Frequently Asked Questions

We hope that these webpages include information that parents will find useful and beneficial to ensure that your child/ward has a smooth transition to College.

Below we have answered some of the most common questions, but please do get in touch at studentcentral@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk if you have any further enquiries.

• How do I get to the College?

  Directions can be found here www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/students/information-for-prospective-students/travelling-to-college.

• Can I take my child on holidays during term-time?

  We are sorry, but we cannot authorise holidays in term-time.

• What are the term dates?

  You can find all out term dates by visiting www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/students/information-for-current-students/term-dates.

• My child/ward is absent due to illness, who do I need to contact?

  The College utilise an online absence recording system, where your child/ward can complete a form which notifies the College or their absence. As we want your child/ward to take responsibility for their studies, they will be able to notify their own absence. When the College receives a notified absence, you will receive a direct email from the College informing you of your child/ward’s absence, requesting you to respond to confirm. You can also contact the below numbers.

  • Castleford College students - 01924 789130
  • Selby College students - 01757 211000
  • Wakefield College - 01924 789548

• What do I do if i need to contact my child/ward in an emergency?

  You should have received information about how to access the parent Progress Portal, and this will give you access to your child/ward’s timetable so that you can see when they are free. If you need to contact your child/ward whilst they are in lesson, you can do this by calling our switchboard on 01924 789789.

• Does my child/ward require a student ID card?

  Your child/ward will be issued with a student ID card at enrolment and they are expected to wear it visibly at all times when on College premises and using College facilities. This ensures that we can provide a safe, secure and welcoming environment in which to study. Please support us by encouraging your child/ward to bring their card with them every day. If a student attends College without their ID they will be issued a new ID, and their old ID will be deactivated. Students will have the chance to have three new IDs issued before a £5 fee will be charged for a new ID.

• How does College look after students in terms of safeguarding?

  The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group recognisesits moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promotethewelfare of students. We work to provide a safe and welcoming environment where students are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure our students receive effective support, protectionand justice.The safeguarding team can be contacted on safeguarding@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk.

• How do I find out my child/ward’s student group leader?

  This information is in the Parents’ Handbook.

• When is parents’ evening?

  Parents evening will take place in March and you will be notified of the specific dates.

• When will I get a report on my child/ward’s progress?

  Reports are issued in advance of Parents’ Evenings. You can view up-to-date progress information through the Progress Portal.

• How do I access the progress portal?

  Access the Progress Portal here to view attendance, timetables and more. You will need your username and password sent to you separately in a letter.

• My child/ward is unsure what they’d like to do after they finish their course?

  All students get support from their course tutors and Student Group Leader. We also have a careers department and students can make an appointment through Student Central (2nd floor in Harrison Building, Wakefield College or CX118 at Castleford College) or within the library at Selby College. You can also contact them on 01924 789113 or careers@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk.

• What Additional Learning Support do you provide?

  If your child/ward has additional learning needs, our specialist team will be able to provide them with the support, access and learning resources they need throughout their time at College. We can also provide specialist equipment if your child/ward has a physical disability, visual or hearing impairment. You can read more here www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/students/information-for-prospective-students/enrolments.

• How do I make a complaint?

  You can find out about the process and also submit a complaint to the College by going here www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/contact-us/complaints-procedure.

• Can my child/ward receive any financial help whilst at College?

  For some students aged 16-18 from households with a gross income of less than £30,000 per annum, your child/ward will be eligible for a Bursary, which means they will be able to travel to College free of charge.

  The Bursary also provides assistance with meals, necessary equipment and trips. For more details of the College Bursary, please contact financialsupport@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk

• Can my child/ward complete their homework in College?

  The College libraries are open at 8.30am daily and students can then use our facilities including computers. Students can pre-book a computer if needed.

• Can my child/ward receive extra support with their Maths and English study?

  If your child/ward does not achieve a Grade 4 or above in both GCSE Maths and English Language they will continue to study these qualifications as part of their course and will be clearly identified on their timetable.

  This is a mandatory requirement of their study programme and cannot be opted out of.

  Many university courses and careers require a GCSE pass in both Maths and English and failure to achieve these qualifications may restrict your child/ward's career options.

• What is a study programme?

  Study Programmes are made up of a number of elements of equal importance. Your son/daughter’s Study Programme will only contain the elements that are right for them. The time at College is crucial in helping them develop as a whole person, ready for their next step into employment or further study. For that reason, we ask for parents’ help and support in ensuring that students understand the importance of all elements of their Study Programme. The elements may include: specialist subject area, group tutorial, individual tutorial, maths, English, Employability & Enterprise, PEEP, HEAT, organised study and work experience.

• What is GOALS?

  This is a timetabled one hour per week lesson delivered by a member of the pastoral tutor team and focusses on developing the independence, communications and skills of young people which will enable achievement of personal goals and help prepare them for their next steps, supporting their personal choices and preparing them for adult life helping to ensure they are responsible, respectful and active citizens who contribute and flourish within society whilst building their resilience, confidence and independence in preparation for future success. This is a mandatory requirement of their study programme and cannot be opted out of.

• What enrichment activity can my child/ward take part in?

  Students are able to access a number of enrichment activities whilst studying at the College and details of these can be found on the Moodle calendar. We offer a wide variety of Sports and physical activity sessions as well as a cooking club and arts and crafts club that students are able to join.

  In addition to weekly sessions, we also offer social trips to places such as Alton Towers as this gives students the opportunity to make new friends across College.