Purpose

At SynapseUK, we are committed to promoting equal opportunities and access to high-quality education and learning support. Our Widening Participation and Access Policy aims to bridge the educational gap by ensuring that students from all socioeconomic, ethnic, and geographical backgrounds can access our services.

Policy Objectives

1. Ensure Inclusivity: Provide tailored support for underrepresented groups, including students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ethnic minorities, students with disabilities, and those who are first-generation university applicants.

2. Promote Equal Opportunities: Align with the Equality Act 2010 to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations among all participants.

3. Reduce Barriers: Identify and address financial, cultural, or structural barriers preventing students from accessing educational services.

4. Encourage Progression: Empower students from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their academic potential and access higher education or employment opportunities.

Key Principles

1. Equality and Non-Discrimination:

• We adhere to the Equality Act 2010, ensuring no student is discriminated against based on age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

2. Affordability:

• We provide subsidised or free services for eligible students from low-income households, as defined by the Department for Education (DfE) eligibility criteria (e.g., students receiving free school meals or pupil premium funding).

3. Access to Work Experience:

• Ensure fair access to work experience programmes for all students, especially those in areas with limited opportunities, by partnering with local businesses and professional organisations.

4. Inclusive Content Delivery:

• Provide training to tutors to deliver inclusive, culturally sensitive, and accessible teaching to support students with diverse needs, including neurodiverse and disabled learners.

Eligibility Criteria for Support

We will prioritise support for students who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Qualify for free school meals or pupil premium funding.

• Are from areas of low participation in higher education (as identified by POLAR data).

• Have disabilities or special educational needs (SEN).

• Are care leavers or looked-after children.

• Are from ethnic minority backgrounds underrepresented in higher education.

• Are first-generation university applicants.

Financial Support

1. Subsidised Tuition:

• Offer discounted rates for students from low-income households, funded through grants, sponsorships, or company profits.

• Collaborate with partner schools to identify eligible students.

2. Work Experience Bursaries:

• Offer bursaries or fee waivers for eligible students participating in our work experience programmes.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

SynapseUK is committed to adhering to:

1. Equality Act 2010: Ensuring we eliminate discrimination and promote equality in all aspects of our service.

2. Education Act 1996: Supporting students’ right to access education that meets their needs and abilities.

3. UK GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): Safeguarding student data collected during outreach and participation initiatives.

4. Department for Education Guidance: Aligning with policies on pupil premium and widening participation.

Evaluation and Accountability

1. Annual Review:

• Regularly review and update this policy to ensure it reflects current legal requirements and best practices in widening participation.

2. Impact Reporting:

• Publish an annual report outlining the number of students supported, outcomes achieved, and progress in reducing educational inequalities.

3. Designated Responsibility:

• A named member of the SynapseUK leadership team will oversee the implementation and monitoring of this policy.

Contact and Further Information

For further information on SynapseUK's Widening Participation and Access Policy, please contact admin@synapseuk.org