Parents Charter

Contacting the UTC

The UTC has a range of personnel and services available to help parents resolve issues ranging from routine enquiries to formal complaints.

Please write to or telephone the main UTC reception on 01902 872180. We aim to respond within 24 hours.

The services you should expect

• A safe and orderly learning environment with high standards of behaviour.
• A broad and balanced curriculum.
• Regular reporting (5 reports per year) to ensure that parents are fully informed about student progress. This will give you frequent opportunities to express satisfaction or dissatisfaction.
• A Personal Tutor system which supports students throughout their academic career at the school.
• Advice for parents on how best to support their child’s education with information provided via the post and online about important issues.
• A polite, courteous and prompt response. It is always helpful if parents reciprocate. Thomas Telford UTC does not tolerate any form of rude or aggressive language towards its members of staff.
• Quick, decisive action with any unruly students to protect the interests of the majority.
• Quick, decisive action to protect your child from bullying.
• Comprehensive careers advice and links with industry.
• A UTC environment free of harmful and illegal drug possession, selling or consumption. Any such activity will result in permanent exclusion.
• An ICT network that has systems and rules in place to safeguard your child as far as possible from inappropriate materials.
• Access to all Thomas Telford UTC’s policy documents, available to view on the website.

How parents can support their child

• Ensure that your child understands the standards of behaviour expected of him/her as described in the Student Charter.
• Ensure that your child understands the seriousness of downloading inappropriate materials from the computer facilities in Thomas Telford UTC and counsel him/her that this could lead to the loss of his/her place at Thomas Telford UTC.
• Always report to us any concerns about your child’s well-being and work co-operatively with the UTC to resolve matters satisfactorily.
• Encourage excellent attendance and punctuality. Family holidays will not be permitted during term time.
• Provide a suitable ‘distraction-free’ home environment for homework to be completed on time, or encourage your child to attend an after-school ‘UTC Extra’ Homework Club.
• Observe your child’s progress via regular reports and let the Personal Tutor know of any concerns or suggestions you may have in the parents’ response section of the report.
• Make yourself aware of the meaning of the National Curriculum levels, GCSE levels, as well as GCE grades at Sixth Form level. Ask teachers to explain if necessary.
• Show an interest in your child’s development by asking about their work in all subjects they are studying.
• Use our website (www.thomastelfordutc.com) to access the online curriculum.
• Be safe and considerate to others when dropping off/picking up your child outside Thomas Telford UTC. Do not obstruct the entrance/exit by parking on the double yellow lines or abuse any other parking restrictions around Thomas Telford UTC.
• Always attend key information evenings and presentations with your child so that they feel supported by your involvement. These are usually at the beginning of Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (Options) and in preparation for the Sixth Form.
• Encourage your child to represent Thomas Telford UTC in sporting, musical and other activities and come to the UTC to support them.
• Encourage your child to participate in charitable events and fundraising activities at Thomas Telford UTC.