This week, thousands of students and staff returned to face-to-face teaching in colleges across England.
College leaders and staff had spent weeks preparing to reopen their gates to the majority of students, from setting up rapid testing centres and implementing social distancing rules, to prioritising in-person teaching for practical subjects and ensuring all classrooms are Covid secure.
In February, the government confirmed that rapid Covid tests would play a key role in the return to face-to-face teaching, with all students and staff expected to receive four tests within the first two weeks of on-site delivery, and then two every week after that.
The Department for Education also confirmed that staff and students in colleges were advised to wear face coverings in all areas, including classrooms, where social distancing cannot be maintained. This, the DfE said, was a temporary extra measure.
But what did things actually look like on the ground?
Yesterday we had a successful first day on our journey to reopen. Staff & volunteers delivered over 1,200 tests in a safe & controlled environment.
We’re pleased with the high student turnout rate. Thanks to our students for working with us to keep our college community safe. pic.twitter.com/RFtabokrXW
22 bays in our sports hall @Chi_College. Already tested over 1,000 students. Wonderful to see staff and students back so the logistics of testing has definitely been worthwhile. pic.twitter.com/wgUDN5tM9j
Our staff have been busy preparing our rapid lateral flow testing centres at our campuses for students to return from Monday 8 March. This video will give you a better idea on what to expect when you arrive for a COVID-19 test on campus.https://t.co/PruSW7lNey
Great to safety open our doors again.... @sdcollege practical sessions needed for the hair and beauty industry. The industry will be busier than ever after being hit so hard! #nails#beauty#salonpic.twitter.com/RKk9qmR45H
- Hair, Beauty, Music and Performing Arts (@hairbeamuspasdc) March 9, 2021
?It has been SO lovely to welcome back our Yr 12 students today & to focus on the positive things they have done & achieved during lockdown. We look forward to having them all back fully in lessons tomorrow, followed by Yr 13 from Monday. What brilliant #rolemodels they are ? pic.twitter.com/K0SwxYmumj
- The Sixth Form at NSG (@NSGSixthForm) March 8, 2021
?? We welcomed our learners back to our Education & Skills Centres yesterday.
We are so proud of how well they have engaged whilst working from home, but it’s great for our teachers to see their faces again and teach them in the classroom! pic.twitter.com/1cWE3vAJKq
- School of Childhood & Education #FE (@LCCChildhood) March 4, 2021
Watch: The return to college with four leaders
Tes spoke to four college leaders about the return to in-person teaching, and leaders spoke of the thousands students who had already been tested, as well as the brilliant atmosphere across their respective campuses.
Bill Jones, principal and chief executive, Leeds City College
Lisa O’Loughlin, principal and deputy chief executive, The Manchester College
Paul Padda, vice-principal, East Coast College
David Lambert, deputy chief executive and principal, London South East Colleges
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