Attendance
Why attendance matters
Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in a student's success on their course. Our expectation is that students should attend all their timetabled sessions, we expect attendance of at least 90%. Attendance below this level may affect your young person’s eligibility to progress to the next course at the college.
Attending lessons consistently helps young people develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to achieve their qualifications and progress to university, apprenticeships or employment. Our courses often include practical activities, discussions and assessments that cannot easily be repeated, meaning missed lessons can quickly lead to gaps in learning. Good attendance also helps students build positive routines, develop professional behaviours valued by employers, and maintain strong relationships with their teachers and peers. As parents and carers, your support in encouraging excellent attendance can make a significant difference to your child's achievement, wellbeing and future opportunities.
Absence procedure
Each department will have its own procedures for reporting an absence and these will be communicated to students via their course handbook. If students are not sure what their particular procedure is they should call 01634 383000 and let them know their name, student ID, which course they are on and a brief reason why they are not able to attend, staff will then be able to notify relevant colleagues.
For students 18 and under, their tutor will contact the student’s Next of Kin (as detailed on the student’s records completed at enrolment, or subsequently updated by the student on their ProPortal) to find out more details about the absence, and will be able to send work home if they are going to be off for a few days.
Monitoring progress
You (student’s NoK as noted on their College record) will receive a parental report at the end of the first term, however, the College will be in touch prior to this if they have serious concerns about your young person’s progress, attendance or behaviour.
Parents will be invited to an online meeting in January-February to discuss their young person’s progress.
Please do not hesitate to contact the course tutors - details will be in the students’ course handbook - if you have any questions or concerns.
Phones, headphones and ear pods
To support a focused and productive learning environment, all students are required to place their mobile phones in secure, locked storage at the start of each lesson. Phones will be returned to students at the end of the lesson. Mobile phones may only be used in the classroom with the explicit permission of the tutor for a specific learning activity. This approach helps to minimise distractions, improve concentration, and ensure that students are fully engaged in their studies, enabling them to make the most of their learning time and achieve their potential.
To further support concentration and engagement during lessons, headphones, ear pods and other personal listening devices are not permitted in classrooms unless their use has been specifically authorised by the tutor for a learning activity. Students will be expected to store these items in their bags, or alongside their mobile phones at the start of the lesson.
Unauthorised recordings and privacy
Students must not take photographs, audio recordings, or video recordings of any person without their knowledge and explicit permission. Unauthorised recording is a serious breach of privacy and can cause significant distress, embarrassment, or harm to others. This includes recording students, staff, visitors, or members of the public, whether on College premises, during educational visits, or when representing the College. Any student found to have made, shared, or distributed unauthorised recordings will be considered to have committed gross misconduct and will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with our Student Engagement and Safeguarding policies. In serious cases, sanctions may include suspension and may be reported to external agencies where appropriate.
Use of wearable technology
The College recognises that wearable technology, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart glasses, smart rings, and similar devices, is increasingly common. Students may use such devices where they support learning, health, wellbeing, or accessibility and do not disrupt College activities. However, wearable devices must not be used to photograph, film, livestream, or make audio recordings of any student, member of staff, visitor, or College activity without prior permission. The unauthorised use of recording functions on wearable devices constitutes a serious breach of privacy, trust, and safeguarding expectations. Any student found to have used a wearable device to make, share, or distribute unauthorised recordings may be subject to disciplinary action. Serious or deliberate breaches will be treated as gross misconduct and may result in suspension, exclusion, and/or referral to external agencies where appropriate. Wearable devices must not be used during examinations or assessments unless expressly authorised by the College.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a valuable tool to support learning, research and the development of ideas. However, students are expected to use AI responsibly, ethically and in accordance withour policies. Academic integrity is essential:submitting AI-generated work as one’s own is considered academic dishonesty.
Where AI use is permitted, students must clearly acknowledge and reference how AI has been used in the completion of their work. Students should ensure that any work submitted reflects their own understanding, skills and knowledge, and that AI is used to support learning rather than replace it.
As part of our commitment to preparing learners for their future, we are introducing the safe and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support teaching, learning, and assessment.
In line with guidance from Jisc and the Department for Education, we will ensure that:
- AI is used to enhance learning outcomes.
- Personal data is protected and not shared unnecessarily.
- Learners are taught how to critically evaluate AI.
- Academic integrity is maintained.
- Safeguarding risks are managed.
Consent:
Where required, consent will be explicit, informed, and opt-in, particularly for learners under 18. Students under the age of 18 have access to copilot 13 through the college accounts which enable them to safely access copilot chat using their college accounts with online safety controls in place aligned to KCSIE.
Energy drinks
We encourage students to avoid consuming energy drinks, particularly before and during their time at college. Government guidance highlights concerns about the impact of high-caffeine energy drinks on young people, with evidence linking them to poor sleep, increased anxiety, reduced concentration and lower educational performance. By choosing healthier alternatives such as water, milk or low-sugar drinks, students are better able to maintain their focus, engagement and overall wellbeing, supporting their learning and progress at college.
Smoking and vaping
The College campus and grounds are designated smoke-free and vape-free environments. Any student found smoking or vaping on College premises will be subject to the College's Student Engagement Policy. In addition, students under the age of 18 who are found smoking or vaping will have any cigarettes, tobacco products, or vaping devices confiscated.
Additional learning support and exam access arrangements
At MidKent College, we are committed to ensuring that every student has the support they need to achieve their full potential. During the application and enrolment process, students are asked to declare any additional learning support needs they may have, including any exam access arrangements (EAAs) that they have previously received at school, such as extra time, a reader, a scribe, rest breaks or the use of assistive technology. PLEASE NOTE Information is not always automatically shared with us by your young person’s school during transition.
Following enrolment, students may be assessed by our Additional Learning Support team to identify their current needs and determine the most appropriate support. Where exam access arrangements are required, tutors and support staff will gather evidence of a student's normal way of working in lessons and assessments. For example, if a student routinely requires extra time to complete classroom tasks or regularly uses a reader to access written materials, this can be documented and used as evidence when applying to awarding organisations for formal exam access arrangements. Any approved arrangements must reflect the support a student normally receives in their day-to-day learning and be supported by appropriate evidence in line with awarding body regulations.
- Health Conditions, Risk Assessments and PEEPs
If your young person has a medical condition, disability, or health need that may require a risk assessment and/or a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP), they will have been asked to provide this information as part of the application and enrolment process. However, please do not assume that the college is already aware of all relevant details. It is important that parents, carers and students inform us of any health conditions, changes in circumstances, or support requirements so that appropriate arrangements can be put in place and reviewed where necessary. This helps us to ensure the safety, wellbeing and successful participation of all students.
