Additional Information

The College’s Child Protection and Safeguarding policies are based on the government’s ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ statutory guidance document. These policies are available for parents to download.

The College’s Lead Designated Safeguarding Officer is Debbie Finch (dfinch@itchen.ac.uk) who is based in the Student Support office. Her deputy is Mike Jones (mjones@itchen.ac.uk). In addition every faculty has a dedicated DSL, so it is very easy for a student to seek support. The best way for a student or a parent to raise a concern is to speak with any member of staff, who will immediately pass the issue to the Lead DSL or another DSL. Alternatively, if talking about an issue is problematic for any reason, the email address safeguarding@itchen.ac.uk can be used.

The College uses the CPOMS electronic reporting system which means that safeguarding notes from a student’s previous school or college can be shared securely and effectively so that appropriate support can be offered as soon as the student starts at Itchen.

Itchen has a long and proud tradition of providing high-quality guidance and support for students, prior to and at entry, throughout the student’s programme of study and during progression. All staff have a commitment to provide students with the support that they need to ensure success, whether that be additional learning or study support, ‘next step’ guidance, financial support or some other issue.

The College employs two Student Support Officers who are on hand during the day to ensure the safety of all students and staff. All students must wear and display their College ID lanyards at all times when they are in College or on College buses. This helps us to keep students safe by enabling us to identify unauthorised visitors who should not be on the College campus.

We discourage smoking and vaping and offer specialist support to students who would like to stop.  For those who do smoke or vape, there is a designated smoking area in the front of the College, near to the bus stops. Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere else on site.

The College takes a strong line on the use or possession of illegal substances. Normally parents and the police will be involved and the student may be asked to leave College. Illegal substance use in or near the College may result in permanent exclusion from College.

Most computers in the College have open and free access to the internet and email. All students are given an IT account at enrolment and they are encouraged to make use of these facilities. You should be aware that internet/email use on both College machines and the Eduroam wifi is monitored and we expect students to use these facilities responsibly.

Any misuse will result in the student’s account being disabled; if the offence warrants further action we will inform you. Internet/email abuse may result in permanent exclusion from College.

You may wish to contact a member of staff by email. In most cases we will respond by email as we find this to be a quick and efficient mode of communication. Please make sure that your email address is up-to-date on our records.

All students are expected to have their mobile phone switched off in lessons, tutorials, lectures and talks unless specifically asked to use the phone as part of the learning activity. The safety of their phone is the responsibility of the student and the College cannot be held responsible for loss or damage. Mobile phones are not permitted in examinations.

We encourage students to get a part-time job for a variety of reasons. However, we would stress that part-time jobs should not be arranged during the College day and should not interfere with College work. Studies have shown that students working long hours on part-time jobs do not achieve good results in examinations.

Work experience placements can also sometimes lead to more permanent opportunities for paid employment.