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LIFELONG PARTNERS: SCOTLAND'S SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS OF A LIFELONG LEARNING SOCIETY A Guide for Schools, Colleges and Local Authorities

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ANNEX C

CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE PUPILS BELOW S5 COULD EXCEPTIONALLY ATTEND COLLEGE FULL-TIME

1. There are a number of reasons why a pupil could exceptionally be in full-time attendance at a college.

2. College courses may deliver an alternative curriculum for those pupils who have become disaffected with their education and are on the verge of exclusion. These programmes can offer a lifeline to pupils who have switched off from their school courses and may be proving disruptive, be involved in truanting from school or becoming established as a non-participator.

3. This can also be because:

  • pupils are experiencing bullying to a degree where their attendance at school is poor and they are on the verge of either self-exclusion or exclusion by the school. In these cases colleges can help by discussing the issues with all parties involved and, if appropriate, prepare a full-time timetable for the pupil.
  • pupils are in secure accommodation and in preparation for their release social work staff may negotiate with a college for the pupil to attend college. This usually occurs if serious difficulties are expected to arise for pupils who would otherwise be going back to a local secondary school where their offences are known.
  • in extreme cases there may be a situation where a pupil has been subject to sexual attack. To help support pupils, colleges may be best placed to plan and manage full time provision for pupils and provide additional support.

4. Colleges who enrol students on this basis will require the agreement of the pupil, school headteacher, parent or carer, the local authority and other agencies involved in the welfare of the pupil. Other agencies involved in providing information on pupils will include educational psychology services and social work services. It is important that all involved in the welfare and support of the pupil work closely together and share information to assist in the delivery of a quality learning experience for them.

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Page updated: Thursday, May 12, 2005