Principal’s Statement 3rd April 2020

Dear all,

I hope this message finds you safe and well during this difficult time.

Two weeks ago, I wrote to you to confirm that the College was implementing special measures and moving to online learning for all classroom-based students for the remainder of the term, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our student and staff community. We had hoped to be able to safely re-open the College’s sites to
learners following the spring break. Since then, the Government has announced the physical closure of all colleges and schools for the remainder of the academic year; with very few exceptions. Our summer term will be subject to the same arrangements currently in place for the end of the spring term.

We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to gain clarity on what that means for our students. This will vary slightly from course to course, but it’s important that you know we expect students to continue to engage throughout the summer term: depending on your course, that might be completing final work, continuing to
attend classes remotely or supported to complete assessments at a distance.

Many of you will have been following the news closely at the moment, and will have seen various announcements from exam boards and others around the awarding of final grades. We’re still working with awarding bodies to ensure you aren’t disadvantaged by the unusual circumstances, and that you get the grades you need to achieve and progress. Don’t forget that while your grades may be determined by the work you’ve done to date, the work you do during the summer term will be important in terms of what comes after – whether that’s further education or the next step into your career.

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) remains accessible to all students and we encourage you to access the online learning resources ahead of the summer term and any final assessments for your course. Your Head of School and tutors will communicate will you as we know more around the assessment protocols for your
individual course.

Apprenticeships continue to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, depending on the status of the learner. We continue to deliver to our apprentices using distance learning, and this includes where apprentices are furloughed by employers; we will make every effort to support you to achieve in line with your planned end
date.

We will write to you as a student body again over the coming weeks with key updates, including updates around progression opportunities. Please ensure you check your college email regularly in order to stay up to date with the latest information. We will also continue to post updates via our website and social media channels.

Online Learning

• The VLE remains accessible at the following link: https://my.liv-stu.co.uk/ and you should log in as usual with your student username and password. Should you experience any difficulties logging in, you can contact the helpdesk at helpdesk@liv-coll.ac.uk.

Distance Support Services

• The College will be making every effort to ensure students are still able to access key support and wellbeing services, by telephone or email, whilst the College sites are closed.
• You can continue to access additional support using the external services linked on the College website under Student Support & Wellbeing.
In addition, we ask that you please take the time to remind yourself of the following important information:

Government advice:

Government advice continues to change as the situation develops, but some of the key messages remain the same: make sure you’re washing your hands more frequently with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds; be sure to catch coughs and sneezes in tissues and avoid non-essential contact with others via physical distancing.
If you become unwell and suspect you may have coronavirus (a temperature of 37.8 or higher, or a new, continuous cough), you should immediately self-isolate for a period of 7 days. You do not need to contact NHS 111 to self-isolate, but if your symptoms worsen you should seek further medical advice and support via NHS
111, preferably online. You are asked not to go directly to your GP or any other healthcare provider before taking advice from NHS 111, to help restrict the spread of the virus. In an emergency, call 999.

Department for Education Coronavirus Helpline:

The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is available to answer questions from staff, students, parents and guardians about coronavirus relating to education. The helpline is available from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, on 0800 046 8687.
Again, please be assured that the College is doing everything possible to limit the impact of coronavirus on our staff and student body, in line with Public Health England and the Department for Education guidance.

Best wishes,
Elaine Bowker
Principal & Chief Executive
The City of Liverpool College Group