As the coronavirus pandemic spreads, what news is there specifically relating to colleges and the FE sector?
The answer is quite simple: not a lot.
After a Cobra meeting in Downing Street today, prime minister Boris Johnson confirmed that schools across England would not shut, and would only do so if they are advised. He did confirm, however, that all international school trips were to be cancelled. In Ireland, all schools and colleges have been closed.
Some universities, however, have announced that they will be stopping access to classrooms. Both the London School of Economics, the University of Durham and Manchester Metropolitan University announced that they will move to remote learning where possible.
But as yet, no colleges have followed suit.
Closure of colleges and FE providers would clearly have a huge impact on all students: whether they are studying A levels, BTECs, GCSE resits or completing an apprenticeship. So far, things remain uncertain.
A spokesperson from the University and College Union, however, said that the health of staff and students has to be the top priority for colleges.
“Institutions should be working closely with UCU, student reps and other trade unions to address any concerns being raised by staff and students. They should also be working with bodies like Public Health England to ensure everyone is kept fully informed as the situation develops.”
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A London South East Colleges’ spokesperson said their priority as a college was to protect their staff and students as much as we can.
“To do this, we are following advice from Public Health England and the Department of Education and are keenly awaiting clarification as to next steps.
“In the event that the government does take the decision to close schools and colleges in the coming days/weeks, we have a robust business contingency plan in place and will keep our staff and students fully informed.
“This is a fast-moving situation, with much uncertainty. However, we will continue to be guided by health experts to ensure the maximum protection for our students, staff and wider communities.”
Earlier this week, the Department of Education confirmed that apprentices will be allowed a break in learning if they cannot be assessed due to the coronavirus.
The change means that there will be no financial penalty if assessments get delayed because of assessor illness or Covid-19 related measures - which would ordinarily be the case if there was a break in learning (BIL) under the current funding rules.
In its advice, the Department of Education tells apprenticeship training providers and end-point-assessment organisations: “Apprentices who are ready for assessment - ie, who reach gateway and cannot be assessed due to assessor illness or Covid-19 related measures, will be allowed to have a break in learning.
“This should protect funding and completion of apprenticeships and should be reflected in the July completion rules. The normal breaks in learning process should be followed and therefore we only need notifying once a break in learning has exceeded four weeks.”
Staff, pupils and parents can contact the coronavirus helpline on 0800 046 8687 if they have any concerns or are seeking advice.
