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 upÌýrapid testing centres andÌýimplementing social distancing rules, to prioritising in-person teaching for practical subjects and ensuring all classrooms are Covid secure.Ìý
In February, the government confirmed that rapidÌýwouldÌýplay a key role in the return to face-to-face teaching, with all students and staff expectedÌýto receive four tests within the first two weeks of on-site delivery, and then twoÌýevery week after that.Ìý
The Department for Education also confirmed that staff and students in colleges wereÌýÌýin all areas, including classrooms, where social distancing cannot be maintained. This, the DfE said, was a temporary extra measure.Ìý
But what did things actually look like on the ground?Ìý
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.
22 bays in our sports hall . Already tested over 1,000 students. Wonderful to see staff and students back so the logistics of testing has definitely been worthwhile.
- Shelagh Legrave (@ShelaghLegrave)
After testing 90%+ of Year 13 yesterday (with no positive LFT results), we await Year 12 this morning) ...
- Brett Freeman (@BrettFreeman67)
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.
- Bedford College (@bedfordcollege)
Great to safety open our doors again.... practical sessions needed for the hair and beauty industry. The industry will be busier than ever after being hit so hard!
- Hair, Beauty, Music and Performing Arts (@hairbeamuspasdc)
?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 they are ?
- The Sixth Form at NSG (@NSGSixthForm)
?? 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!
- Nacro (@Nacro)
Our amazing Deputy Head, Emma, shows us how to take a COVID-19 test. It’s a short test to do to ensure you and those around you stay safe!
Also, @jeffreyleedscitycollege will be there to support you through it!
- School of Childhood & Education #FE (@LCCChildhood)
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Watch: The return to college with four leaders
91¶¶Òõ 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.Ìý
Bill Jones, principal and chief executive, Leeds City College
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Lisa O’Loughlin, principal and deputy chief executive, The Manchester College
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Paul Padda, vice-principal, East Coast College
David Lambert, deputy chief executive and principal, London South East CollegesÌý
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