Terms and conditions

Our service standards

Southwark Adult learning Service ( SALS) works with people in Southwark to create a Fairer Future for all, providing individuals with learning opportunities to enjoy and achieve in a safe and respectful learning environment.

Our aim is to offer:

• a wide variety of learning opportunities to meet the needs of individuals and families, in the Borough and to work alongside our community partners to achieve this
• good information and advice via our website, by telephone, through advice sessions, open days and skills consultations on a regular basis
• high quality teaching across a wide range of courses giving  opportunities for many learners to achieve qualifications from entry level up to level 3
• courses that give people the opportunity to learn for personal enrichment and to update and extend their skills for the workplace
• learning opportunities accessible to the greatest number of people, by offering day, evening courses and weekend courses together with additional learning support and reasonable adjustments for any disability where possible

The service standards that we aim to provide to all our learners are:

• a courteous and helpful welcome
• to answer all enquiries, whether by telephone, in person or  email, promptly and courteously
• information and advice before you enrol and throughout your learning
• a high quality of tuition
• progression advice and guidance on next course or employability information and advice   
• the opportunity to feedback to us about our service including a comprehensive suggestions and complaints procedure (see below)

At SALS, we're working hard to improve the provision we offer and your comments help to shape the service you receive.

We aim to provide a responsive service, so are pleased to hear your suggestions on how we can improve, if we've done something well or if you think a member of staff deserves praise for providing an exceptional service.

However, there may be times when the service you receive does not meet your expectations. Although our staff can sort out most problems straight away, without you having to make a formal complaint, if you want to complain we've tried to make it as easy as possible.

If you want to make a complaint, visit www.southwark.gov.uk/complaints or email sscomplaints@southwark.gov.uk.

Disclaimer

Not withstanding any changes that need to be made due to new guidance from the government or Southwark Council, SALS reserves the right to change or amend, at any time without prior notice, any of the course details including content, dates, times, venues, fees payable, concessions available, terms or conditions. SALS reserves the right to close or not to start any published course without prior notice.

Support for learners with disabilities

Thomas Calton Centre is accessible for wheelchair users and parking is available for Blue Badge holders. For more information, contact us on 020 7358 2100.

Attendance

On signing the student declaration and learning agreement on the enrolment form, you've agreed to attend regularly and arrive punctually to class. If you're unable to attend three consecutive classes without reasonable explanation, SALS may withdraw you from the course. In order to fully achieve your course, you must attend at least 80% of the possible sessions. If your course is accredited and you fail to attend 80% of the sessions, you may not be entered for the examination.

Course changes

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this prospectus is, to the best of our knowledge, correct at the time of going to press. SALS reserves the right not to start, close or amalgamate courses that are non-viable, which have insufficient enrolments or where there is a change in tutor availability, location, scheduled time, a change to SALS resources accommodation, or because of changing government guidance.  Where possible, suitable alternative courses will be offered on the understanding that you have the option of accepting or cancelling your learning agreement without a penalty.

Individual learning plans

As a funding requirement, all learners are required to complete an individual learning plan (ILP) in conjunction with their tutor.

Refunds

If we cancel a course before the start date, we will give you a full refund. If we close a course after it has started, we will give you a part refund. We're unable to refund your fees if you withdraw from a course, unless you're too ill to continue with your studies and have provided a doctor’s certificate. Refunds will be made to the card you paid with.

Support for learners with disabilities

Thomas Calton Centre is accessible for wheelchair users and parking is available for Blue Badge holders. For more information, please contact us on 020 7358 2100.

Contact us if you'd like a copy of any information in another format, such as large print. 

Page last updated: 11 October 2023