Parent and Carer Update
Message to Families 14th February 2025
Parent/Carer comms 14th February 2025
- Parent/Carer Code of Conduct
- Developing a new provision in Nottingham
- Developments at our main campus
- Canine Partners our charity of the year
Dear parent/carer
A few times every year I write to parents directly with important updates about the work of Portland Charity and anything that might affect you directly.
Parent/Carer Code of Conduct
The Board of Governors approved a new policy at it’s meeting in January. I have provided a link below to the document. This comes in to force from 25th February.
The main reason we have this is that we have a learner/citizen code of conduct and a staff code of conduct in place for many years now but we haven’t provided a clear set of expectations for parents and carers.
Parent / Carer Code of Conduct Policy
You all play such a big role in the lives of your family members and our basic ethos is to see this as a positive partnership to surround the young person with the support they need.
Occasionally situations can occur where we don’t always agree or where an incident has occurred. Our code of conduct provides the background for how we expect communication to happen so that we can successfully resolve any issues or try to get to the bottom of any incidents.
Everyone connected with Portland Charity (learners, citizens, parents, carers, staff, volunteers and governors) has a right to be treated with courtesy and dignity.
I and my colleagues will work hard to create that positive atmosphere but we will work equally hard to enforce our zero tolerance approach to abuse in those rare and unfortunate cases where anger or prejudice is evident in people’s communications or actions. This zero tolerance approach applies impartially to staff, learners, citizens and all others involved.
Developing a new provision in Nottingham
You may know that we were excited to open a branch of the Further Education College and Pollyteach School in Nottingham last year and that provision is growing in popularity and links with some great businesses and organisations in Nottingham including Wollaton Hall and Park and Stonebridge City Farm.
I am really excited to let you know we are now working on another new provision that will be designed specifically for young people with complex support needs who will benefit from a much quieter environment (35 students maximum) with beautiful, safe gardens attached to a modern accessible building with bespoke sensory facilities. Our aim is to be open in September 2025 and I hope to have more details for you after Easter.
Development at our main campus
We are currently well on with the comprehensive redevelopment of one of our original 1950s accommodation blocks. This will provide fully ensuite facilities for up to 14 residents. The really exciting part is for the first time we are creating 6 studio apartments for single occupancy.
Our specialist contractors are also near to finishing work on a new campus-wide data network that will mean we can stay right-up-to-date with fast fibre and make the fullest use of IT to support our learners and citizens.
Canine Partners – charity of the year
Every 12-18 months Portland runs a competition aimed at locally based charities to provide them with support and fund-raising opportunities and where some of our staff get involved in supporting them.
I am delighted to introduce a great organisation – Canine Partners – who train support dogs to provide personal assistance primarily to physically disabled people.
Canine Partners – Amazing Dogs. Transforming Lives.
Finally, if you are getting any holiday at the February half-term I hope you have an enjoyable time.
Mark Dale