LLC COVID-19 Operational Update (January 2022)

The government continues to manage the risk of serious illness from the spread of the virus. The Prime Minister announced on 19th January 2022 that Plan B, is to end on 26th January 2022. As a result, Plan B measures in the guidance for FE providers are being removed. This advice remains subject to change as the situation develops.

Following updated guidance issued by the Government, LLC continues to take steps to ensure the safety of learners, staff, and visitors in relation to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, whilst maintaining learning opportunities.

LLC is encouraging all learners to return to face to face learning. This is in line with guidance which makes it clear that education providers are expected to prioritise the delivery of face-to-face, high-quality education to all students. The evidence is clear that being out of education causes significant harm to educational attainment, life changes, mental and physical health.

LLC will continue to ensure that we have adequate control measures in place to maintain the safety of learners, staff, and visitors – these include:

1. Encouraging all learners, staff, and visitors to please consider the option for vaccination.
2. Ensuring good hygiene for everyone by providing adequate signage and supplies of sanitisers, hand gels etc.
3. Maintain appropriate cleaning regimes.
4. Keep occupied spaces well ventilated.
5. Following public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Document Updates

A summary of the main updates outlined in the guidance is shown below – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-further-education-provision/further-education-covid-19-operational-guidance

Face coverings

Face coverings are no longer advised for students, staff, and visitors either in classrooms or in communal areas. However, learners, staff and visitors are welcome to continue to wear face coverings if they choose to do so.

Testing

All staff, visitors, and learners are expected to undertake a Lateral Flow Test twice a week before coming into the building and report the test result to the NHS here.

• If attending a course of up to 2 days – you should take a lateral flow test the day before the first session for the week
• If your course is more than 2 days per week, you should test on the morning of day 3 of your course (before attending class)

Lateral flow tests can be ordered through the .gov website – https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests. They can also be collected in person, to find the nearest outlet, learners can click on the link here https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/.

LLC also hold a small supply of tests on-site which are available on request.

If you have taken a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test or PCR test and the result was positive you must Self-isolate immediately and please report this as soon as possible to your tutor.

Learners who are required to self-isolate and are well enough may continue their studies by working from home. Learners may be able to access some live streamed lessons in accordance with their timetable. All learners are able to access learning resources remotely through Google classroom at any time. Your tutor will discuss access arrangements with you during induction.

Students, staff and other adults should follow public health advice on when to self isolate. Learners, staff and visitors should not come into the setting if they have symptoms or other reasons requiring them to stay at home due to the risk of them passing on COVID-19 (for example, they are required to quarantine).

Hand hygiene

Frequent and thorough hand cleaning should now be a regular practice. You should continue to ensure you clean your hands regularly. This can be done with soap and water or hand sanitiser.

COVID-19 vaccination

More information on how to get a vaccine can be found on the NHS website. Students registered with a GP can book their appointment at a larger vaccination centre, a community pharmacy run site or at some GP run sites through the National Booking Service website if 18 or over or by phoning 119. Individuals can request to book COVID-19 vaccination appointments as unregistered patients through a local GP practice.