As we continue to prioritise the safety of our learners and staff, please adhere to the below updated safety guidance when returning to our centres in January 2022. This includes updated guidance for face coverings and testing.
Face coverings
From 4 January 2022, unless exempt, face coverings should be worn by staff, learners and visitors when moving around the premises, in corridors and communal areas and in classrooms or workshops. Face coverings do not need to be worn by staff or learners when outdoors on the premises.
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.
We would not ordinarily expect teachers to wear a face covering whilst teaching learners if they are at the front of the class, to support education delivery, although settings should be sensitive to the needs of individual tutors who may wish to wear face coverings. Visors are also available at centres for tutors who prefer these to face coverings.
The recommendation to wear face coverings in classrooms and other teaching areas such as workshops will be introduced for a limited time, and as with all measures, we will keep it under review and update guidance after that point.
Face coverings protect the wearer and others against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission of COVID-19.
Please ensure that reusable face masks are clean on entering the building or disposable ones are fresh new masks. Please take disposable masks with you when you leave and dispose of properly.
Testing guidance
Before returning in January 2022, learners and staff should take one self-test at home either the evening or morning, then continue to test twice weekly at home. LFD tests are available to learners and staff who need them to enable them to test prior to, and at, the start of term.
Even if someone has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days, they are strongly encouraged to take part in LFD testing on-site through ATS or at home once they have completed their isolation period for their prior infection.
Do you have Covid-19 symptoms?
If you believe you may have any of the Covid-19 symptoms, please do not attend. You will need to self isolate and arrange for a test. Details can be found on: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
Access to our centres
Please do not enter the building until 5 minutes before your lesson or appointment is due to start. After the lesson has finished, please leave the building promptly.
Ventilation
Good ventilation will be maintained throughout our buildings where possible, including workshops, classrooms, and communal areas.
Track & Trace
If you are staff, a visitor, contractor or family/carer for a learner, please sign in at Reception for Track and Trace reasons. If Reception is closed, please use the visitors book leaving you name, reason for visit, who visiting and contact number. Learners do not need to sign in at reception as you will be recorded at attending by the tutor using the e-register.
Identification should be visible
Please ensure that you have either your ACL Security Badge displayed, or a visitors’ badge.
Social distancing
Wherever possible, when in the building please maintain a 2-metre distance from other people.
One-way routes in centres
Please follow the one-way routes that have been set out. There are markers to guide you around the building. You may have to exit the building and enter through another entrance to access certain parts of the building.
Toilet facilities
Please ensure you have visited the toilet before coming to the centre, our toilet provision has had to be reduced due to social distancing guidance. There are instructions outside toilet facilities advising you how to use safely.
Hand sanitizer
Please cleanse your hands on entering and leaving the building with the provided sanitizer.
When in the building, please wash or sanitise your hands regularly at the sanitising stations present throughout the centre.
Regular cleaning and equipment
If you use computer equipment in your lesson, you are welcome to bring your own. This must be a USB connecting keyboard and / or mouse which can be connected to our desktop computers. Please ensure these have been cleaned before leaving home. We will have our own available but using your own, could reduce the risk of indirect contamination.
If you require use of a mouse mat and/or wrist rest, please bring your own that have been cleaned before entering the building. We will have some available but to avoid indirect contamination, it would be better if you could use your own.
Please bring in minimal personal items.
Food and drink
Please bring in your own water. If using a refillable bottle, please fill at home. Paper cups are available but are for single use only.
More information
For more information about how we made sure we have complied with the Government guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19, please see Our Safety Plan.
To see full Government guidance relating to Covid-19, please visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus