Your Learner
Guide.

Welcome! This guide is for you. It explains what New Seeds is like, who can help you, and what to do if you ever feel worried.

New Seeds is a place for young people aged 16 and over. We are here to help you learn, feel safe, and get ready for your next step in life — whether that is a job, a course, an apprenticeship or living more independently.

Everyone is different, and that is a good thing. Your programme is built around you.

We have three simple values that we all live by — our Triple Rs:

• Respect — we treat ourselves, each other, staff and our space with respect
• Responsibility — we take responsibility for our learning and our choices
• Resilience — we keep trying, we ask for help, and we learn from mistakes

Asking for a break or for help is a strength, not a weakness.

There are lots of people here to support you:

• Your key adult — the person who gets to know you best and checks in with you
• Your teachers and support staff — they help you learn and feel settled
• The Therapy Lead — helps with feelings, worries and staying calm
• The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) — the person to go to if you feel unsafe

If you are not sure who to talk to, tell any adult and they will help you find the right person.

Every day has a clear, predictable routine so you know what to expect.

• You will be welcomed and helped to settle in
• You will have learning sessions — English, maths, digital skills and subjects linked to your goals
• You will have practical and vocational learning, and chances to build work skills
• There are breaks and quiet spaces if you need to regulate or take some time
• Your key adult will check in with you

If something in the day feels too much, tell a member of staff — we can adjust things to help.

Your safety matters more than anything else. Staff are here to keep you safe and to listen to you.

• All our staff are checked and trained
• We have people whose job is to keep you safe (the DSL and deputies)
• We will always take you seriously

You have the right to feel safe, to be listened to, and to be treated fairly and with respect.

If you are worried about yourself or someone else — at New Seeds, at home, or online — please tell a trusted adult. Telling someone is never getting anyone into trouble; it is the right thing to do.

You can:

• Talk to your key adult or any staff member
• Ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Write it down and give it to an adult if that feels easier

If you ever need urgent help outside of college, you can call Childline on 0800 1111 (free) or, in an emergency, 999.

We notice and celebrate the good things you do — your effort, your progress and the way you support others. You might be recognised for trying something new, for good attendance, for kindness, or for reaching a goal in your learning.

Our rules are simple and there to keep everyone safe and respected:

• Treat people and property with respect
• Follow reasonable instructions from staff
• Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself
• Phones follow the agreed plan for your group
• No smoking, vaping, alcohol or illegal substances on site
• Tell a member of staff if you see something unsafe

If something goes wrong, we talk it through and repair it together — we call this a restorative approach.

From day one we help you plan for your future. We will help you work towards your goals — a job, a college course, an apprenticeship, a supported internship, or living more independently — and we will support you as you take your next step.

We are proud of you, and we are here to help you grow.