We ask students to reflect upon their learning styles and devise Individual learning plans, these are reviewed and revised at several points during the year. When students are established on their programmes and the initial assessment and attainment plans are completed, we begin work on ensuring learning and objectives are met. Personal tutors are assigned to students and they are required to meet officially at least twice a semester, however, unofficial meetings can occur frequently. The Institute has devised a set of triggers to be aware of that could lead to underperformance including, poor attendance, behaviour problems, failure to meet academic targets, not submitting written assessments, low grades, complaints from students. Any of these triggers can lead to the tutor sitting with the student to discuss, and encourage. We have a ‘no blame culture’ with our students and work with them to support their learning.

During induction students are advised of where and how they can obtain additional support services. Induction programmes are utilised to deliver essential information on the study programme, its organisation and expectations. Health and safety, institute organisation, expectations of students and policies are discussed too. We stress equality and diversity issues as well as commitment to hard work and help students to understand the consequences of their actions and the implications of any underperformance.

Progress of students is tracked by each lecturer on each module, this information is fed back to the personal tutor who then discusses progress during the bi-semester (over a 12 week period) meetings, in some occasions more frequently where there is cause for concern.

Students who are completing qualifications are given guidance on what opportunities are available to them on completion of their course, including higher Education opportunities and transfer of credits.