Government Advice Regarding Coronavirus
March 12, 2020
Please read our latest update on the College’s position in response to the recent Government announcement.
Useful information for parents and carers: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers
Thursday 19th March 2020
Dear Parent/Carer,
As you will already be aware, the Prime Minister announced on Wednesday evening that education providers, including colleges, will close until further notice after this Friday, 20th March 2020.
The College will remain open today as normal, and will also remain open tomorrow for students to access their tutors, work and collect anything they require in order to continue their studies remotely. Please note there will be no formal classes on Friday, as tutors will be preparing to support students remotely during the closure.
The duration of the closure has not yet been defined, but the Prime Minister has stated that any disruption will be kept to an absolute minimum and will be informed by scientific advice.
Although the College buildings will be closed, College staff will be working from home and available to provide online support through the usual College systems.
It has also been announced that GCSE and A level exams will not take place this year but that students who were due to sit these exams will not suffer any detriment as a result. We await further information about how the Government intends to ensure that students achieve the qualifications their work deserves. As soon as we are clear about how this will happen, our students will be contacted.
Today and tomorrow we will be doing all we can to finalise our plans to provide support to students during the closure period. We understand that you may have questions to ask but request that you check our website in the first instance as telephone contact may result in long waiting times for callers.
Our advice during this period is to visit our website and social media channels for the latest statements and information. We will use our website for all key information and updates. Please rely on the website for official information from the College and do not be distracted by rumour.
Thank you for your support and understanding in this matter. We will provide regular updates based on the information received from the Government.
Monica Box
Principal and Chief Executive
Monday 16th March 2020
Dear students and parents/carers,
The current position at the College is that no student or staff member has reported that they have been diagnosed with Coronavirus. The College remains open for business as usual to both staff and students and classes will continue to take place until further notice.
We want to reassure you that we are monitoring this situation very closely and will keep you informed should we need to take any action in order to safeguard our College community.
Any student who is feeling unwell should ensure that they record their absence through the absence line 01744 623154. If you feel that your absence may relate to Coronavirus, then please ensure that you leave as much detail in your message as possible, including the details of any advice you have been given by Public Health England, NHS 111.
If you become unwell whilst at College, tell a member of staff straight away and let them know if you have travelled to any other countries in the last 14 days. Please then seek advice directly from NHS 111 on what you should do. Once you have received this advice, please contact the College absence line to report your absence and provide details of the advice you have been given e.g. self-isolate.
Please see below the latest information from the government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response