Coronavirus Update

Welsh Government has today confirmed that we will continue to be in lockdown for the next 3 weeks and that remote learning and home working will continue until at least half term.  

Message to learners - February 9 2021

Hello everyone, I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well and continue to follow the national guidelines provided by the Welsh Government. At the moment, the College is predominantly working in a remote working environment and I am so pleased that learners continue to attend online classes and support sessions as the lockdown continues.

After half term (from 22^nd February), and following the most recent announcements made by the Minister for Education, we will be inviting a small number of learners into College to have some instruction and completion of essential practical assessments that needs to be completed in order for them to complete their qualifications this year. You will be contacted by the College if this applies to you.

At the moment the areas where this will take place include:

• Automotive engineering (Cardigan and Pibwrlwyd)
• Agricultural engineering (Gelli Aur)
• Construction trades (Ammanford and Cardigan)
• Mechanical / Electrical engineering (Graig, Llanelli)
• Professional cookery Level 3 (Aberystwyth, Cardigan and Pibwrlwyd)

This new phase of return (Phase 1) will involve new operational procedures that we all must follow. The include:

• Entry and exit to the campus will be strictly managed through limited access points - which will be made known to students, in advance;
• Strict 2m social distancing will have to be adhered to at all times on campus, including in all classrooms, workshops, social spaces and other learning environments;
• No socialising will be permitted between students while on campus;
• There will be no ‘bubbles’ operating as was the case in the autumn term;
• 3-Ply medical face masks must be worn at all places on campus throughout the day - including in classrooms and workshops; (A supply of these masks will be available for students on all campuses.)
• No college transport will be operating during this first phase;
• No cafes / refectories will be open, so packed lunches will be needed;
• No students or staff should attend If feeling unwell or showing any Covid 19symptoms;
• No students or staff should attend if they have been in recent contact with persons showing any Covid 19 symptoms;
• Those students and staff who are in the clinically vulnerable category must not attend.

I am sure many of you will be pleased that the Welsh Government have allowed us to make these small but important steps in returning to College life. Whilst many of you will remain in remote learning for the time being, hopefully it will not be too long before we will see a greater number of you return to Campus safely.

As always, thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Dr Andrew Cornish

CEO / Principal

Online learning will continue until at least Friday 29 January in schools and colleges in Wales (the next review date) and if there is no significant improvement in case rates by then, until half term (Friday 12 February).

A further review would then be held to look at a potential return on Monday 22 February.

Following yesterday’s announcement by Welsh Government, the College will continue to deliver all its provision online until 18 January 2021.

Normal course timetables will operate for all types of provision and tutors will contact students through Google classroom to confirm day to day arrangements.

Students will continue to be supported online by the Wellbeing and Learner Support teams and any students wishing to access support should contact their tutor in the first instance.

Where assessments or examinations cannot be rescheduled, the college will offer these as planned, on campus, during this period.

Where possible, all commercial, fee paying courses normally delivered on campus will be rescheduled to later in the year.

Staff will be asked to work from home unless it is essential for them to attend campus to support ongoing functions, e.g. online delivery, assessment, examination, library click and collect, estates related matters, IT maintenance, provision of learning devices, essential financial or administrative services to ensure business continuity.

During this time, all cafes, salons, restaurants, gyms, riding arenas, studios, workshops, meeting rooms and sports pitches will remain closed.

Further updates will be posted on the website and through social media as they are received from Welsh Government.

Thank you for your ongoing support and patience with this very challenging situation.

December 11 2020

Further Education colleges across Wales have collectively agreed that face to face teaching will commence from 11 January 2021. Please see press statement issued by Colegau Cymru here:

https://www.colleges.wales/en/blog/post/fe-colleges-to-move-to-online-learning-provision-for-an-extended-period

This means that in the week commencing 4 January 2021, teaching will continue to be delivered online.  All campuses will remain open for essential functional and support staff who need to work on site or teaching staff who wish to deliver from their classroom or workshop.

With increasing Covid-19 case numbers across South Wales, we have taken the decision to move all of our teaching on-line with for the period Friday 11th December to Friday 18th December.

We have taken this action to enable continuing course delivery for our learners in the last week of term and to try to minimise disruption for students and staff over the Christmas period.

Therefore, Thursday 10th December will be the last day for on-site delivery before Christmas and college transport will not run after this date.

