The Literacy Centre cluster provides english classes, computer courses and a warm meeting place for many of our groups.
We teach

• certificate of general education for adults
• literacy for people of a non-english speaking background
• certificate of spoken and written english
• english as a second language

In addition, we provide classes to promote health and well-being including tai chi, meditation and positive thinking.

Tutors travel throughout the Literacy Cluster taking classes at different centres. The tutors meet at the Literacy Centre once a week to exchange resources, exchange information, present lesson plans and keep up to date with plans, activities, assessments and reporting. This provides a strong support network for delivery throughout the City of Greater Dandenong.

Springvale Neighbourhood House Inc. is a Registered Training Organisation registered by the Victorian Qualifications Authority. R.T.O. No: 4098

Fees

Yearly fees are due at the time of enrolment. Charged at the rate of $1.37/hr over the year.
Concession: Card holders are eligible for the concession fee: A maximum fee of $55/year. This fee can be paid in instalments of $14/term with a payment plan.
Exemption: If hardship is demonstrated, fees can be subsidised where appropriate by the Literacy Centre. Approved payment plans can be arranged. No additional administration fee is charged

Enrolment

Enrolment forms are completed prior to commencement of a program. Fees are paid in full before the program commences or by term with a signed payment plan.

Assessment

For assessments and referrals telephone ELLA English Language & Literacy Access Springvale on 9239 5326 or ELLA Dandenong on 9238 1490. Assessors recognize students Prior Learning (RPL).

Cancellation

If Springvale Neighbourhood House cancels a program or a student withdraws prior to commencement of a program, a full refund will be given to enrolled students. Fees will not be refunded if the course has been delivered for more than half the term, unless under special circumstances. However this can be negotiated with the Literacy Co-ordinator if you are experiencing hardship.

GST

We have an obligation to collect GST on behalf of the ATO where applicable. Some courses and activities are subject to GST and has been priced accordingly.

Privacy Statement

This organisation respects your rights to information privacy. Information, which we collect and keep about learners, is kept in accordance with information privacy laws.
Contact us if you would like any further information on our Privacy Statement.

Disclaimer

Springvale Neighbourhood House makes every effort to ensure that the information in this program is correct at the time of publication. We reserve the right to cancel or change course days, time, fees and tutors when necessary without notification.

Student Policy

Privacy and Dignity
The privacy of student personal information will be respected at all time. Student information which is kept on computer is pass-worded and only available for administration purposes. Matters of a personal nature discussed between tutors and students will remain confidential.

Equal opportunities
The Literacy Cluster believe that all students regardless of race, religion, gender, ability or marital status, should be given the same rights and opportunities. If you feel you are discriminated against for any of these reasons, please speak to the Co-ordinator.

Grievance procedures
A grievance is a serious complaint you would like to have fixed. We try to resolve problems quickly and fairly. This is what to do if you have a complaint:

Student to student
•    Discuss the problem with the student first to see if you can reach an agreement.
•    If you can’t fix the problem, both students should speak to their tutor.
•    If the problem can’t be resolved by the tutor, you should speak to the Literacy Co-ordinator.
Student tutor
•    If you have a grievance which involves your tutor, try to discuss it with him/her.
•    If the problem can’t be resolved, you should speak to the Co-ordinator.
•    A meeting will be organised between the student, tutor and co-ordinator to try and resolve the issue.

Access and equity policy
Springvale Neighbourhood House, Staff and Volunteers will not discriminate against any person or community group on the grounds of race, disability or income.

The House will offer financial subsidies within its own financial constraints to any person or community group who otherwise would be prevented access to its facilities.
Students have the right to express their own views during sessions.
You also have the responsibility to respect the views of others. If you disagree then it is your responsibility to speak with that person individually rather than take up time in the session, unless it is appropriate to do so.
If you are not happy with the sessions you attend, try to discuss problems with your tutor. Feel free to use the kitchen facilities (tea/coffee, fridge and oven) in the Centre, but please clean up afterwards and leave the kitchen area clean and tidy.

Student rights
Students have the right to obtain assessment process information by making a request to the Tutor or Co-ordinator. Students have the right to access their personal records & assessment process information by making a request to the Tutor or Co-ordinator.

Recognition of prior learning
Students will be assessed for their prior learning achievements and will be credited accordingly.

Mutual Recognition
The Springvale Neighbourhood House and Literacy Centre recognise the National (AQF) qualifications and Statements of Attainment awarded by other Registered Training Organisations.

Attendance
For best results we recommend regular attendance of sessions. Students unable to attend a series of sessions should notify their tutors or their position may be given to another student on the waiting list. Please notify the Centre of any changes in contact details.