Guide for Parents

North Notts College encourages all parents, guardians and carers to get involved in the learning experience of their son or daughter.

You’re welcome to visit us at any time to find out what happens in College. You’re also invited to Open Days, Parents Evenings and will be sent copies of all of your son or daughter’s reviews so that you can keep in touch with their progress.

In addition to offering a wide range of academic and vocational courses, the college provides:

• An enrolment and admissions system, in which we will provide information and guidance to ensure that they are on the right track and assistance if their choice of course isn’t right. We also have staff available who will help if they’re not sure which course to choose.
• An Induction in the first weeks to help them get to know the College and other students and make sure that they get all their questions answered. All students are given a Handbook that includes lots of interesting information about all aspects of College.
• A range of central services to help them reach their potential, including: guidance and counselling; learning support; learning resources; financial support (including assistance with childcare) and help with travel. All these Services are just a phone call away (01909 504500)
• A personal tutor to give academic and personal support, who will help students plan their learning and review their progress on a regular basis. These are very important people to get to know, and if you wish, will be in touch with you on a regular basis regarding your son or daughter’s progress.
• High quality teaching, training, resources and facilities. We also provide a range of additional opportunities to add to student’s skills and experience such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. We are proud of our continuing high success rates and know that with your help these can continue to improve.

And finally we provide help to enable students to get onto further courses, Higher Education, jobs or training when they have successfully completed their course.

Some young people need more help than others to settle into College life. Here are a few hints to help you help your son or daughter in making the most of this new and exciting experience.

1. Help your son or daughter with their time management. The change to a less regimented schedule is sometimes hard to handle. You could ask if they’re keeping their notes up to date and getting their assignments in on time.
2. Give them space to study. The College has a Learning Resources Centre where students can use the computers and books, but a quiet place at home is also good.
3. Take an interest in their progress and attend Parents Evenings. Sometimes they may not make it obvious, but most young people are pleased when adults take an interest.
4. Make sure that part time work doesn’t interfere with their College studies.
5. Encourage your son or daughter to ask for help if the need arises. We have a range of help available but asking for help often feels like failure.
6. If your son or daughter feels they are on the wrong course, contact us to discuss alternatives.
7. Listen to your son or daughter when they are talking about College. If you have any worries about them, contact Student Services who will be happy to help.