Information for Parents & Carers
At Reflections Training Academy we recognise the important role parents/carers play in supporting learners throughout their education journey.
Our Parent Hub is your go to space for important information, resources and updates that help you to stay connected with academy life.
Safeguarding Support & Mental Health
Academy Designated Safeguarding Team
The safety of our learners is our absolute priority. If you are worried about a young person’s wellbeing, or if they have shared something concerning with you regarding their life at home, in the salon, or at the Academy, please act immediately.
If you have a safeguarding or welfare concern this can be reported via safeguarding@reflectionstraining.co.ukhttp
Bristol & Taunton Training Academies
Suzanne Sewell
Mobile: 07425607820
suzanne.sewell@reflectionstraining.co.uk
Birmingham Training Academy
Louise Forde
Mobile: 07500668567
louise.forde@reflectionstraining.co.uk
Report a Safeguarding Concern
You do not need proof to raise a concern; your role is simply to pass the information to our trained professionals.
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During Academy Hours: Contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) directly via the details above.
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Out of Hours: If you believe a young person is in immediate danger, please contact the Police (999) or your local Children’s Social Care team.
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Confidentiality: All reports are handled with the utmost discretion and sensitivity, following strict professional guidelines.
ThinkUKnow
Helping you to better protect your children online.
ThinkUKnow is the go-to site for parents. It has specific sections for parents of teens on topics like social media pressures and online grooming.
Hub of Hope
A leading mental health support directory.
It uses your location to show you every local support services available, from national charities to small local support groups.
Attendance & Term Dates
Our Expectations
We expect 100% attendance at both the Academy and the Salon.
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Punctuality: Arriving 15 minutes early is “on time” in the hair industry. It allows learners to prep their station and be ready for their first client.
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The Impact: Missing just one day at the Academy can mean falling behind on a specific technical unit (like colour theory or cutting techniques) that may not be repeated for several weeks.
You can read our full policy guidelines here:
You can also read our Learner Behaviour Expectations here:
What to do if your child is unwell
We understand that people do get sick, and if a learner cannot attend due to illness or an emergency, it is their responsibility to notify the correct people before 9am.
Note to Parents: Please encourage your child to make the call themselves. Developing the confidence to communicate with their employer is a key part of their professional growth!
If it’s an Academy Day
You must call the academy and your employer to let them know you are unable to attend.
Call the academy office:
Bristol: 0117 9221 440
Birmingham 0121 643 2147
Academy phone lines open at 8:50am so please call in line with those times.
If it’s a Salon or Barbershop Day
You should call their Employer/Salon Manager as soon as possible and follow the salon specific guidelines on Sickness & Absence.
A phone call is usually best but please ensure you have familiarised your child with their employment contracts in case there is a different process they should follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of common questions you may need answers to when helping your child with their career journey.
Finances & Benefits
“Will I still receive Child Benefit for my child?”
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Apprenticeships: Because an apprentice has an employment contract and earns a wage, they are no longer considered a “qualifying young person.”
This means Child Benefit typically stops once they start their apprenticeship. -
Full-Time Programme: If your child is on one of our “non-waged” study programmes (approved training without an employment contract), you can usually continue to claim Child Benefit until they turn 19, provided they are in training for at least 16 hours a week.
Please check the Government Guidelines here: Child Benefit when your child turns 16
“What is the Apprentice National Minimum Wage?”
As of April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for apprentices is £8.00 per hour.
“Is there help with travel or equipment costs?”
Yes. We offer support through the 16-19 Bursary Fund for learners from lower-income households. This can help cover the cost of the hairdressing kit, bus passes, or professional clothing. Please contact our learner support team for an application form.
Life in the Salon
“What if my child doesn’t get on with their salon or employer?”
We act as the bridge between the learner and the salon. If there are issues, our team will step in to mediate. If a placement truly isn’t the right fit, we work tirelessly to help the apprentice find a new salon so their qualification stays on track.
“Are they just used for ‘cheap labour’ or cleaning?”
Absolutely not. While maintaining a clean salon is part of the job, 20% of their time must be “Off-the-Job Training.” This is a legal requirement where they are learning new skills, attending the academy, or practicing on models. We monitor this closely during our regular salon visits.
Qualifications & Future
“Is an apprenticeship as good as A-Levels?”
Yes, but in a different way. A Level 2 Apprenticeship is equivalent to 5 GCSEs (including English and Maths), and a Level 3 is equivalent to 2 A-Levels.
“What happens if they fail their final exams?”
The final stage is called the End Point Assessment (EPA).
My child has an EHCP or learning difficulty. What support is available?
We are an inclusive provider and Disability Confident employer. We can provide extra time for assessments, 1-to-1 support for English and Maths, and can adapt learning materials to suit various needs.
Please mention any specific requirements during the application process so we can have support ready for Day One.