Parents

Here at Kidderminster College, we see parents, guardians, and carers as our partners in fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

We understand that you play a crucial role in shaping your young person's educational journey. Together, we can work towards ensuring their success, empowering them to thrive academically and achieve their aspirations.

Why choose Kidderminster College?

Our top-tier facilities, experienced educators, strong industry connections, and student support teams set us apart as the ideal choice for your young person's next educational journey.

We actively encourage our students to embrace their newfound independence during their time with us. College life is all about embracing fresh experiences, forging new friendships, and taking the initial steps into the real world. We hold our students to high standards, expecting them to attend classes, be on time, work hard, and strive for excellence.

Staying in Touch

We recognise the importance of striking a healthy balance, and we are committed to keeping you informed and updated on your young person's progress and any concerns that may arise. If you ever have your own concerns or questions, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

How does Kidderminster College know if children/young people need extra help, and what should I do if I think my child/young person may have special educational needs (SEN)?

Learner needs are usually highlighted by feeder schools
A member of the appropriate support team will attend school reviews for SEN learners
On the Kidderminster College application form, learners are encouraged to disclose any disabilities or barriers to learning they may have
Tutors can refer learners to our Learning Support Team if they feel additional support may be required for a learner to reach their full potential
Parents and/or learners may self-refer at any time to the Learning Support Team.

How can my child attend Kidderminster College?

If you would like your child/young person to attend Kidderminster College, you should discuss this with their current school or alternatively you may contact your local authority SEN department or equivalent. They will then advise you on what steps should be taken.

How will my child be supported?

The transition into college for your child/young person can start in their last academic year at school. This could be either year 11 or year 13.

For those young people who require a more focused transition (e.g. young people with more complex medical needs), arrangements are made with their current school for Kidderminster College staff to link with school staff to gather additional supporting information on both the academic and support needs of the young person.

There may be a number of agencies involved in this transition including key workers, Social Care and more. This may involve a multi-disciplinary meeting which enables all those who are/will be involved in the future placement to meet and discuss how best to make the transition as smooth as possible.

How will I be able to raise my concerns?

Parents/carers are encouraged to talk to the tutors or the Learning Support Team about any concerns they may have about the progress and potential barriers to learning that our learners may experience at any point in the interview or during the programme.
Phone calls or meetings can be requested at any point of the year.

How will my child travel to college?

Your child/young person may have had transport provided by the local authority to attend school. This can depend on the distance from home and whether or not the young person can travel independently.

If there is a need for this transport arrangement to continue parents will need to liaise with the Local Authority Education Transport department to make a new application.

For learners who have the potential to travel independently, travel training may be provided by their current school or college staff during their transition. College staff can continue with this training once the learner has started attending Kidderminster College if necessary.

Travel and Transport

How will I know my child is making progress?

Teaching staff review progress that the learners make on a regular basis and communicate information to parents/carers through a variety of means. Teaching staff set targets which are incorporated into the delivery of lessons. If teachers have any concerns about the progress a learner is making, they will identify the main barriers to learning and put appropriate strategies in place.

The Learning Support Team carries out termly reviews with learners who are supported. As a college, we recognise the contribution that parents and families can make to improve the progress of students; as a result, parents are asked to attend this review.

Parents/carers are welcome to come onto campus to discuss their young person’s progress at any point in the academic year.