The safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
We have made some significant changes to the way staff, students and visitors access our College buildings this year. These changes are a direct response to student feedback and to the changing world. They have been developed in consultation to ensure the wellbeing of students and staff, whilst continuing to welcome members of the wider community to our buildings. You may have seen barriers being installed at the college and we wanted to make sure you were aware of what these are for, why we are installing them, and make sure you have all your questions answered. If you still have questions, please just reply to this email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
FAQs
Why are we doing this?
Our students have told us via our regular student survey and course reps feedback that the security of our campuses and feeling safe is really important to them. Many other colleges across the country have made the decision to implement additional security measures to control access to their buildings, and have provided positive feedback on the benefits they’ve seen. Introducing colour coded lanyards for everyone onsite will make it much easier to identify individuals and anyone without a lanyard will be approached so we can ensure they are signed in and accounted for. This measure will give everyone clarity and peace of mind that we know exactly who is on site at all times.
When will the barriers be activated?
The earliest we are planning to activate the barriers is on Monday 3rd October. This is subject to the installation process and resolving any technical issues that arise during testing. If the date changes, we will let you know.
What do the lanyard colours mean?
As we now expect everyone at the college to be wearing a lanyard when they are on any campus, we introduced a new colour system to help with being able to easily identify different age group students, staff, and visitors.
- Staff = Orange
- Volunteer = Orange (with volunteer printed on it)
- College students = Purple
- University students (Level 4 and above) = Green
- High School students = Blue
- 14-16 (not High School) = Blue
- Visitors = Red
- Contractors = Red
- Temporary lanyard = Brown
What can I use my student ID card for?
- Access to buildings via barriers and doors
- Free College Meals where appropriate
- Library borrowing
- Car Parking
- Print release
- Gym membership
What happens if I lose my card/lanyard?
When a card and lanyard is lost, there will be a £5 lost item charge, in line with bus pass replacements. Payment is accepted in the Essentials shop or via the Online Store, replacement cards can then be collected from Printing Services. If students are unable to pay the lost item charge they should contact Helpzone.
What happens if I forget my lanyard?
Receptions level 1 and 3 will have loan cards. Students or staff members will sign out a temporary brown lanyard, which will state SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE TEMPORARY ACCESS and allow the user temporary barrier access for one day only. At the end of the day, the temporary card and lanyard must be returned to receptions level 1 or 3 to exit. If Reception staff have left for the day, there will be a help button on the barriers, which will go through to the duty caretaker, who will be able to assist.
When will reception be staffed to deal with any access issues?
On a Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am until 4.30pm.
On a Tuesday and Wednesday, from 8.30am until 9.00pm.
On a Monday, Thursday and Friday from 4.30pm visitors will be allowed to access the building, but will not get beyond the barrier. There will be a sign displayed at both level 1 and level 3 receptions stating visitor opening hours as follows: On a Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am until 4.30pm. On a Tuesday and Wednesday, from 8.30am until 9.00pm. The sign will also state in an emergency to contact the Duty Caretaker outside of Reception working hours. This will allow the building to be fully accessible by permitting students and staff to use the college resources whilst open.
Where will the barriers be located?
We are installing low level barriers at Levels 1, 2 and 3 in the Vantage Point building (Paignton campus). This is at both receptions, the entrance underneath the Level 3 Reception, and the entrance at the end of the Street. There will also be barriers on the ground floor of the Hi Tech & Digital Centre on one side of the lift (with the other side blocked off), and the lift will be programmed to require a card swipe to authorise access. Card access will also be added to any other external doors as necessary.
How do I access other buildings where barriers are not installed?
Automotive/Construction
Card access
SWEC
Card access
Animal Care
Access managed by staff
Out centres
Torquay campus (CHCP), Newton Abbot campuses Bradley Lane and Brunel, and the South Devon College Marine Academy will be managed by card swipe access.
Will I have to swipe out to exit?
All students and staff will be required to swipe out where barriers are in place.
Will there be an accessible barrier at each entrance for easier accessibility?
Yes, there will be an accessible barrier at each location. The image below shows the difference between a standard and accessible barrier.
What happens in the event of a fire alarm?
In the event of an emergency evacuation, barriers will open automatically and remain open until the evacuation is complete and the building is safe to re-enter.
We hope you have found this information helpful and we thank you for your cooperation and support as we continue to improve our campus facilities at South Devon College.
Kind regards,
Laurence Frewin
Principal and CEO
South Devon College