General Student Information

The following information is general student information that applies across all of our training programmes.  You can also find student information which is course specific.

Find course specific Student Information for: Diploma, Programme, Workshops

General Student Information

Accommodation

Students are responsible for providing for their own accommodation needs at their own expense while attending training programmes.

Assessments

Students will be expected to successfully meet a number of assessment requirements in order to be awarded any qualification.

Specific assessment requirements for each course are outlined in the student information for the course.

Cell Phones

Out of consideration for others, students should make arrangements to ensure that they will not be required to answer cell phones during course delivery times.

Children

It is not recommended that participants bring their children to programmes. Because of the nature of the material being discussed, it is not appropriate or safe for children to attend.

Consideration for Others

Students are asked to consider the needs of others at all times and to act in such a way that will develop positive relationships with staff and students.

Dress

Students are asked to ensure that their dress and appearance is comfortable and appropriate for classroom study.

Eligibility to attend training

This training is not intended as being therapeutic and should not be undertaken by those with any unresolved issues regarding children or child abuse.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Any student who has been abused or has experienced personal trauma should not attend any child protection training unless he or she has come to terms with the abuse or trauma and is in a position to discuss child abuse in an objective way.

Child Matters reserves the right at any stage (prior to or after training commencement) to refuse entry to or attendance at any training.

Entry Requirements

Proof of eligibility to be a student in New Zealand. Any student who has New Zealand citizenship or residency is eligible to enrol in Child Matters’ training. Proof of citizenship or New Zealand Residency may be required and enrolment may not be able to proceed without verified proof being provided.

HIV & Infectious Diseases

All staff and students have the right to participate without discrimination in any training programme. Students are expected to take responsibility for ensuring that no other person is put at risk of infections by the student’s behaviour.

Language Competency

Students are expected to have an adequate level of competence in written and spoken English to allow them to participate in the training both verbally and in writing. Help is available to students with completing the Child Matters workbook if required. Students should notify Child Matters in advance that they require help or should explain their needs to their tutor.

Students undertaking the assessment against NZQA Unit Standards will be expected to complete several written assignments and must have the competency to fulfil these requirements.

New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) Unit Standards

The Child Protection Studies Programme and Child Protection Studies Diploma are fully accredited and approved by NZQA.

Please refer to student information for the specific training programme to confirm unit standards included:

Child Protection Studies Diploma
Child Protection Studies Programme

Should you wish Child Matters to advise NZQA of your completion of units, please ensure you complete the appropriate sections of the Enrolment Form. (Is this still on enrolment form?)

Parking

Students are responsible for providing their own parking while attending training. Child Matters takes no responsibility for vehicles while students are attending training.

Personal and Professional Safety

Suitability to attend training may have been appropriate at the time of enrolment. However, Child Matters does recognise that circumstances can change. (eg. Students may experience financial or personal problems, or require advice or personal development.)

If personal concerns arise students may discuss these issues with any member of Child Matters or their tutor. Child Matters tutors are qualified to refer students to the most appropriate help.

It is Child Matters’ responsibility to report any allegations of child abuse or serious concerns regarding children at risk.

Personal Property

Care should be taken of all property. Students will be responsible for any damage or loss they cause to Child Matters property or buildings used during the duration of the programme. Child Matters takes no responsibility for loss or damage to students’ property caused by other students or persons other than Child Matters staff or tutors.

Pre-requisites

Please refer to student information for the specific training programme to confirm prerequisites.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Please refer to student information for the specific training programme to confirm if prior learning is recognised.

Treaty of Waitangi

All students attending training (except workshops) are expected to come prepared with a basic understanding of Treaty issues. We highly recommend you attend a Treaty Workshop prior to attending a Child Matters Programme or Diploma if you have not already done so.

Student Regulations

Accidents

Staff and students are covered under the provisions of the Accident Compensation(ACC) Act. All accidents occurring during classroom time should be recorded in the Accident Register, and reported to the tutor immediately.

Confidentiality

All students should treat anything they see or hear about other students’ personal affairs as confidential. Students should not repeat or speak about anything that is discussed during the programme which is of a private nature or could result in a person’s private affairs being recognised. Each group is encouraged to develop a voluntary confidentiality agreement to keep personal disclosures confidential. Child Matters supports this action but cannot enforce or police such voluntary agreements.

Copyright

Students should be aware of and adhere to the Copyright Act 1962. All material developed by Child Matters remains copyright to Child Matters and students wishing to reproduce this in any way must seek permission from the Student Services Team and give reasons for their requests in writing.