Wales will enter a short lockdown from 6pm Friday 23 October until Monday 9 November.  

https://gov.wales/national-coronavirus-fire-break-to-be-introduced-in-wales-on-friday

The College’s teaching, learning and  business support functions will work remotely during this period.  Only essential functions will continue to operate on site during this period. 

GCSE English examinations scheduled for the week beginning 2nd November are expected to go ahead on:

• 2 November am (English)
• 4 November am (English)

but the exact sites on which they will be available  are yet to be finalised (but will include Carmarthen and Llanelli as a minimum).  Students and staff will be contacted individually to confirm.

Other external examinations scheduled for that fortnight, will be considered on an individual basis and curriculum areas and students will be advised accordingly over the next 48 hours.

On site delivery, on a 50/50 basis, is expected to  resume from Monday 9 November.  

Mike Williams

Vice Principal, Strategy, Planning and Academic Services 

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,

This morning I received confirmation of a positive test for COVID-19 associated with Level Two Diploma in Site Carpentry Learners at Ammanford Campus ( Full Time Wednesday - Friday ).

I have been informed by the Test, Track and Protect (TTP) team that the whole of this class needs to self isolate as a precaution. 

All learners in Level Two Diploma in Site Carpentry ( Full Time Wednesday - Friday ), will have all their lessons online until after half term.

Learners can return to college on Wednesday 4th November.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can. 

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,
This morning I received confirmation of a positive test for COVID-19 associated with Level Three Animal Management Course Year Two at Pibwrlwyd Campus.

I have been informed by the Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) team that the whole of this class needs to self isolate as a precaution. 

All learners in Level Three Animal Management Course Year Two at Pibwrlwyd, will have all their lessons online until after half term.

Learners can return to college on Thursday 5th November.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can. 

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,

This morning I received confirmation of a positive test for COVID-19 associated with A2 learners (Second Year A level) in Law Group D.

I have been informed by the Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) team that the whole of this class needs to self isolate as a precaution.
All learners in A2 Law, Group D will have all their lessons online on Monday 19th October and Tuesday 20th October.
Learners can return to college on Wednesday 21st October.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can. 

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear Learner,

Today, the College received confirmation of a confirmed positive test for COVID-19 associated with a member of BA in Social Care Studies Course.

The College has been informed by the regional Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) team that this is currently an isolated case, and that they will contact all those persons required in due course (usually within 48 hrs). As a precaution we have decided to move all teaching of the BA Social Care Studies classes online.

From tomorrow (Wednesday 14^th October 2020), the College will transfer all lessons for all BA Social Care Studies online until after half term. Learners will be contacted to discuss when face-to-face learning can resume.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell

If you feel unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,

Yesterday, I received confirmation of one other confirmed positive test for COVID-19 associated with a learner studying within our Level 3 Year 2 Public Services cohort. This makes the total number of positive COVID-19 test with this cohort of students two.

I have been informed by the Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) team that: -

All students studying Level 3 Year 2 Public Services at the Graig Campus in Llanelli, should continue to self-isolate for 14 days, from 27^th September 2020 i.e. the original period of isolation does not need to be extended.

Lessons for Level 3 Year 2 Public Services learners will continue online until this period of isolation has passed. Timetables for online learning are the same as face-to-face-learning.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,

Yesterday, I received confirmation of one confirmed positive test for COVID-19 associated with a learner studying on Health and Social Care Level 3 Yr1 Group C Cohort.

I have been informed by the Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) team that the identification of this case leads to the following action.

All students within the Health and Social Care Level 3 Yr1 Group C cohort should undertake a period of self-isolation for 14 days, from Tuesday 29^th September 2020.

Lessons for these learners will continue online for the next two weeks. Timetables for online learning are the same as face-to-face-learning.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear Student,

This morning, I received confirmation of one confirmed positive test for COVID-19 associated with a learner studying Fashion at the Jobs Well Campus in Carmarthen.  

You have received this letter as you have shared a classroom / workshop with the learner concerned during the last week.

I have been informed by the Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) team that the identification of this case will lead to their system tracing close contacts with the learner during the last week. This should be within the next 48 hours, but maybe longer.

As a precaution, the College is moving lessons for the group concerned online, for the next week.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you feel unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear Parent / Guardian,

Yesterday, the College was informed that an individual studying on the Animal Science Level 3 Year 2 course at the Pibwrlwyd Campus has tested positive for COVID-19. We would like to reassure you that there is no immediate cause for concern and provide you with as much accurate information as possible.

