3rd January 2022
Dear students, parents and carers
I last emailed you on Friday 17/12/2021 with all the current Covid information and updates. This link will take you to the Covid-19 section of the college website where you will find all the information and resources you need from the College.
Please see below for the current and most important information.
- LFD testing
- Provision of remote learning for students unable to be on-site for COVID-19 related reasons
- Self-isolation periods
- Close contacts of a positive Covid case
- Those formally considered clinically vulnerable
- January examinations
- Face Coverings
1.LFD Testing
All students must test at home either the evening or morning before they return to College in January before continuing with twice-weekly at home testing.
Even if someone has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days, they are strongly encouraged to take part in LFD testing.
The LFD home test results, as usual, should be reported to the government website HERE and the College link HERE. Links are also easily available on SDConnect and the College website.
2. Provision of remote learning for students unable to be on-site for COVID-19 related reasons
For students unable to attend on-site for COVID-19 related reasons, for example, because they need to self-isolate, teaching staff are being asked wherever possible to provide remote education to minimise disruption to their learning.
While students are unable to attend on-site, teaching staff will use their best endeavours to deliver as much of students’ planned hours as possible and meet the expectations concerning participation, live teaching, feedback, assessment, attendance and engagement.
3. Self Isolation Periods
The self-isolation period for people who record a positive PCR test result for COVID-19 has been reduced to 7 days in most circumstances, unless you cannot test for any reason.
- Individuals may now take LFD tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period
- Those who receive two negative test results are no longer required to complete 10 full days of self-isolation
- The first test must be taken no earlier than day 6 of the self-isolation period and tests must be taken 24 hours apart
- If both these test results are negative, and you do not have a high temperature, you may end your self-isolation after the second negative test result and return to your education setting from day 8.
- Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests will need to complete the full 10-day period of self-isolation.
4. Close contacts of a positive COVID case
People who are fully vaccinated, or children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years and 6 months, identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, should take an LFD test every day for seven days and continue to attend College as normal, unless they have a positive test result or develop symptoms at any time.
5. Those formally considered clinically vulnerable
Students previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) and high or higher-risk are not being advised by the Government to shield.
6. January Examinations
Examinations and assessments in January will go ahead as originally planned.
7. Face Coverings in January
The wearing of face coverings in communal areas of College for students, staff and visitors will carry on in January 2022.
From Sunday 2 January, face coverings are also to be worn in classrooms and workshops (all teaching areas). This does not apply in situations where wearing a face covering would impact on the ability to take part in exercise or strenuous activity, for example during sports lessons and physical activity or where an individual has a valid exemption.
Teachers are not expected to wear a face covering whilst teaching students if they are at the front of the class. This will be kept under review.
Please note that the College reopens to students on Wednesday 5th January 2022..
Kindest regards
Laurence Frewin
Principal and CEO
South Devon College
