Customer Statement about Training and Assessments January 2022 onwards
Changes to the customer statement since last update.
Summary – If you are attending one of courses, training or assessments:
Please ensure that you:
- Bring a face mask and wear indoors unless seated by us (we aim for 2m)
- Always maintain 2 metres social distance.
- Be careful in restricted areas like doorways, and toilets – one person at a time please.
- When outdoors in a group remember to stand well apart.
- Observe any venue specific rules.
- Take an LFT test before coming to a training session
This is to inform you about our response to the Covid-19 situation from January 2022.
As you will no doubt be aware, the Government have implemented various changes since our last update; some increases in restrictions, and some relaxing of restrictions.
We have decided, that for now, little will change with regards to our procedures. Whilst we are back up and running at full capacity with plenty of training and assessment dates in the diary, we are mindful that the Covid-19 climate is ever changing – and by no means settled at present.
Face coverings:
For example, although there have recent changes to government guidance on the recommendation to wear a facemask, further education providers like ourselves are expected to continue to risk assess as we see fit.
We risk assess our training areas to cater for the most cautious and vulnerable attendees, so although many people are happy to stop wearing facemasks, many people are not, so our measures in terms of face masks remain the same for now.
Lateral Flow Tests:
We have received further guidelines from the ESFA about LFT testing for students in educational settings such as ours, and we’ve received similar guidance from Awarding Organisations we work with (such as Lantra), so this message applies for everyone attending courses and assessments with us.
The Government are asking us to recommend that all trainees/ students/ apprentices undertake LFT tests before attending training.
Here is an excerpt of the information we’ve been sent:
As all settings are aware, we have asked that FE students and staff take one self-test at home either the evening or morning before they return in January, then continue to test twice weekly at home.
It is important, when testing at home, that test results are reported online to NHS Test & Trace whether positive, negative or void. Reporting results helps the NHS monitor the spread of the virus, combat the virus and save lives.
COVID-19. Measures from January 2022:
Our current guidance remains the same (with some additional elements) for the following reasons:
- Not everyone has yet been fully vaccinated
- As mentioned above, cases do remain on the increase, especially in the South West
- Although fewer people are becoming seriously ill with coronavirus, the hospitalisation and death rates are increasing currently
- We are conscious that individuals will react differently to the easing of restrictions; some will be relieved and glad to go back to ‘normal’, whilst others may feel anxious about being in the proximity of people they don’t usually meet without wearing face coverings
Current Measures include social distancing, use of face coverings, regular hand washing/sanitiser, and LFT testing.
Social distancing:
We are asking attendees to be aware about the distance between themselves and others – and be mindful of how their proximity to others may encourage the spread of Covid-19, and how it may make others feel. Social distancing practice must be observed during our courses, and we ask all customers to respect this. Anyone disregarding this will be asked to leave the course.
Face coverings:
Recent research indicates that wearing a face covering protects others, not the wearer. We require attendees to continue wearing face coverings to protect each other when attending indoor courses as described in the summary below, and during any outdoor courses if distancing cannot be maintained.
Important information about Face Mask Exemptions: If you are exempt from wearing a face covering, we cannot insist that you do, and we will not ask you to prove that you are exempt. HOWEVER, it is essential that you inform us at the time of booking to discuss with us whether the course is suitable and safe for you to attend without a face covering. Whilst we understand and respect your choice not to wear a face covering, we have a duty to risk assess all of our courses to keep you and other course participants safe.
IT WILL NO LONGER BE ACCEPTABLE TO ARRIVE AT A COURSE AND DECLARE AN EXEMPTION ON THE DAY. ANYONE ARRIVING AT A COURSE WILL BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW THE ABOVE GUIDELINES UNLESS PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED AND AGREED. COURSE FEES WILL NOT BE REFUNDABLE IN THIS INSTANCE.
Hand washing and hand sanitiser:
Hand hygiene will remain the same. Regular hand washing/ use of hand sanitiser must be observed.
Lateral flow Testing: This is aimed at full time students, whereas most of our students attend courses as ‘one-offs’, or infrequently, so our suggestion is that you take an LFT either the evening or morning before attending any sessions with us. Please consult your employers (if applicable) about further testing they require during your working week.
Should you attend a course?
If you test positive or have any symptoms of coronavirus infection, see https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus for current advice.
If you are attending one of our courses and have any concerns, please let us know.
TO SUMMARISE: If you are attending one of courses, training or assessments:
Please ensure that you:
- Bring a face mask and wear indoors unless seated by us (we aim for 2m)
- Always maintain 2 metres social distance.
- Be careful in restricted areas like doorways, and toilets – one person at a time please.
- When outdoors in a group remember to stand well apart.
- Observe any venue specific rules.
- Take an LFT test before coming to a training session
Thanks in advance for your support with this, and let’s hope we can get back to some kind of normality soon.
If you wish to contact us regarding any of the above or if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we can answer questions, queries and hopefully alleviate any concerns.
The office is open: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.
Best wishes and take care – from Karen and Allen Howell and all the Lynher team.