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Returning to College From 8th March 2021

Message from our Principal, Peter Kennedy - Plans for our return to College from 8th March 2021

I wanted to update you with our plans for moving safely back to onsite learning. As I said before, we will return in a phased way, not all at once, so that we can see how our plans work and ensure covid testing is in place for all who want it.

Firstly, if you have not let us know whether you consent to a covid test, please do so urgently by following this link Covid 19 - College Consent Form. 

Remember that testing is entirely voluntary and you can change your mind either way if you have concerns, but we can’t test you without completion of the form.

The Government have asked schools and colleges to offer students three tests in college (each around 3-5 days apart), followed by testing at home twice a week (using kits that the college will provide).  These tests are for anyone who is not showing the symptoms of Covid-19 (what are called asymptomatic tests). This is because up to one third of people who have coronavirus experience no symptoms, and important because the new variants of covid spread much more easily between people.

More detailed information is in the attached document - please read this through.  

Phasing the Return to College Classes AND Covid Testing Arrangements

For students completing their studies this Summer ie Second & Third Years and Level 2/S students, your return date is Monday 8^th March.

 ALL your classes from that date will be delivered by your teachers in college.

• Your TESTING will work as follows: On Friday 5^th March, our testing centre will be open from 9.30am to 2.0pm. You do not need an appointment, and can come in to get your first test. We’ll contact you with test results In w/c 8 March, you should first come to college for your first class and not before. If you are consenting to a test, you will be directed to the testing area, if not, you will go directly to your classroom   
• After you’ve received a first negative test result, you will be told when tests 2 and 3 will take place.

 For students on the first year of a two-year programme.

• All your classes will be remote for the w/c 8^th March, with your return to onsite classes taking place from Monday 15^th March.
• Your TESTING will work as follows: On Friday 12^th March, our testing centre will be open from 10.00am to 3.00pm. This is for students who are able to attend college without using the college bus, please do not use college transport until Monday 15th March
• Please attend at the following times based on your surname if you can: Surnames starting with - A-F: 10am - 11:30am/G-L: 11:30am – 12:30pm/M-S: 12:30pm – 2pm/T-Z: 2pm – 3pm
• In w/c 15^th March, you should first come to college for your first class and not before. If you didn't have a test on Friday and are consenting to a test, you will be directed to the testing area, if you had a test on Friday 12th March or you are not consenting for testing, you will go directly to your classroom
• After you’ve received your first negative test result, you will be told when to attend the test centre for tests 2 and 3 by a member of staff.

Transport, Catering and on/off site activity

College buses will run into college in the mornings and make return journeys at both lunchtime and the end of the day. It will help us keep the site safe if you leave at lunchtime where possible. Activity other than lessons such as tutorials, enrichment and so on will continue remotely until we have reviewed out risk assessments and plans.

Hot food will be available through the Courtyard Food Pod, the shop and Frankies.

Please note that face coverings will be required in all indoor spaces, including classrooms where 2m distancing is not in place.

Take care and stay safe, 

Pete