We provide a range of information, services and supports for learners to ensure that our programmes and services are accessible to all. To reinforce inclusion for all our learners many FET centres and programmes provide customised learning support including individual or group support, learning technologies and enhanced building design to accommodate people with disabilities.
Learner Information
We will give you the information you need, so that you can access the learner supports, understand your rights and responsibilities and ensure that you can make informed decisions while you are on a course with us. Example of the types of information includes:
- Entry requirements for a course
- Course information
- Programme and award information, for example, if the programme leads to an award, and what level the award is at on the NFQ
- Health and safety rules
- Code of conduct or behaviour
- Disciplinary procedure
- Complaints procedure
- Data Protection and associated policies
- Learner responsibilities regarding assessment
- Assessment methods, stages and sequencing
- Information about repeat assessments and learner appeals
- Information about what assessment supports is available
- Progression information and options
Learner Information Resources
Below are useful resources for learners to find out more:
Some FET centres will also give you a centre learner handbook when you first start your course. This will contain more information specific to that course, location and facilities.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment Support
On admission to a Tipperary ETB programme, we encourage all learners to discuss any special needs or disabilities with us so that we can consider the appropriate supports for teaching, learning and assessment. It is very important that learners discuss their needs with centre staff as early as possible.
Reasonable Accommodation
‘Reasonable accommodation in assessment’ means that we can adapt the assessment to meet the needs of learners with specific disabilities who would otherwise find the assessment to be unfair. The particular arrangements that need to be made are then called ‘reasonable accommodations’.
You should tell your tutor as soon as possible and you must be able to give proof of the disability or need. More information, including how to apply, is available on the Reasonable Accommodation webpage.
Academic Skills Supports
There are a number of useful resources and guides that are available for learners during their course to help support the development of academic skills and practices as they progress through their programme.
- The Referencing Handbook is an essential resource for learners, particularly those studying Level 5 and 6 programmes. This handbook explains the importance of referencing, what plagiarism is and how to go about referencing the various different sources of information that learners use in their written work for assessment purposes.
- The Study and Learning Handbook for FET courses is another useful booklet to help learners make the most of their time while studying and also shows learners how to be successful in their studies. This handbook looks at individual learning styles, strengths and weaknesses and provides useful study tips and other supports.
- The Academic Writing Handbook for Learners is another useful guide for learners in helping them to develop good academic writing skills which is important for the preparation and presentation of written work for assessment purposes.
- The Learner’s Guide to Academic Integrity aims to introduce academic integrity principles to the learner. It outlines what academic integrity is, why academic integrity matters and gives examples of good and poor academic conduct.
- The FET Digital Library contains many digital resources to support learning practices. A document library, resources for assignment planning, conducting effective internet searches, tips for online privacy and security is just some of the material that is available to learners in FET.
Your FET centre will also have other handbooks, guides and resources available to you.
Guidance
The Adult Guidance Service offers information to learners, and the general public, on local and national courses available as well as providing guidance on progression opportunities.
Adult Learning Scheme
The Adult Learning Scheme is a confidential basic adult education service for those whose skills range from very low level literacy skills to those who wish to improve their basic skills and also avail of the opportunity to work towards accreditation at NFQ levels 1, 2 or 3.
Grant Information
Through the Adult Guidance and Information service, we provide general information in relation to grants. Please click here for contact information for this service.
Further information can also be found on Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection’s website.
Learner Complaints and Appeals
Complaints
We regard learner complaints as an important source of feedback so that we can improve our services or the way we do things. If you have an issue, we encourage you to talk to your tutor first. If you are not happy after meeting your tutor, you can make a formal complaint by following the complaints procedure in your centre.
If your issue is not resolved and you want to take further action, you can complete the Learner Complaint Form and submit by email to Tipperary ETB to:
- nenagh@tipperaryetb.ie, or
- clonmel@tipperaryetb.ie
Your complaint will be investigated by a person or team who were not part of the original issue or decision.
Appeals
If you are unhappy with a decision that has been taken about you, you may be able to appeal this decision, however there are some grounds you may need to show to have your appeal considered. Your centre staff will advise you of the process and any deadlines you need to be aware of. You may also need to include any supporting information you have.
An Appeals Committee will be set up to investigate your complaint and you will receive the outcome once they have completed their investigation.
You can find out more information on how the Appeals Committee will work by reading the Appeals Committee Terms of Reference document.
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