We are working closely with Carmarthenshire County Council and NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect (TTP) and are following all the advice and guidance provided to us.

As there has been no contact between the learner concerned and the rest of the group for some time, there is no further action to take at this stage.

This process of testing and contact tracing is part of the ‘new normal’ and where Colleges follow these guidelines carefully, there is no cause for alarm.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and/or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information that we have provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,

Late yesterday evening, I received confirmation of one confirmed positive test for COVID-19 associated with a learner studying on Health and Social Care Level 3 Yr1 Group B Cohort.

I have been informed by the Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) team that the identification of this case leads to the following action.

All students within the Health and Social Care Level 3 Yr1 Group B cohort should undertake a period of self-isolation for 14 days, from Friday 25^th September 2020.

Lessons for these learners will continue online for the next two weeks. Timetables for online learning are the same as face-to-face-learning.

At the moment, we are planning that these learners will come back onto campus for some face-to-face teaching from 12^th October 2020.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,

This afternoon I have received confirmation of two confirmed positive test outcomes for COVID-19, associated with learners studying within our Computing (Cambridge Technical) Level 3 Year 1 cohort at the Graig Campus in Llanelli. We would like to reassure you that there is no immediate cause for concern and provide you with as much information as possible.

I have been informed by the Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) team that: -

We can confirm that no students within this specific cohort have been identified as having been in close contact with the individuals concerned as the group was last on the campus together on 17^th September 2020.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,

Yesterday evening I received confirmation of one confirmed positive test for COVID-19 associated with a learner studying within our Level 3 Year 2 Public Services cohort.

I have been informed by the Test, Track and Protect (TTP) team that: -

All students studying Level 3 Year 2 Public Services at the Graig Campus in Llanelli, should undertake a period of self-isolation for 14 days, from 27^th September 2020.

From today (Monday 28^th September 2020), we will transfer all lessons for Level 3 Year 2 Public Services learners online for the next two weeks. Timetables for online learning are the same as face-to-face-learning.

At the moment, we are planning that these learners will return to campus on Monday 12^th October 2020.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Welsh Government has announced today that Llanelli will go into a local lock-down from 18:00 on Saturday evening - 26th September 2020.  

Under Welsh Government regulations, educational establishments can continue to operate and students can continue to enter or leave the lock-down area for educational needs. 

Therefore, all our campuses will remain open during the lock-down period.  If any circumstances change we will of course review this and issue further communication.

Message from Principal to Parents / Guardians of learners on Performing Arts L3 Yr1 course at Graig Campus in Llanelli

Friday 25 September 2020

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,

Last night, I was informed that an individual enrolled on our L3 Year 1 Performing Arts programme at the Graig Campus in Llanelli, has tested positive for COVID - 19. We would like to reassure you that there is no immediate cause for concern and provide you with as much information as possible.

We can confirm that no students within this specific cohort have been identified as having been in close contact with the individual concerned.

We are working closely with Carmarthenshire County Council and NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect (TTP), and are following all the advice and guidance provided to us.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,

This afternoon I have been informed that an individual enrolled on our AS programme has tested positive for COVID -19. We would like to reassure you that there is no immediate cause for concern and provide you with as much information as possible.

We can confirm that no students within this specific cohort have been identified as having been in close contact with the individual concerned.

We are working closely with Carmarthenshire County Council and NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect (TTP), and are following all the advice and guidance provided to us.

This does not affect the current operations of the AS level timetables.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,

This morning I have received confirmation of another two confirmed positive tests for COVID-19 associated with learners studying within our A2 cohort. Currently, this brings the total number of the positive cases to five since last Thursday evening.

I have been informed by the Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) team that the identification of these further two case does not change the message that you received previously.

This message was:

All students studying A2 subjects should undertake a period of self-isolation for 14 days, from 18^th September 2020.
From yesterday (Monday 21^st September 2020), we transferred all lessons for A2 learners online for the next two weeks. Timetables for online learning are the same as face-to-face-learning.
At the moment, we are planning that A2 learners will return to campus on Monday 5^th October 2020.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,

Over this weekend, the College has become aware of an additional two confirmed positive tests for COVID-19 associated to learners studying within our A2 cohort. Currently, this brings the total number of the positive cases to three since last Thursday evening. Whilst this small increase in cases will be a concern to you, we would like to continue to reassure you that there is no immediate cause for alarm and will continue to provide you with as much information as possible.

