Learner Handbook

Last Reviewed: May 2025

Next Review Date: September 2025

You can email our support team for assistance at support@purpleruler.com.

Need to Talk?

If anything in or outside of class is making you feel uncomfortable, worried, or feeling unsafe, please let us know, we are always willing to listen and help.

📩 You can email our DSL at safeguarding@purpleruler.com

💬 Or you can talk to your teacher in your lessons.

📝 Or you can report a concern anonymously to our DSL by using this form

Welcome to Purple Ruler!

We’re excited to have you as part of our learning community.

At Purple Ruler, we believe every learner deserves a safe, respectful, and inspiring place to learn — whether in a group or one-to-one session.

Please make sure you read the Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA) in Appendix 1 of this Handbook.

By attending Purple Ruler lessons, you agree to follow the AUA and help us create a safe and respectful learning environment.

Our values are simple

Respect: We treat everyone with kindness and dignity.
Learning: We aim high and support each other’s progress.
Safety: We create a secure environment where everyone can thrive.

We also proudly promote the Fundamental British Values of:

Democracy
The Rule of Law
Individual Liberty
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

You have the right to feel safe, supported, and respected every day. We are here to help you succeed!

Your Learning with Us

How Lessons Work

Your lessons will happen online using safe, secure platforms like LessonSpace or Google Meet.
Your facilitator (teacher) will guide you through activities, discussions, and learning tasks.
Lessons may be one-to-one or in small groups depending on your programme.

What You Need:

A working laptop, computer or tablet.
A working front facing camera, headphone or earphones with a built in microphone.
A reliable internet connection.

Learning Comfortably at Home

Learning online means setting up your space carefully.

Ergonomic Tips:

Sit on a proper chair with your feet flat and your screen at eye level.
Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
Take a short break every 20–30 minutes.
Keep your learning space tidy and free from distractions.

If you feel uncomfortable, tired, or sore, let an adult know.

Your health matters!

Purple Ruler: Staying Comfortable and Safe While Learning Online – DSE and Posture Tips

Accessing Online Classes

To begin, please download Google Chrome as your web browser. You will access your classes on a platform called LessonSpace, which functions optimally with this browser.

You will receive a lesson email reminder 24 hours before your class, as well as an email with a lesson link 30 minutes before the session starts. Clicking on this link will open your LessonSpace classroom.

If you're struggling to open the link, try right-clicking the link button - then select copy, and paste it into a new Google Chrome tab.

LessonSpace - Learning platform

When you open the link you will see a box appear that asks you to provide LessonSpace with permission to access your microphone and camera. Always select ''Allow''.
If you prefer not to use your microphone or camera, you can switch them off after you have granted permission.
You can test your sound before you enter the class using ''Test Speakers''
You can select your input devices (camera and microphone) using the 'Devices' button.

While it is not compulsory, we do encourage the use of your microphone and/or camera to facilitate better communication and more productive sessions.

If you are more reserved or uncomfortable, you are welcome to interact using the chat box. Additionally, you can utilise the highlighter, drawing, and typing tools to engage with the lesson material.

This is what you will see when you enter the classroom. Your facilitator will go through the different classroom tools in your first lesson.

Attendance and Participation

Attend every scheduled lesson on time and ready to learn.
If you cannot attend, a parent, carer or your school should email support@purpleruler.com or complete the Absence Notification Form.
We monitor attendance daily.
Repeated absences or lateness without explanation will be followed up and may lead to safeguarding checks to make sure you are safe.

Remember: We will always work with you and your family if you are facing difficulties — just let us know.

Behaviour Expectations

When participating in lessons, we expect you to...

Be respectful to everyone — other learners, facilitators, and staff.
Listen and follow instructions from your facilitator.
Engage positively in all activities.
Use the chat box, microphone, and whiteboard responsibly.
Respect people’s differences and celebrate diversity.

Please refrain from...

