Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus: information for staff, students, apprentices, parents and employers
Last updated 16:39 Friday 15 January 2021
IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING COLLEGE CLOSURE
The government has now announced that schools, colleges and universities are to close until further notice. As always, our students health and wellbeing is our top priority and we will be closing our campus in line with this official advice.
This means that all face-to-face teaching will be stopped and all learning will continue remotely with the exception of:
- students on an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), looked-after children and those who have been identified as vulnerable and therefore would benefit from continuing to attend full-time
- students who have parents that are classified as a key worker
Any students who fall into one of these categories will be contacted directly regarding arrangements.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Students should already be set up to continue learning from home and tutors and teachers will contact students directly with details of lessons. Facilities on campus unfortunately won't be available and all learning will be done remotely unless students fall into the categories identified above
If students are currently undergoing a work placement or attend work as an apprentice, they should continue to attend unless they are told otherwise by their employer. Their Skills Trainers and lecturers will continue to support them.
EXAMS & ASSESSMENTS
As you may have seen in the media, schools and colleges were informed last night (Tuesday 5 January) that they must decide for themselves whether to go ahead with vocational exams scheduled during the period of national lockdown.
In line with many colleges across the country, and further to our communications yesterday, we have taken the extremely difficult decision to cancel all exams scheduled.
We know how hard students have worked to prepare for these exams and that many will be disappointed by this decision however the safety of our staff and students must always be our first concern. While we have made this decision with a heavy heart, it has been made to protect our students, their loved ones and colleagues across our college.
No student will be disadvantaged by not sitting exams this January. While a clear process has not yet been agreed between Ofqual and Awarding Organisations, one of the following two scenarios is likely to apply:
- There will be an opportunity or requirement to attend an exam later in the academic year.
- Where no alternative exam date is possible, or if a decision is made to cancel future exams, arrangements will be put in place to ensure a fair assessment is awarded.
PLANS FOR RE-OPENING
At this moment we have been advised that the reopening of schools and colleges will be reviewed on Monday 15 February. We will contact students directly and update our website with information as we receive it.
COVID-19 LATERAL FLOW TESTING PILOT
We will be looking to test any students who are working from campus during the national lockdown, and all students as they return to campus when we are able to re-open after the lockdown. To find out more please see our Frequently Asked Questions.
Student Pilot Test Information
Parent SEND Pilot Test Information
REMOTE EDUCATION OFFER
Please click here to read our Remote Education Offer.
HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS
Following the Government’s announcement of a further national lockdown, all colleges and universities are required to move to an online delivery model for the majority of their learners until mid-February at the earliest. As a result of this, whilst teaching and learning across West Lancashire College will continue, it will be only delivered online.
Our curriculum teams continue to work to ensure that you will not be disadvantaged in anyway and that you receive accessible, quality teaching and we can confirm that your course leader will be contacting you shortly to confirm amendments.
COVID-19 RISK ASSESSMENT
To view our Covid-19 College Risk Assessment, please click here.
STAY SAFE & KEEP IN TOUCH
For general college enquiries: enquiries@westlancs.ac.uk
If you have a safeguarding concern or feel unsafe contact: SafeguardingHotline@westlancs.ac.uk / 07974208855
For current student enquiries: ask-the-adviser@westlancs.ac.uk
If you require help through student support: Support@westlancs.ac.uk
For applicant enquiries: admissions@westlancs.ac.uk
Please be mindful of the importance of following all of the national guidance that has been put in place to protect the health and wellbeing of you and your loved ones. You can find all of the latest guidance here, as well as advice on keeping safe and healthy on the NHS website here.
Please check back for regular updates.
