Student Disciplinary Policy

Introduction

Aim

The aim of this policy is to ensure that all students are safe in their learning and receive the support that they need to achieve their goals. We expect students to follow the College’s values and have respect and consideration for other people and for College property.

The aim of the Student Disciplinary Procedure policy is to encourage good behaviour and resolve any concerns quickly and fairly.

Scope

This policy applies to all students at the College whether full or part time and those undertaking work placements, traineeships, internships and apprenticeships. The policy covers all student suspensions, withdrawals and expulsions.

Who can help students?

Students should speak to their personal tutor or any other staff if they are unsure what this policy means for them as a student.

College Rules

To come to College, you must follow the College rules. These are:

  • Go to sessions on time

  • Do what is on your timetable

  • Be nice to staff, friends and visitors. This is called respect.

  • Listen to others

  • Help others when you can

There are some areas that we would always see as not fitting with the aims and ethos of the College and would be considered as disciplinary matters to be raised with the students where appropriate.

These include but are not restricted to:

  • Not working hard and engaging in your programme and work sessions

Also, acts of misconduct/serious misconduct such as:

  • Violent or threatening language or behaviour

  • Racial, religious or sexual harassment

  • Stealing property

  • Having illegal drugs, weapons or gambling

  • Bringing alcohol into or being drunk in college

  • Damaging college or others’ property

  • Breaching the College’s IT Acceptable Use Policy.

  • Any behaviour which would cause danger or offence to students, staff or those who we work with in the community

In cases where a criminal offence has been committed or is suspected to have been committed, the College will always involve the Police.

Protecting the Rights of everyone involved

  • Students agree to follow the College rules

  • Student behavioural plans will be taken into account

  • All allegations of wrongdoing will be investigated without prejudice

  • Disciplinary measures are based on evidence, not gossip

  • Everyone will have their opportunity to put their point of view and listen to others

  • Records of meetings will be kept

  • Exclusion may be used dependant on circumstance but does not imply guilt or a final judgement

  • Students will be offered the opportunity to be accompanied at formal stages of the disciplinary process by a parent / carer / advocate

  • Parents / carers of students under 18 must be made aware of and invited to formal stages of the disciplinary process

  • Students have the right to appeal

Disciplinary Stages

Investigation

When made aware of a disciplinary allegation a College manager will initially investigate. (Behaviour plans must be considered first as actions may not be intentional.)

This investigation does not imply guilt, it is to establish facts. The initial investigation will include a meeting to speak to the student, any other students or staff involved or who witnessed the incident and reviewing any paperwork and event logs. The student will be invited to attend a meeting.

Following an investigation, the Head of Curriculum and Quality will invite the student to attend a disciplinary hearing. The Head of Curriculum and Quality will then identify what action to take.

The severity of the activity or activities will identify the level of disciplinary.

1st Stage Warning

  • If the student is 18 or older they should be asked if they want parents / carers to be made aware.

  • The student’s Social Worker may be made aware if applicable.

  • Attendees: Student, senior manager and staff.

2nd Stage Warning

  • If the student is 18 or older they should be asked if they want parents / carers to be made aware.

  • The student’s Social Worker may be made aware if applicable.

  • Attendees: Student, senior manager and staff.

  • A disciplinary action plan will be created with the student and overseen by a named College Manager.

  • The action plan will state the review dates and be signed by the student, that they agree to the action plan.

Final Warning

  • If the student is 18 or older they should be asked if they want parents / carers to be made aware.

  • The student’s Social Worker may be made aware if applicable.

  • Attendees: Student, senior manager and staff.

  • A disciplinary action plan will be created with the student and overseen by a named College Manager.

  • The action plan will state the review dates and be signed by the student, that they agree to the action plan.

Exclusion

Exclusion would be only be considered if there were concerns for the welfare of the student or others at the College and / or on the advice of external agencies or where there were significant concerns for College’s or others property. In no circumstances should a student be removed from College premises during the College day except into the care of parents / carers or as agreed with the parents / carers in advance.

If a student is investigated and found to have committed serious misconduct that a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) considers suspension to be appropriate, then a member of SMT may exclude the student for up to and including six college days. Upon the students return, an agreed action plan will be created with the student.

Permanent Expulsion

For the most serious safeguarding concerns about the student’s behaviour towards other people or college property, the Head of Curriculum and Quality will decide that there is no other option than to permanently exclude the student. This decision would be taken after seeking advice from external agencies and where no suitable strategies could be put in place to safeguard others and property.

If a student’s behaviour had not improved or had worsened after the final written warning the College would decide to permanently exclude the student. This decision would be taken after seeking advice from external agencies.

Appeals

All stages of disciplinary process will have the right of appeal. The grounds for appeal are as follows:

  • Procedure: The College did not follow the latest student disciplinary procedure.

  • Evidence: The College did not take into account all the relevant information available.

Appeals must be in writing and addressed to the Principal within ten working days of receiving an outcome letter.

If a student needs assistance in either a disciplinary process or to make an appeal, they a mentor will be appointed from within the Homefield team. Letters / correspondence relating to this process should be available in a variety of formats and staff must ensure that any student going through the process has appropriate explanations to ensure that they are not disadvantaged.

Review / Amendment

The organisation reserves the right to review this policy and procedure at any time if deemed necessary and to amend it accordingly. Any changes will be notified to all staff and updates uploaded to SharePoint and the College’s website.

Date: October 2019
Person Responsible: Head of Curriculum & Quality