Parent FAQ’s

Read our Parents FAQ for information on what to expect from the College, what happens when your child starts College and the support we offer.

We hope you will find the answers to most of your questions below and throughout our website and prospectuses, however, if you need any more advice, you can contact us on: 0800 028 0289

Who can I contact at the College?

If you have any questions during your child’s journey with the College, you can contact us on: 0800 028 0289. Our team are happy to help with enquiries on everything from open evening dates, to applications, interviews and beyond.

When is the next Information Evening?

We hold Information Evenings throughout the year. Dates are listed online and are also published in the full-time prospectus.

Do you offer Additional Learning Support?

Yes. Our Inclusion and Support services were rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted. Specialist staff provide support for students of all abilities and needs. If you have any concerns, you can contact the Inclusion team even before your child applies to College.

What happens once College starts?

When Students start College they receive a Student Handbook, which states what the College expects of every student, including;

100 per cent attendance unless students have a valid reason for not attending eg – sickness
Being on time for classes
Behaving in a responsible manner towards staff, other students and College visitors
Meeting assignment deadlines on time
The first few days will be the college induction, this gives new students the opportunity to meet other students in their groups, meet both teaching and support staff, as well as receiving their timetables.

What can your child expect from the College?

An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) to set targets and help them to achieve their highest potential
Receive a personalised study programme, which includes maths and English if they do not have a Grade A*/9 – C/4 by age 16, their Academic/Technical qualification, work experience and employability skills
Regular reviews to provide construction feedback to help your child meet their targets
Support from experienced and qualified DCG tutors and support staff
The opportunity to experience a variety of ways of learning
Access to appropriate, state of the art learning resources
Relevant support for students with learning difficulties or disabilities
A welcoming safe learning environment
An opportunity to develop and improve their personal skills and gain skills that will help them move onto the next step of their career
To be treated with respect and according to our Equality and Diversity policy
Access to Moodle which provides DCG with an easy and comprehensive way to interact, and share resources, with students outside of the classroom

How does my child apply for a course?

Have a read of our step-by-step guide to applying

Why should my child choose Derby College Group?

Our fantastic range of student facilities is the envy of the region and we are investing heavily in new amenities to ensure the Student experience is even more rewarding and enjoyable.
Your child will have access to a wide range of resources and support to help them to achieve and progress, for example, a Student Experience and Progression Coach, Student Service Advisors, Financial Support Advisors, professionally training Careers Advisors, Welfare and Inclusion support.

What can parents/carers expect from the College?

Regular updates on your child’s progress in the form of Parents’ Evenings or reports
A prompt response to any enquiry regarding your child’s learning programme
A text from College to inform you when your child has missed a lesson(s)

Where can I get extra information on my child’s options?

There are several useful websites, covering a range of options, which parents can access; including:

The National Careers Service (a range of useful resources and information)- https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
Target Careers (also a range of useful resources and information aimed at post 16 students and their parents)
https://targetcareers.co.uk
The National Apprenticeship Service (for information on, and to search and apply for, apprenticeships)- https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships
Career finder (to search for full time apprenticeships, jobs and internships)- https://careerfinder.ucas.com
UCAS Progress (for further education course options)- https://www.ucasprogress.com/search
UCAS (for higher education options)- https://www.ucas.com
UCAS Parent information tool UCAS At the heart of connecting people to higher education (ucasdigital.com)

What will my child be able to do after they have successfully completed their course?

Derby College has a significant impact on many individuals, businesses and the wider community. We are committed to producing a talent pool equipped with the right skills and attitudes to meet the needs of employers. We are proud of our contribution to economic growth and social prosperity.

By guiding people onto learning pathways that lead to positive destinations, we encourage progress and aspirational outcomes.

Many of our students have gone on to achieve great things since leaving the College. Read some of their stories

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