1.1 The purpose of effective tutoring is to facilitate opportunities for students to develop their potential academically, socially and personally whilst in attendance at ACL
1.2 Effective tutoring should encourage students to become more responsible for their own learning, and in making judgements that can affect their future.
1.3 In order to support a student’s personal and academic progress during their time at college a tutorial programme should include:

• The Induction process
• An ongoing weekly tutorial programme
• Regular monitoring of attendance, academic progress, and action planning
• Careers education, development and progression
• Academic support (Study skills).

1.4 ACL is committed to supporting its students during their time in College to ensure that they maximise all achievements and positively progress towards their chosen goals.

2. THE STUDENT IS ENTITLED TO:

2.1 The Tutorial Process
ACL has established a framework for what a tutorial programme is, including schemes of work, and how it should be delivered, but accepts that differing levels and vocational areas will customise this framework to meet the needs of their students.
2.2 Induction
It is the role of the personal tutor to ensure that all students have a thorough and comprehensive introduction to their programme of study, learning environment and support services. Personal tutors also have a responsibility to ensure that all late starters have a full induction and are helped to settle into college.
2.3 The Tutorial
All students who are enrolled upon a course are entitled to tutorial support with a named tutor at a time identified on their timetable or during the learning programme.
2.4 Tutorial Programme
The tutorial programme will consist of a combination of group and individual sessions as developed by the course team and following the tutorial guidelines as outlined in the Tutorial Handbook. The nature of the tutorial support will be tailored to the needs of the students.
2.5 Attendance
Monitoring of attendance and the prompt response to ‘unauthorised’ absences is one of the key activities in helping to improve the retention of all students. It is the responsibility of all tutors involved within a student’s programme of study to ensure that immediate contact takes place via a telephone call or letter, after two reported consecutive absences.

The tutorial is an integral part of the student’s programme of study and will include monitoring and recording of both academic achievement and personal development once per term. The documentation for this ‘process of achievement’, for example progress review, action planning and target setting should be kept in the student’s tutorial file.
2.7 Pastoral support
The pastoral aspects of the tutorial system will be supported by Student Services with specialist workshops, a resource handbook, and a referral system for specialist guidance and staff development programmes. The range of support services on offer includes counselling, careers education, financial support, and advice and guidance.
2.8 Careers education
Elements of careers education and progression will also be delivered within a tutorial programme, supported by specialist staff, for example career advisors. The use and development of resources such as videos, CDROMS, and information packs will also help to support activities such as effective job/course research and applications, preparation of CV’s and various applications. All personal tutors should also refer to the widely available Careers Education Tutor Pack available from Student Services.
2.9 Quality
The effectiveness of the tutorial programme will be evaluated by student questionnaires, and monitored via observation and through the quality assurance procedures for teaching and learning. Detailed information will be gathered through the use of a tutorial questionnaire.
3. GUIDANCE AND GOOD PRACTICE

Has been indicated in various aspects mentioned above.
3.2 Student Progress File
The student progress file will be ‘owned’ by the student and it will include activities that record the process of achievement. This process has been shown to improve the retention and achievement of all students.
The Progress File gives young people and adults a method of:

• Recognising, recording and evaluating their achievement
• Planning their learning
• Presenting their achievements to others.

The importance of a structured and student led curriculum enrichment programme can also support students in terms of adding value to academic achievement and recognising the student’s achievements within the social and personal sphere of an inclusive learning environment. The Student Liaison team are responsible for organising a wide range of sporting, and social activities. Personal tutors can encourage their students to become actively involved in wider college life.