Disciplinary Policy & Procedure

Students who do not adhere to the Child Matters Programme regulations will be given an initial verbal warning with an explanation that further infringements, followed by a written warning, could lead to their being withdrawn from the training. In cases of serious infringement a verbal and written warning may be given at the same time.

Any student who commits a statutory offence whilst on property where a Programme is being held, or while attending a Child Matters training will be asked to withdraw. Fees will not be refunded when a student is asked to withdraw from the training.

Drugs & Alcohol

Participants may not attend Programmes while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol and may not bring illegal drugs or alcohol on the premises where a programme is being undertaken.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted inside any building associated with Child Matters programmes or management.

Cancellation, Refund and Transfer Policy

Cancellation and Refund Policy

All cancellations must be received in writing.

A deposit is required with your enrolment form, with the balance of fees due at least 14 days prior to training start date. Any alternative payment schedule requires the approval of the Operations Manager.

Please refer to student information for the specific training programme to confirm the applicable cancellation fee.

Transferring to another Course

An administration fee of $25.00 may be charged, if transferring to another course.

Programme Changes, Acceptance

Child Matters reserves the right to change training details, start dates or fees, without prior notice. Child Matters reserves the right to decline any student enrolment.

Appeals Policy

Should a student dispute the decision made by Child Matters in assessment results, they are able to formally appeal to Child Matters in the first instance. Should a student still not be satisfied of the outcome, they may appeal against assessment decisions, in writing to:

Te Kaiawhina Ahumahi (TKA) PO Box 2637, Wellington, OR

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) PO Box 160 Wellington 6015

Complaints Policy

Objective

• to maintain the very best of personal relationships between Child Matters staff and students

• to resolve complaints quickly, co-operatively and amicably at an early stage through discussion and conciliation

• to protect the right of complainants by promptly acting to remedy the complaint, where such is valid and substantiated

• to protect to rights of persons complained against by ensuring the complaints are properly investigated and decisions made only on the basis of sound evidence, proper evaluation and by adhering to the principles of natural justice

• to empower both parties to the conflict by treating their grievances seriously and professionally whether or not these can be resolved through the process of discussion and conciliation.

Informal Conciliation

Provision will be made for all complaints to be handled in an informal manner if so desired by the complainant. The complainant may arrange to meet with the tutor or staff member to resolve the conflict by discussion and conciliation. Any or all parties to this meeting may bring a support person of their choice. If conciliation fails, or if the complainant so chooses, the complainant may make a complaint in writing to Child Matters.

Written Complaints to Chief Executive

All written complaints should be made to the Chief Executive except where the complaint is against the Chief Executive, in which case it should be directed to the Chairperson of Child Matters’ Board of Trustees. Complainants should inform the other party of this action.

Receipt of all written complaints will be acknowledged in writing.

If the complainant does not want the complaint to be handled informally, the Chief Executive (or Chairman) is required to arrange a meeting with the two parties within six (6) weeks of receiving the written complaint. The intent of the meeting is to resolve the complaint by mediation. A record of the meeting must be kept by the Chief Executive (or Chairman).

i) All appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that the Chief Executive (or Chairman) has a clear understanding of facts.

ii) A discussion or meeting will be held with all parties involved

iii) Consultation will be held where appropriate with external advisors

iv) Options will be considered and a resolution reached

v) Resolutions will be conveyed in writing to all parties

Written Complaints to the Board

If conflict remains unresolved through mediation the complainant should submit the written complaint to the Board of Trustees for investigation and consideration.

If this organisation’s internal complaints system is not effecitve in resolving this complaint, the student may forward the complaint to the New Zealand Qualfication’s Authority, PO Box 160, Wellington. Phone: 0800 724357 or email: helpdesk@nzqa.govt.nz

Complaint Against a Student

If the complaint is made against a student, and upheld by the Chief Executive, the Chief Executive may decide that:

• a verbal or written warning will be issued, or

• the student’s continued enrolment be subject to a suitable behavioural contract being negotiated or

• the student’s enrolment is terminated.

Complaint Against a Staff Member

If the complaint is made against a staff member, and upheld by the Chief Executive, the Chief Execuitve may decide that:

• a verbal or written warning will be issued, or

• more serious disciplinary action as appropriate will be taken.

Complainant to be Informed

Complainants of written complaints to the Board of Trustees will be informed in writing as to whether their complaint was upheld.

Course Specific Student Information

For student information specific to courses select the appropriate course.

Child Protection Studies Diploma
Child Protection Studies Programme
Workshops