How Your Child is Supported

Tutors

All students have a personal tutor that they will see on a weekly basis, allowing them to build a relationship during their time at the College. At the weekly tutorial the tutor will support them with presentations and workshops.  It is the role of the tutor to help your child settle into College life, to achieve their academic potential and help them to plan for their future.

Health & Wellbeing

Each campus has its own dedicated Health & Wellbeing team on hand to listen and help your child with any issues they might face. The teams on campus offer information, advice and guidance and can put your child in touch with specialist help if needed. We’re also on hand if they just want to talk to someone in quiet surroundings. We also have qualified nurses on-site to offer medical advice. Our Health & Wellbeing teams are on hand to support your child in many different situations, such as –

• Welfare issues
• Physical issues
• Mental health concerns
• Bereavement
• Sexual health
• Safeguarding and protection
• Finance support and travel
• Housing
• Caring for someone
• Domestic/guardian arrangements
• Drug & alcohol misuse
• First aid
• Fitness to study
• Bullying.

Careers

Your child’s career aspirations are very important to us and we’re on hand to support them from their first days at College, throughout their time with us and then beyond completion of their qualifications. All students receive their own personalised support including one to one guidance, events and initiatives. Whichever campus your child is learning at, they will receive a consistent, first class service from the Careers team.

Potential Costs Incurred at College/Financial Support

During the time your child is at College, there may be some expenditure necessary. Students are expected to pay for –

• essential textbooks required for their course (students in receipt of the College’s Financial Assistance Scheme may be able to claim refunds on some essential books purchased)
• any non-essential trips (Educational day and residential visits that are essential to the course will be funded by the College)
• stationery.

HSDC may be able to offer further financial support with the Financial Assistance Schemes (Full and Part Time), Discretionary Financial Assistance Scheme, Disabled Students’ Allowance, 16-19 Vulnerable Bursary, Free Student Meals, Travel Assistance, Financial Support with Childcare Costs and the Advanced Learner Loan.

Travel Support

The College offers a range of support and guidance with travel support, including help with travel routes, timetables and passes.

Bullying

We are committed to ensuring every student feels safe and cared for within College. Our Back on Track Policy is available to download in our Policies section. Parents should report any incidents of bullying to any member of staff.

Learning Support

The College offers a wide range of additional support for learning –

• regular one to one help for a wide variety of specific learning needs
• support in some lessons for physical support needs
• drop-in area for students to visit at a convenient time during the College day.

Beyond College Support

The College is here to support your child in preparing for their next steps beyond HSDC, whether that be an apprenticeship, employment or higher education. HSDC can help with –

• CV writing
• Applying to university
• ‘Applying to Competitive Courses Programme’ for those wishing to apply to Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group universities
• Funding
• UCAS
• Careers advice
• Annual careers fair.

As a parent, you can learn more about the UCAS process by trying the UCAS widget.