Overview
Following updated guidance issued by the Government, from 17th August 2021 LLC continues to take steps to ensure the safety of its learner, 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:
- Encouraging all learners to please consider the option for vaccination.
- Ensuring good hygiene for everyone by providing adequate signage and supplies of sanitisers, hand gels etc.
- Maintain appropriate cleaning regimes.
- Keep occupied spaces well ventilated.
- 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 are welcome to continue to wear face coverings if they choose to do so.
Mixing and ‘bubbles’
It is no longer necessary to keep learners in consistent groups (‘bubbles’).
Testing
The guidance states that testing is not mandatory for either learners or teachers but should be encouraged. As a result, LLC are asking all learners attending face to face learning to take a lateral flow test at least once a week before attending lessons. This is the test you take when you don’t have any symptoms.
- 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 and the result was positive you must:
- Self-isolate immediately
- Report all results on the government website and if you test positive, please also report this as soon as possible to your tutor
- Obtain a PCR test (within 2 days) to confirm your result https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
- Follow the advice you are given when you get the PCR test result
- If you do not obtain a PCR test within 2 days, you will need to self-isolate for the 10 full days
If you have taken a COVID-19 PCR test and the result was positive you must:
- Self-isolate immediately for 10 full days following the day you received your result or when symptoms started
- 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 through 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.
For more information please call 0208 774 4040, access our website www.londonlc.org.uk or email us on info@londonlc.org.uk
