Early Transfer to College School Information Pack REF ETJAN09SIP

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1 1. Early Transfer to College Overview 2. Early Transfer to College Suitability 3. Early Transfer to College Process 4. Frequently Asked Questions 5. Paperwork 6. Contact Information 7. Jargon Buster 1. Early Transfer to College Overview Plumpton, South Coast (Hastings) and Sussex Downs College consider applications for Early Transfers to College for learners in Key Stage 4. The standard cost for an Early Transfer to College is excluding Additional Learning Support costs and any fees for materials, uniform etc, that are required to participate in the course. If a learner is put forward, the school must be willing to cover the whole cost. For this cost, Early Transfers to College will provide up to 18 hours per week (3 days per week) provision, depending on the course. Schools need to provide additional timetabled activities to meet the statutory requirement of 25 hours provision per week. This could include work experience, school curriculum, further courses and enrichment activities at College or programmes from the Alternative Education Directory. Early Transfer learners remain on the School roll: Schools are ultimately responsible for learners educational outcomes for learners until they are School leavers at the end of year Early Transfer to College Suitability Early Transfers to College should only be considered after other options have been explored. These options include: Short courses at the chosen College Routeways and/ or Increased Flexibility Programmes Alternative Education Provision (from the Alternative Education Directory) /exclusions/alternativeeducation Work Experience in the chosen vocational field. Other options including diplomas and apprenticeships For advice and guidance on these options please contact the Alternative Education Co-orindator (contact details in section 6).

2 When these options have been explored and the learner has chosen a vocational area they are committed to, it is then possible to begin enquires for an Early Transfer to College. Before doing so it is highly advisable that Schools considering the following: Has the learner received information, advice and guidance on the chosen vocational area? If so, are they committed to it? How will the learner cope in an adult environment working alongside older peers and unsupervised during break times? Will the learner be able to adapt to College systems, services, facilities, rules, regulations and expectations? Is the learner self-motivated to attend classes without constant supervision? Is the school willing to fund an Early Transfer to College for this learner? Will the learner be able to travel independently to the College course? If not, what support would be needed? Has the school considered alternative options if the Early Transfer to College application is unsuccessful? 3. Early Transfer to College Process 1. Initial enquires Schools to call the Key Contact at College regarding the availability and details of courses (see Section 6 for contact details). Colleges signpost School to Alternative Education Co-ordinator (AEC) if they want to proceed with the application. AEC to post appropriate forms and guidance notes. [Note: Parents who call the College directly will be signposted back to Schools. Applications cannot be made directly]. 2. Application Schools to fill out Early Transfer Enquiry form (REF ET09-10EF) and return with attachments to the AEC. Once the form has been checked (and attachments and information is complete) this pack of information is sent to the College Key Contact 3. College Consider case College acknowledges receipt of the Early Transfer Enquiry form with the School within 2 weeks of receipt of the form

3 Depending on the course commencement date there may be a waiting period before moving onto the interview stage. It is important at this stage for the School to consider making alternative plans for the learner if the application is unsuccessful. 4. Invitation to interview and Basic Skills assessment A basic skills test and interview is set up. Within 1 week of these taking place the College will confirm the status of the Early Transfer to College application. If the learner has been successful they will provide a breakdown of any additional support costs for the school. 5. Enrollment/ Sign Agreement A meeting is set up to arrange enrollment and sign the Early Transfer to College Agreement (REF ET09-10CA). Invited attendees for this meeting will be: Learner and Parent/ Guardian College Key Contact /Course Tutor Alternative Education Co-ordinator Any other relevant services/ agencies The College enrolment form is also filled in at this point. The learner will be able to familiarise themselves with the College and course. They will also be given details of the rules of the College and standards of behaviour. Following this meeting, the AEC will liaise with the School to complete the Early Transfer to College Agreement. The AEC will then keep and disseminate copies for future reference. 6. Provision Commences The course now commences: the College Tutor will liaise with Parents/ Carers regarding first day arrangements and the learner s timetable. A copy of the finalized timetable will also be sent to the School Key Contact and the Alternative Education Co-ordinator 6. Monitoring and Tracking The School Key Contact will liaise with the College regarding the learner s attendance and attainment. They will also be required to visit the learner on a termly basis (3 terms per year) to review progress and discuss any emerging issues. This is also an opportunity to discuss plans for the September Guarantee.