The College is working hard to provide you with accurate and swift information but as I’m sure you will appreciate, with rising cases across Wales, this is challenging at the moment. In addition, we have been asked to follow advice and guidance provided by Test, Trace and Protect (TTP). It is this regional body that provides advice to educational establishments and contacts all the necessary parties that need tracing. These are the guidelines we have been instructed to follow and hence why we have not contacted individual learners about specific cases.

In our particular case, we are working closely with Carmarthenshire County Council and NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect (TTP) and are following all the advice and guidance provided to us.

In light of the three known cases, the TTP Team have this evening (Sunday) advised us to communicate to you that all students studying A2 subjects should now undertake a period of self-isolation for 14 days, from 18^th September 2020.
From tomorrow (Monday 21^st September 2020), we will transfer all lessons for A2 learners online for the next two weeks. Timetables for online learning are the same as face-to-face-learning.
At the moment, we are planning that A2 learners will return to campus on Monday 5^th October 2020.

This process of testing and contact tracing is part of the ‘new normal’ and where Colleges follow these guidelines carefully, there is no cause for alarm.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and/or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Important message for all parents/guardians of A2 learners (2nd year A-Level) 

Dear Parent / Guardian,

Very late last night, the College was informed that an individual studying on the second year of A levels (A2) at our College has tested positive for COVID-19. We would like to reassure you that there is no immediate cause for concern and provide you with as much information as possible.

We are working closely with Carmarthenshire County Council and NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect (TTP) and are following all the advice and guidance provided to us.

Late last night, we asked all A2 learners to switch to online learning today as a precaution. The TTP Team are contacting individual students and staff members to confirm whether a period of self-isolation is required for 14 days.

This process of testing and contact tracing is part of the ‘new normal’ and where Colleges follow these guidelines carefully, there is no cause for alarm.

In terms of next week (w/b 21^st September 2020), A2 learners will continue to receive lessons online as planned.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and/or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear all Yesterday the Minister for Education announced plans for schools and colleges to ease back into onsite operations. The statement made by the Minister is here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-52895374

For all Colleges in Wales, this means an opening of campuses from June 15th 2020. However, we have decided that the earliest we can achieve this will be from June 22nd 2020. This is to ensure that all possible steps that we need to take to ensure appropriate staff training, safe working practices and operations can be implemented cautiously and successfully. Our paramount concern in this process will remain the safety of all staff and learners. The College is currently completing risk assessments for all elements of operations that it will be undertaking in the summer months, prior to September.

These will be shared with the Board of Directors, the Health and Safety Committee, Union officials and all staff prior to the commencement of any onsite work. Training will be afforded to staff prior to them receiving learners on campus.

This process will be underpinned with the very latest Welsh Government advice. Priority working areas during the summer months are those areas where learners need assessments to achieve their "license to practice" and to provide on campus support for vulnerable learners. Much of our work will continue online and many staff will continue to work remotely. More detailed information will be provided in the coming days and weeks.

Be kind, stay safe

Andrew

Ofqual has today launched a consultation following the cancellation of a range of exams and assessments in vocational and technical qualifications due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Click here for more >>

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Hello everyone

Welcome back to a new term after the Easter break. I hope that you all managed to find some time to relax and take a break in what continues to be exceptional circumstances.

Throughout the Easter period there have been a number of important meetings that have led to further discussions around the teacher-led grading of qualifications, the security of various funding streams and the inevitable questions of when life will get ‘back to normal’.

As a College we have worked hard to support the NHS through the current crisis by agreeing training to take place at our Aberystwyth Campus and providing local hospitals with much sought after PPE equipment to supplement their current levels of equipment. This has only been possible due to the number of volunteers that have come forward to help – on behalf of the College, thank you. Also, we are currently having discussions with the Welsh Blood Service about providing a centre for them to operate in June, at the Graig Campus in Llanelli.

I am sure many of you will have seen the CARIAD awards that have been presented recently. Support for learners continues online and I am grateful to those staff who provided much need support to learners, in particular the most vulnerable learners, during the Easter period.

Post Easter both support and learning online will continue, but as time progresses some aspects of these functions will change. For example, formative assessment and other factors will be used to provide final grades for learners and, as one academic year comes to an end, we must prepare for the next intake of learners. There will be more specific information on this important piece of work in the coming weeks.

Overall, we are adapting to working from home well but I also appreciate that family commitments and caring responsibilities are difficult to manage in this working environment. Whilst I appreciate the challenge that these difficult times bring I hope that you continue to support each other, to keep in touch with colleagues and above keep yourselves safe and in good health.

