policies and Procedures for YES. It has been prepared to highlight key objectives and ensure consistency throughout all YES Marketing activity.

Statement:

To attract learners to study at YES and to communicate positive messages to both internal and external stakeholders in a coherent, innovative and effective way.

• Information produced about YES and the learning opportunities we offer will be fair and accurate; timely, current, transparent and focused on the needs of the intended audiences.
• Marketing and publicity information will be available and retrievable where intended audiences and information users can reasonably expect to find it; the format and delivery of information will take account of the access requirements of a diverse audience.

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Policy Overview

This Policy document guides Yorkshire English School (YES) in all matters relating to students’ academic progress monitoring and reporting, including procedures adopted and written documents involved in the process.  YES monitors students’ progress regularly throughout the programme.  The teachers are required to report their students’ progress to the Director of Studies at the end of each semester.

Yorkshire English School understands that learners may wish to move class or level for a number of reasons. For example if a class/level is too easy, too difficult or there is a preference for one site, preference for studying with friends.  

The School takes all cases on an individual basis. When classes are formed, wherever possible, consideration is given to the nationality mix, number of men and women and the relative strengths and weaknesses of individuals.

YES believes that the self-respect of all learners and staff should be valued at all times and that everyone should be polite and thoughtful towards others and the School environment. It is the individual’s responsibility to maintain a ‘free from bullying and harassment’ environment and they should consider the impact such negative behaviour may have on others.

All harassment or bullying will not be tolerated:

• Isolating someone
• Being looked at, touched or subject to any unwanted sexual harassment
• Sexual images being displayed
• Offensive or suggestive remarks (which may be in a language other than the victim’s own) including email, internet messaging, text or website messages.
• Abusive graffiti
• Public chastisement
• Jokes about gender, colour, ethnicity, sexuality or disability

Yorkshire English School provides timetabled classes and homework. The School expects all learners to attend all their classes in a timely manner.

The timetable is as follows for full-time courses:

Monday to Thursday: 09.30 to 11.00; 11.15 to 13.00; 13.45 to 15.00. Learners on 15 hour per week courses finish at 12.45.

All classes finish at 12.45 on Fridays.

(Ladies only classes start at 10.00 and finish 13.15)   

The School expects learners to attend every required lesson. In cases where a learner cannot attend for any reason we ask that the learner calls the School to explain why s/he cannot attend.

If a learner arrives more than 5 minutes late for a lesson they are marked as ‘late’ on the register. If a learner arrives 20 minutes or more late they will only be allowed into the class at the teacher’s discretion.

Courses start on any Monday, or on a Tuesday in the case of a public/bank holiday. The School expects learners to arrive on the day that they have booked a course to start, and if delayed, to contact the School with a new arrival date, at least one week in advance.

Student Visa

• All cancellations due to visa refusal must be made in writing or email, not face-to-face or over the phone.
• Cancellations made up to two weeks before the start date of their course will be fully refunded except the administration fee of £50. Bank charges are paid by the student.
• If the student cancels their course within two weeks of the start date or after they have started, their fees will not be refunded.
• There will be no refund when holidays are taken by a student in accordance with our rules.

Refunds are only given for the remaining course fees after the 2-week notice period if the school management considers the request to leave to be reasonable.

Non-Visa Students (EEC)

• Non-visa students can cancel any time, provided they give 2 weeks advance notice.

All monies are fully refunded, except the administration fee of £50 and the fees of the 2 weeks.

Severe weather conditions such as snow, flooding or extreme winds may cause problems for staff or learners when travelling to and from the School.

Policy for staff

It is expected that all staff will make reasonable efforts to get to the School, taking into consideration alternative modes of transport and making time allowances. It is also important that personal safety is considered when making decisions.

YES wants all learners to enjoy their time here in the UK and to learn about British culture. To facilitate this weekday and weekend excursions/activities are organised. This helps learners to engage with each other, practice the English they have learned, see places of interest and do interesting things. Some activities may be fully/ partly funded by the School, depending on the circumstances and study programme the learner is attending. YES also include trips throughout the year which are free. Places on trips may be limited depending on the destination and the number of staff required.

Yorkshire English School understands that long-term learners may wish to take a break from their course, for example, to visit family.

WHEN CAN I TAKE A HOLIDAY?

The School closes for: two weeks at Christmas – one week at Easter – one day for Eid – plus all Bank Holidays. Learners may want to take extra holidays during their studies. Holidays that have been agreed in advance will not be charged. If a holiday request is accepted, you will be issued with a letter from the School.

In order to maintain harmony between the wishes of long-term and short-term learners, the School’s programme of study attempts to satisfy both strands through: the individual level syllabi, classroom teaching,  learning materials and the culture within the School.

Yorkshire English School wants all learners to make progress while studying and also be challenged by the academic rigour of the course, through appropriate content and good teaching.

Procedure for maintaining learner satisfaction and progress

Before arrival:

• send the learner information about life and studying in the UK and in Huddersfield
• ask the learner to complete and return to us a language test if the application form test has not been completed
• ask the learner to send any evidence of their English language level (for example an existing IELTS score)
• ask the learner  for information on any learning difficulties or other reasons that may inhibit their studies (medical form sent)

Special educational needs and disabilities are accessed differently in other countries so the School may enrol a student without knowing about relevant support needs. It is therefore important for a learner to make YES aware of any such needs in their application.

The School treats all declared special needs on a case by case basis, involving discussions between the Management Team and the Director. The School reserves the right to assess the needs of each learner and make a judgement about the ability of the School to meet those needs.

Yorkshire English School encourages learners to use the IT facilities in the School and to print educational materials for study use. Within reason the School allows limited printing and copying of personal documents. A small fee may be charged to learners who are seen to be printing or copying large amounts of non-educational documents.

Unsatisfactory progress or engagement is usually identified when a learner has not submitted homework or engaged in scheduled School activities.

The School will monitor attendance in line with current Home Office guidance to identify learners who are failing to attend or adequately engage with their studies. Attendance will be monitored using the School registers.  A learner who is failing to adequately engage with their studies, or who has a pattern of consecutive absences, will receive warning(s) and then a final warning. It is expected that concerns about progress or engagement, including absences, will be addressed promptly, and in the case of 10 points of consecutive absence (where fitness to study issues are not involved) learners should be referred to this Code of Good Practice and referred to the Principal.

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 are designed to provide employees, and other persons such as agency temps, with a procedure to disclose genuine concerns, which seem to involve unlawful conduct or financial malpractice, and to protect them from victimisation when making disclosures. This is why such disclosures are known as ‘protected disclosures’. The disclosure of wrongdoings within an organisation is commonly known as ‘whistle-blowing’

• We recognise that children cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where staff fail to do so.
• All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns about the attitude or actions of colleagues and appropriate advice will be sought from the  Safeguarding Team where necessary.