We are looking forward to welcoming all of our learners back to College.
Working closely within the guidance provided by both Welsh Government and our local public health team in Swansea, we will be continuing to prioritise face to face teaching as much as possible, whilst taking a positive approach to reducing any transmission of the virus.
College based learning
Delivery/day release for learners will remain the same unless instructed by College staff.
For all learners (including apprentices) we will be using a contact group model that we used successfully in 2020.
This means that learners will be together in their training contact groups throughout the day and will not mix with other groups.
In addition, we will be looking to minimise contact within these groups – for example, using the full area of the classroom and maintaining a two-metre distance wherever possible.
Work place visits and assessments
Work placed visits will only take place for essential observation and assessment as part of the apprenticeship or other work based training programmes.
Progress reviews and other activities will be undertaken remotely via video call. In England, we can continue to visit work places for teaching and assessment activities.
We can continue to recruit apprentices and work based learners remotely via video call.
Changes in light of vaccinations
There is one important change since autumn 2020.
Due to the increase in vaccinations, any learner aged under 18 or over 18 who is fully vaccinated will not need to self-isolate if they come into contact with a positive case.
If any learner does have symptoms or has tested positive they will need to self-isolate and follow the advice from NHS Test Trace Protect.
Symptoms include
an elevated temperature
a new, continuous cough
a loss of smell or taste (anosmia)
Face coverings
All learners will be required to wear face coverings both within the classroom and in communal spaces unless they are socially distanced or exempt.
For upcoming assessments, face coverings do not need to be worn when social distancing is possible. However, where assessments are being taken in-class, face coverings will need to be worn, again unless learners are exempt.
Ventilation, cleaning and testing
We will be following the Guidance for Colleges and the Revised Control Framework, whereby we also focus on ventilation and cleaning.
We will continue to encourage learners to wash and sanitise their hands regularly.
We will be encouraging both staff and learners to regularly use lateral flow tests (three times a week). These are available from the College libraries at the start and end of the College day.
Of course, this situation could change at any point especially if some of our staff need to self-isolate. If this happens, then we may need to move our teaching to a more blended or online approach.
Catering facilities
For a variety of reasons, catering facilities on campus are likely to be limited. We are encouraging both staff and learners to bring in their own lunches/snacks wherever possible.
We are continuing to maintain regular contact with Welsh Government and if there are any further changes – including changes to assessments – we will of course let you know.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding
Mark Jones, Principal