Be safe, be kind.

Andrew

The following is an update on next steps for Access to HE providers during the current COVID-19 pandemic from the QAA - Click here to read >>

Summer Examinations

In relation to the proposal to cancel GCSEs and A-Level examinations for Summer 2020, the college has no detailed information at this stage regarding the measures that will be used to award grades.

Once we know more we will communicate this to you. At this time, it is important that all learners continue with their studies as normal, in the event that WJEC refers to attendance, submission of classwork, past papers and homework to form their judgement on the final grade to award to candidates.

We appreciate your patience during this difficult time.

Anwyl Pawb /Dear All 

Mike Williams

Pennaeth Cynorthwyol, Strategaeth, Cynllunio a Gwasanaethau Academaidd

Assistant Principal, Strategy, Planning and Academic Services

Dear All 

In response to the recent Covid-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, we would like to reassure our learners that the College is monitoring the situation extremely closely. As a Senior Leadership Team, we are meeting on a daily basis to ensure that the correct processes and procedures are in place to ensure the best possible advice is provided to our learners, in line with current Welsh Government recommendations. 

Our priority is the safety of our learners, employees, and visitors. In addition, we will do everything possible to ensure that teaching, learning and assessment preparation can continue during this period of uncertainty, following guidance from the UK and Welsh Government and Public Health authorities. 

At the present time, there is no plan to close any campuses of the College. However, it does seem possible, although not guaranteed, that some form of closure of part, or all, of the College may be necessary, and this scenario is being planned for by the Senior Leadership Team. Should this happen, we will communicate with you via email, social media platforms and the College website www.colegsirgar.ac.uk or www.cerdigion.ac.uk as soon as a decision is made. We would like to remind you to 

check these electronic platforms and your College email account regularly so that you can be kept up-to-date with any developments. 

At present, if you are well, you should attend all timetabled teaching and placements unless you are informed otherwise by your course or personal tutor. 

If you are on a placement, and your placement provider closes, please contact your course tutor as soon as possible so that measures can be put in place to support your studies. 

To ensure that learners, staff and visitors are not exposed to further unnecessary risks, we have suspended all international College planned trips and international placements from the College. We have also taken the decision to suspend new European students attending the College on placements. 

Activities within the UK will continue to be discussed on a case by case basis and subject to the latest Welsh Government information. 

At present, we would strongly encourage that you continue to plan and prepare for your approaching examinations and assessments. 

We will inform you as soon as possible, should Examination Board and/or Awarding Body requirements or arrangements change. 

Learners who feeling unwell and / or have underlying health conditions 

Learners who have weakened immune systems or underlying chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease and are concerned about coronavirus should continue to take their normal precautions and may wish to contact their GP. 

If you have concerns that you may have the coronavirus, you should follow the guidelines provided by: 

Public Health Wales: https://phw.nhs.wales/

Public Health England: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

We understand the impact this situation is having, and our thoughts are with everyone at this challenging time. 

Please follow the advice of the Government: - 

• Wash your hands regularly with soap for 20 seconds; 
• Cough and sneeze into tissues or the fold of your arm; 
• Distance yourself from others socially and only take trips that are absolutely necessary; 

Stay safe and look after each other 

Andrew 

Dr Andrew Cornish 

Principal / Chief Executive 

Changes or additions to advice issued on 16 March:

Anyone with a new persistent cough or high temperature is advised to self-isolate for 14 days. Anyone with family members with such symptoms, should self-isolate for 14 days.

Staff who are over 70, pregnant, or who have underlying serious health conditions that place them at greater risk are advised to work from home after discussion with the line manager.

Any other staff who can fulfil their function fully from home, should discuss this option with their line manager.

Staff should avoid all non-essential travel, including between campuses, and use digital means when appropriate.

Self isolating students should be marked as an authorised absence on the registers.

The Access centre, based at UWTSD, will not accept face to face clients, but will continue to accept clients through digital means.

Update The College remains open for students and staff across its 7 campuses, until we are advised differently by Welsh Government.

The College remains open for HE students registered with UWTSD. HE students housed in halls of residence at UWTSD can continue to occupy these.

Students must report any absence from College through their local campus office.

Plans are being drawn up for on line provision for all aspects of the College curriculum, if the College is required to close. These will be disseminated in the next few days.

