What are YASS Co-ordinators expected to do?

A teacher asking questions to pupils in class

The key responsibilities of YASS Co-ordinators are as follows:

During Spring/Summer terms:

Introduce S5 pupils to the option of taking an Open University module through YASS, ideally as soon as they start planning their S6 subject choices. This is because pupils need time to research modules and complete the registration form, which should be submitted as early as possible, and no later than Tuesday 30 June. 

The steps to do so are outlined below: 

  • Introduce pupils to YASS and explain study commitments, such as by organising information sessions (in-school or via OU).
  • Read, become familiar with, and refer pupils to all pages of the YASS website.
  • Conduct one-to-one interviews with interested pupils.
  • Before pupils register for a YASS module, we strongly recommend that Co-ordinators have a detailed discussion with them to ensure they understand the expectations and responsibilities involved. Most withdrawals from YASS modules occur in the first couple of months, typically because pupils have not adequately considered the workload and commitment required for the module.
  • Refer to the checklist 'How do I know that registering for YASS is right for me?' on the Registering for YASS webpage, to ensure they are ready, including understanding the time-commitment.
  • Refer to the ‘How do I register?’ section of the Registering for YASS webpage.
  • It’s important to start this process as early as possible, when registration opens on 30 April:
    • Several of the most popular modules have limited places. As all modules offered through YASS are also available to the wider OU community, they can quickly become full, meaning pupils must be placed on a waiting list, and aren’t guaranteed a place.
    • It’s important to remember that pupils will need access to a PC or laptop to complete the form and will also need to allow time to pass the form to their parent/guardian or carer to read the key information, date and sign the form too.
    • You can set your own deadlines for pupils to complete their forms, so you have time to check they have completed them in full before submitting them to the YASS Team in plenty of time before the 30 June registration deadline.
    • Once pupils are registered, they will have access to OU resources to help them get a good start with their studies and can begin an induction module over summer, or as soon as they return to school in August.
  • The OU’s YASS Team will provide you with the Registration Form for you to provide to the pupil. They will also provide the password to use when encrypting the form, plus the link to use our secure file-sharing system ZendTo. You will also need your school's Seed Code for the form; a unique identifier assigned to your school by the Scottish Government. The list of codes is available to download: School Seed Codes (DOC, 56KB).
  • Once the pupil has completed the form, follow these steps:
    • Check it to ensure it is complete and is saved with the suggested file name format.
    • Send it to [email protected] via our secure file-sharing system ZendTo.The OU cannot accept forms sent by email, as that method is not secure enough for forms which contain sensitive, protected pupil details. The OU is only permitted to receive forms sent by the school’s named YASS Co-ordinator, not from pupils, other teachers, or parents/guardians.
    • Once you have sent the files, you will receive a submission receipt, and then a download receipt, which confirms that the registration forms have been successfully received and downloaded by the YASS Team.
    • The YASS Team will keep you informed about each pupil’s progress in the enrolment process, and confirm when all students are fully registered on their modules. If there are any issues - such as missing or incorrect information -the YASS Team will contact you and request an updated form for the pupil.

Once the pupil is registered:

    • Log on to their Open University account (StudentHome portal) at the start, and regularly throughout the duration of the module.
    • Complete the online induction resource OU Ready.
    • Participate in our OU in Scotland Welcome Events, advertised on the events page of the OU in Scotland website. The YASS Team will provide details on these online sessions, which take place on multiple dates and are open to all students, not just YASS students.
    • Access their module websites as soon as they open to explore module materials.
    • Review the assessment strategy for their module so they understand exactly what’s required to pass.
    • Note key assessment dates and start planning their workload to stay on track.
    • The process differs from school to school, but sometimes YASS Co-ordinator will meet students and their parents/guardians before the modules begin, to prepare them for what lies ahead. This meeting helps clarify what’s involved and confirm that YASS is still the right fit for the pupil and their plans for S6.

Throughout the module duration:

Monitor monthly Engagement Reports provided by the OU YASS Team. The reports will let you know how regularly pupils are accessing their module website; if they have not logged on recently that could indicate a progress concern.

  • The OU’s YASS Team provide school YASS Co-ordinators with information on assessment dates, strategies and weekly study planners. This helps to structure check-ins with pupils, including helping pupils to plan their OU studies around their schoolwork and other commitments.
  • YASS Co-ordinators are not expected to provide academic support for pupils taking part; however, we find that regular check-ins with pupils to discuss their progress can encourage them to reflect on their progress and prompt them to reach out to our support teams if they need help or advice.
  • Engage regularly with their module’s website.
  • Reach out to their tutor/study advisor for academic support, or to the OU Student Support Team (0131 226 3851) if they need general help.

Throughout the process:

Contact our OU’s YASS Team (0131 549 7112) with any questions or support needs, and as soon as possible if a pupil’s circumstances change.

For example, if they wish to:

  • Change module: Any request to change module must be received before 3 September 2026.
  • Cancel module: If withdrawing before the module starts on 3 October, the YASS Co-ordinator or pupil can contact the OU’s YASS Team (0131 549 7112). If withdrawing after the module starts, the pupil must contact the OU Student Support Team (0131 226 3851).
  • Leave school before or during S6: If pupils leave school before the official module starts on 3 October, they can continue their module but will need to find alternative funding. If pupils leave school after the module has started, they can continue their studies but won't appear in any further reports to the school.