Coronavirus – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the college doing to keep me safe?
Preston’s College has introduced a vast range of new measures, to ensure our campus is as safe as possible for all learners and staff. When you enter for the day, you will be required to swipe in using your college ID badge. If you forget your badge, you will need to obtain a temporary badge from reception. On the main reception and other public facing receptions, you will see screens on the desks. You will also see stickers on the floor. These highlight either the one way system or split corridor system in each building, alongside timely reminders that you must stay two meters apart.
From Thursday 24th September 2020, face coverings will be mandatory in all classrooms, practical spaces and learning zones, in addition to corridors and all other communal areas, unless you are exempt. In classrooms, your tutor will also be wearing a face shield.
Around the campus, a team of dedicated cleaners are undertaking additional cleaning duties, with all toilet facilities operating on a one in, one out basis. There are also a large number of new hand sanitizer stations around the college. Please use these frequently and wash your hands regularly. Additional ‘self-serve’ cleaning facilities will also be in place near water fountains. Please wipe the water fountain tap before and after use, and only use it to fill water bottles.
If you experience any symptoms that you think may be linked to Coronavirus, please alert your tutor immediately. If you are at home and experience any symptoms, please do not come into college. Please follow all absence reporting procedures and seek a test via the NHS.
At the end of each day, you are required to use your ID badge to swipe out.
Where can I find the most up-to-date information on the College’s approach to Coronavirus?
Any new updates provided by the college, specifically in relation to Coronavirus will be placed on the official college website (www.preston.ac.uk) and the college’s main social media channels. In addition, all current learners will be sent a text message. At this time, it is vital that the contact details and emergency contact information the college holds for you are correct and up-to-date.
Do I have to wear a face covering?
All learners travelling to and from college on public transport are required to follow official Government guidance and wear a face covering for the duration of their journey (unless exempt). Once on campus, there is no requirement to wear a face covering outside, however, social distancing guidelines should still be followed.
Inside, all learners (unless exempt) are required to wear face coverings on corridors, in communal areas (e.g. toilets, library, food court) and in classrooms, practical spaces and learning zones.
Preston’s College has invested in one visor style face covering per person for all of our 16-18 year old learners. Once received, the face covering becomes your responsibility. You may, however, choose to wear your own.
If you lose the provided face covering, forget it or don’t bring your own to college with you, you will be required to purchase one from college. It is important to remember that your face covering has to be a mask or visor; pulling up your coat, jumper or scarf is not sufficient.
What is blended learning and how does it work?
Blended learning refers to a course which has some in-class/practical elements that are taught on campus, in classrooms or workshops and some learning elements that take place at home. This could be through on-line live classes, pre-recorded material, set work or tutorials over software such as Microsoft Teams.
When you receive your timetable, it will be clear whether your course incorporates elements of blended learning and if it does, your tutor will speak to the class about how this may look on your chosen course.
I don’t have a laptop and/or internet access, how will I be able to complete the on-line learning elements of my course?
We understand that some learners may find it difficult to access the technology needed to complete the on-line learning elements of their course. As a result, the Learning Zone IT facilities will be available to all learners, on a bookable basis, to allow you to complete the on-line elements of your course on campus.
Will I have to bring food and drink with me, or will food outlets be open?
We encourage all learners to bring a bottle of water with them. If you would like to bring a packed lunch with you, you are able to do so. All learners are expected to eat lunch in designated classrooms, outside of teaching time (not workshops). If you wish to purchase lunch on campus, catering facilities, including the shop and vending machines, will be open but face coverings will need to be worn. Seating areas within the food court will be closed.
Can I use the lifts?
Those who can use the stairs are encouraged to do so, as lifts in all buildings will be open and available but will be limited to one person at a time and should only be used when absolutely necessary.
Do I have to download the NHS App?
Anyone over the age of 16 can choose to download the app, this does not replace any college requirements about safety measures and reporting of symptoms/positive tests. Anybody that chooses to download the app and gets an alert through it should also inform us of the alert, so that we can decide if any college action is required.
What will happen in the event of another lockdown, if the college closes?
Should another lockdown occur, forcing the college to close buildings, teaching will revert to home and on-line learning. The college successfully did this when the national lockdown was announced in March 2020 and all learners will be fully supported. Should this happen, full details will be communicated to you, parents and carers via the website, social media, emails and text messaging.
What do I do if someone in my household tests positive for Covid-19?
If someone you live with tests positive for Covid-19, and following Public Health England’s guidance, you are required to self-isolate for 14 days. Please inform your tutor as soon as possible and continue your studies via remote/online learning. If you become unwell during these 14 days and/or receive a positive test please inform the college immediately.
What do I do if my child, or someone I live with is sent home from school/work because a peer/colleague has tested positive?
If a member of your household has been sent home from work or school to isolate because someone in their ‘bubble’ has tested positive, you are not required to self-isolate. Unless you start to feel unwell, the guidelines state that you are permitted to continue to go to work and attend College as normal.
Is the Covid-19 testing centre still on the St Vincent’s Road car park?
Preston’s College is proud to have supported the NHS during the early stages of the Coronavirus pandemic. However, to aid with the start of the new term, the testing facility has now re-located to another part of Preston, meaning the St Vincent’s Road car park is now fully accessible and no Coronavirus testing will take place on site.
