Covid-19 Important Updates
Covid-19 College Risk Assessment
Testing
Our expectation is that students will undertake home testing using twice weekly using Lateral Flow ‘Rapid Test’ kits as supplied by college. You will be given 2 packs of test kits during enrolment.
Wellbeing
We are all excited to see our students back in College but appreciate that Covid-19 and periods of lockdown have been tough for many individuals. If you want to talk to someone about your mental health, please contact Student Services in the first instance.
Safety measures
All our key safety measures are still in place to make our environment as Covid-safe as possible – maintaining cleaning regimes in shared spaces, reminders about hygiene, hand-washing and ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ and keeping occupied spaces ventilated where possible . We expect students to work with us to uphold the safety measures we have in place for the sake of everyone on campus and at home.
‘Bubbles’
You may remember from last year that there was the need to restrict mixing of groups where possible by keeping students together in their class ‘bubbles’ where possible. This is no longer a requirement, but it is possible that we may need to reintroduce them for a temporary period as a safety measure in the event, for instance of a local outbreak.
Face coverings
Face coverings are no longer advised for students, staff and visitors in classrooms or communal areas. If we have an ‘outbreak’ in College we may be advised that face coverings should temporarily be worn in communal areas or classrooms (by students, staff and visitors, unless exempt).
Buses and face coverings
The guidance on face coverings on transport however, states that the wearing of face coverings is expected in enclosed and crowded spaces where an individual may come into contact with people they do not normally meet. This includes public transport and dedicated transport to college. Students will therefore be expected to wear a face covering on our college buses.
Transport
College transport is running as normal – remember you must wear a face-covering on the bus at all times.
Catering
Catering is available on site – more details of opening times will be available on campus.
Absence Reporting
Students must fill in the absence reporting form (online) if they are not coming into college on one of their timetabled days, regardless of the reason.
Covid cases – WHAT TO DO!
SYMPTOMS
• NEW CONTINUOUS COUGH
• HIGH TEMPERATURE
• LOSS OF OR CHANGE IN YOUR NORMAL SENSE OF TASTE OR SMELL
IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 OR HAVE TESTED POSITIVE – DO NOT COME INTO COLLEGE
IF YOU GET A POSITIVE LATERAL FLOW TEST RESULT – DO NOT COME INTO COLLEGE. GET A PCR TEST TO CHECK IF YOU HAVE COVID – 19. WHILST YOU ARE WAITING FOR THE PCR RESULT, SELF-ISOLATE AND DO NOT COME INTO COLLEGE
IF YOU COME INTO COLLEGE AND HAVE SYMPTOMS, YOU WILL NEED TO RETUN HOME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THAT DAY- YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRAVEL ON OUR TRANSPORT OR PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
Close contacts / household contacts
If you live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, you should stay at home and self-isolate. HOWEVER – if you are fully vaccinated or aged under 18 years and 6 months you will not be required to self-isolate if you are a contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Anyone over the age of 18 years and 6 months who has only had one vaccine will still have to self-isolate.
Fully vaccinated means that you have been vaccinated with an MHRA approved COVID-19 vaccine in the UK, and at least 14 days have passed since you received the recommended doses of that vaccine.
NHS Test and Trace will contact you to let you know that you have been identified as a contact and check whether you are legally required to self-isolate. If you are not legally required to self-isolate, you will be provided with advice on testing and given guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19, including limiting close contact with other people outside your household, and wearing a face covering, especially in enclosed spaces. Even if you do not have symptoms, you will be advised to have a PCR test as soon as possible.
FOR FUL DETAILS ON SELF-ISOLATION and TESTING:
AND THE GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE FOR COLLEGES
Further education COVID-19 operational guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Student Code of Conduct
We are very much looking forward to welcoming our students back onto our campuses. The college remains a Covid secure environment with a comprehensive range of measures in place to keep you safe. We are committed to following the guidance provided by Public Health England and the Department for Education. Please remind yourself of the expectations we have of our students when you return – we all must play our part in keeping each other safe. The student Code of Conduct can be found here.
General Information
The welfare of our college community is paramount in our decision making, along with supporting current public health advice; Public Health England (PHE)
Department for Education (DfE), Department for Education Coronavirus helpline on 0800 046 8687 or email, DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Further up-to-date information is available at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
Top Tips for Mental Health
Askham Bryan College cares about our community and continues to support personal well-being and mental health. For advice and guidance, please contact Student Services
Any further questions or something you’re unsure about?
If you have any concerns, or questions that are not answered on this webpage, please email: enquiries@askham-bryan.ac.uk