College reveals plan for students during third lockdown

Derby College Group has announced its plans for lockdown to ensure students who need to access online learning and resources at college can do so safely.

From the start of this week, the Roundhouse, Joseph Wright Centre and Broomfield Hall colleges have been open for certain full-time students who have been invited to attend.

Students who usually attend the Community College in Ilkeston have been given the choice of an alternative site.

These include students sitting Btec examinations, others with certain personal circumstances or vulnerabilities and those needing access to practical equipment.

View fullsize

The rest of the full and part time students and apprentices will learn online until further notice.

The college said that all staff and students on site will be offered regular lateral flow tests although these are voluntary.

Mandie Stravino, chief executive of the Derby College Group, said: “Our aim during this third lockdown is, in line with government advice, to remain open for those full-time students who need to access online learning and resources in a Covid-secure environment in college.

“We currently estimate that around 440 students who, due the nature of their study programme, personal circumstances or vulnerabilities, will be accessing college at certain times in the coming week and anticipate that this figure will increase in the coming weeks.

“Engagement was high during the first lockdown and we have successfully continued with a blended learning approach so we do not anticipate that our students’ progress will be excessively disadvantaged during this lockdown period.

“Staff required to be on site have been agreed at a team level to ensure the continued safety and well-being of all and we have launched an on-site lateral flow testing programme.

“The safety and well-being of our whole DCG community continues to be our top priority and I am grateful for the cooperation and flexibility shown by everyone throughout these challenging times.”