4 4. Frequently Asked Questions Applications process: Are there any courses that are unsuitable for Early Transfers to College? Level 2 courses are usually unsuitable and Child care courses are not available for pre-16 learners. The GCSE plus course (Sussex Downs College) is not available for Early Transfer to College learners. Are there any mechanisms for supporting unsuccessful applicants? Yes: The AEC will keep a copy of the learners enquiry form and contact details before sending it to the College for consideration. If the Early Transfer to College is unsuccessful the AEC will support the School and learner to look at other Alternative Provision from the Alternative Education Directory. Funding: What is the basic cost of an Early Transfer to College and what does it cover? The basic cost of an Early Transfer is excluding any Additional Learning Support (ALS) costs. The basic cost of the Early Transfer covers; the application and interview process, assessments, and induction. In addition to the course content and examination costs the learner will receive pastoral support from an allocated member of College staff. The basic cost of an Early Transfer to College does not cover Connexions support or ALS costs, or any fees for materials, uniforms etc. that may be required for participation in the course. How are Additional Learning Support (ALS) costs calculated? Learners may require additional ALS for specific learning needs or to meet a statement of Special Educational Needs. The College will calculate the cost of any support that is payable by the School and this cost is not negotiable. ALS is chargeable because Colleges are not able to attract ALS funding for for learners who are under 16 years of age. Can a school contribute staff/ resources instead of/ as well as additional support costs? Due to health and safety, insurance and funding considerations this is not encouraged although it is considered on an individual basis. If the College cannot provide the ALS from College resources, an Early Transfer to College may not be able to meet the young persons needs.

5 What happens with funding if a placement breaks down quickly? This is negotiable depending on the circumstances. There is no trial period; for Early Transfers to College however if a placement breaks down quickly, the School will be charged on a pro-rata (termly) basis. Administration: How are learner s attendance and attainment records for College shared with schools? Colleges provide regular attendance and attainment updates to the Schools allocated Key Contact. It is recommended that information is sent on a weekly basis so issues can be quickly resolved. Exact arrangements for this are made directly between the School and College on an individual basis. Are learners dual registered with the College? No: Early Transfers to College are subcontracted provision and learners remains on a School roll until they are school leavers at the end of year 11. General: How may learners access Early Transfers to College each year? Early Transfers to College are rare and should only be considered in exceptional circumstances. On average, less than 20 learners in Key Stage 4 will access Early Transfers to College across East Sussex per year. 1 The success rates of apparitions to College for Early Transfers vary and depend on the suitability of the course and College life when considering the individual needs of the learner. Does the College sort out Early Transfer September Guarantees? No: This continues to be the responsibility of the School. Early Transfer Learners must be given access to information, advice and guidance from services including Connexions. Is there additional support for transport? An Early Transfer is treated in the same way as school provision. Learners must therefore travel to College in the same way as they would travel to School or other provision. 1 Based on figures for Plumpton College, Sussex Coast College (Hastings) and Sussex Downs College.

6 5. Paperwork: The following paperwork can be found on Czone. Alternatively, please contact the Alternative Education Co-ordinator (see contact details in section 6). /exclusions/alternativeeducation () Early Transfer to College Enquiry Form (REF ET09-10EF) Early Transfer to College Agreement (REF ET09-10CA) 6. Contact information For further information and advice on Early Transfers and Alternative Education Provision please contact Anna Jones, Alternative Education Coordinator for Reintegration and Behaviour Support Services on For an up to date copy of the Alternative Education Directory please contact Laura Tafa, KS4 Engagement Programme Co-ordinator for the Connexions and team on College Key Contact Contact number: Plumpton College: Ivylands Farm Angie Williams South Coast College: Hastings Ann Tomlin Sussex Downs College: Eastbourne Lewes Maria Burridge Gillian Sim

7 7. Jargon Buster AEC Alternative Education Co-ordinator CAF Common Assessment Framework EWS Education Welfare Service IAG Information, Advice and Guidance ILP Individual Learning Plan PEP Personal Education Plan PSP Pastoral Support Plan SIMs School Information management System