The College is awaiting further advice from national awarding bodies regarding any contingency measures that will be introduced for managing assessment and examinations (including A levels and GCSEs).

The College hair and beauty salons, restaurants, dance studios, fitness centres, equine arena and 3G pitches will close to the public with immediate effect.

Contingencies are being drawn up for the stables at Pibwrlwyd. Owners will be informed that it may be necessary for horses to return to their homes if the College closes.

Anyone with a new persistent cough or high temperature is advised to self isolate for 7 days.

Any staff self isolating must inform their line manager and campus office. Any staff absent due to self-isolation will be entitled to full pay. Absence will not be recorded on the absence management system but staff should notify campus office in the usual way.

Planned trips abroad for students will not be going ahead during the remainder of this academic year.

Essential off campus visits within the UK may continue, but only where absolutely necessary for the curriculum.

We urge all students and staff to strictly follow the hygiene information that has been issued widely, which recommends thorough and regular hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Update In view of UK Government’s statement issued 12 March 2020, the College advice to staff and students is as follows:

The College remains open for business as usual across its 7 campuses.

Anyone with a new persistent cough or high temperature is advised to self-isolate for 7 days, as the UK Government moves to the "delay" phase of its plan to tackle coronavirus.

Any staff self-isolating must inform their line manager and students must report their absence through their campus office.

Planned trips abroad for students will not be going ahead during the remainder of this academic year.

Trips within the UK may continue, but will be considered on a case by case basis.

We urge all students and staff to strictly follow the hygiene information that has been issued widely, which recommends thorough and regular hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds.

At present, the College continues to operate normally for all students and staff.  

The situation is evolving daily and the College is monitoring this closely.  It is being guided by information issued by central government and the guidance for educational settings issued by Public Health Wales.

https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/guidance-for-schools-advice-for-parents-or-carers/

However, if any staff or students are concerned about their health or have recently returned from affected areas please contact NHS 111 for personal advice. 

We strongly encourage all students and staff to follow the hygiene information that has been issued widely, which includes thorough and regular hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds.

If, in future, there are any suspected cases of Coronavirus in the College, the management team will work with the local Health Protection Team and seek advice on how best to respond.

Any planned staff and student trips or events scheduled for the remainder of this year, will be considered on a case by case basis and in light of the most up to date advice issued. 

An update on the action which the College is taking with regard to the COVID19 virus.

1. Cleaning

Solo, the College Contract Cleaners for Coleg Sir Gâr campuses have already instigated a more intensive cleaning regime in line with the Cleaning Industry recommendations. This includes using Antibac sprays on "hotspots" ,which are door handles and push plates (particularly metal fittings). Toilet areas are continuing to be cleaned as per normal spec - there is no additional cleaning required for such areas. Currently there is no requirement for any deep cleaning however this will be reviewed if there is a confirmed case of COVID 19 in the College. At Coleg Ceredigion campuses, door handles and push plates are being cleaned with anti bac products.

Solo are not responsible for cleaning desks and IT equipment Ideally these should be regularly wiped down with anti bac wipes. Gym / Fitness equipment should also have a similar cleaning regime. Wipes are currently out of stock - this is the position with all suppliers across the entire country.

2. Hand Sanitisers

The College has been able to place an order for sanitiser foam gel dispensers. It is the intention that these units will be placed at main door entrances and Refectories. Hopefully these will be with us without too much delay.

3. Posters

Bilingual Information Posters are in the process of being produced and will be issued to all campuses.

4. Plasma Screens

A Public Health video clip on awareness of COVID 19 and personal hygiene will be played on college reception plasma screens. In line with Public Health Wales information, the most effective action which can be taken is for everyone to ensure that they wash their hand thoroughly in hot soapy water frequently throughout the day and also to be responsible for high standards of personal hygiene particularly when coughing / sneezing.

At present, the College is operating normally for students and staff.    

The College continues to follow the global progress of, and response to, the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.  It is being guided by information issued by:

Public Health Wales(PHW)

Public Health England (PHE)

The situation is evolving daily and the College is watching its progress closely.  However, if any staff or students have recently returned from affected areas please ensure that you self-isolate for the recommended 14 day period and contact NHS 111 if you feel unwell. 

The College is also reviewing the comprehensive advice for Educational Settings issued by PHE and if there are any suspected cases of Coronavirus in the College community, the College will act accordingly.  

Any planned staff and student trips or events scheduled for the remainder of this year, will be considered on a case by case basis and in light of the most up to date advice issued by central Government.