Disrupting lessons
Using offensive or disrespectful language
Bullying or harassing others
Sharing inappropriate material

Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA)

As part of learning with Purple Ruler, all learners must follow our Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA). The AUA explains how you are expected to behave when using online lessons, platforms, devices, and communications.

Please read the full AUA in Appendix 1 of this Handbook below.

By attending lessons and participating in Purple Ruler programmes, you are confirming that you have read, understood, and agree to follow the AUA. If you have any questions about the AUA, please speak to your facilitator or contact support@purpleruler.com.

Anti-Bullying and Safeguarding Commitment

Bullying is never tolerated at Purple Ruler — in any form.

This includes:

Verbal bullying
Online bullying (cyberbullying)
Exclusion or intimidation

Additionally, your safety is our number one priority. If you ever feel unsafe, worried, or something doesn't feel right. If you experience bullying or see someone being bullied:

Speak privately to your facilitator
Send a private message during class
Email safeguarding@purpleruler.com
Speak to a trusted adult from your school or at home.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSL are here to help you. All concerns are taken seriously and handled confidentially.

You deserve to feel safe, supported, and respected — always. For more information, please visit www.purpleruler.com/safeguarding

Where Else Can I Get Help?

If you need support outside of Purple Ruler, there are trusted organisations that can help you.

Childline (NSPCC)Free, confidential advice for any problem including bullying, abuse, mental health, online worries📞 0800 1111💻 www.childline.org.uk
NSPCCAdvice, resources, and a helpline for safeguarding concerns📞 0808 800 5000💻 www.nspcc.org.uk
The MixSupport for young people under 25 on mental health, bullying, relationships, drugs, and more📞 0808 808 4994💻 www.themix.org.uk
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)Report online abuse, grooming, or exploitation directly to specialist police teams💻 www.ceop.police.uk
YoungMindsMental health support and information for young people experiencing anxiety, depression, bullying, etc.💻 www.youngminds.org.uk
Samaritans24/7 confidential support for anyone feeling distressed or struggling to cope (ages 16+)📞 116 123💻 www.samaritans.org
KoothFree, safe, online mental health support and counselling for 10–25 year olds💻 www.kooth.com
Anti-Bullying AllianceResources and advice for understanding and tackling bullying💻 www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
CEOPChild Exploitation and Online Protectionwww.ceop.police.uk

Online Safety

Learning online can be exciting — but it’s important to stay safe.

Tips for Online Safety:

Keep passwords and private information secret.
Only use trusted websites and resources.
Report anything upsetting or suspicious immediately.
Be respectful and kind online — just like in class.

Our staff monitor live lessons to help keep everyone safe.

We also teach you about safe online habits regularly.

If you ever feel unsafe online, use the above avenues to tell someone immediately.

Student Voice

At Purple Ruler, student voice is essential to our improvement. We want you to feel safe, respected, and listened to — both in your learning and in your wellbeing. Here are some ways for you to share your experiences and ideas:

🌟 After Lesson Surveys

After some lessons, you may be invited to complete a quick survey to tell us:

What you enjoyed
What could be better
Any worries or problems you experienced

Your feedback helps us make lessons even better for you and your classmates!

Remember: If you ever have a safety worry or concern, you don’t need to wait for a survey — you can always contact a facilitator or email safeguarding@purpleruler.com at any time.

Learner Acknowledgement

By participating in Purple Ruler lessons, I understand and agree to:

Follow the Behaviour Expectations
Abide by the Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA)
Treat others with kindness and respect
Stay safe online and ask for help if I feel unsafe
Report concerns about bullying or safeguarding to my facilitator or Purple Ruler staff

I know that Purple Ruler is here to support me, and I will do my best to contribute positively to the learning community.

Thank you for taking the time to read your Learner Handbook. We are proud to have you as part of the Purple Ruler community.

Remember, your voice matters, your safety is important, and your success is our shared goal. We are here to support you every step of the way in your learning journey!

If you have any questions about anything in this Handbook, or need any help, please ask your facilitator or contact support@purpleruler.com.