Last update: 11/12/2020

Covid-19 symptoms or a positive test result

• What do I do if I have Coronavirus symptoms or if I receive a positive test?

  You must not come to college. If you or someone that you live with develops symptoms, are waiting for a test or have received a positive result, please let your tutor know immediately.

  Symptoms include a high temperature, new and continuous cough or experience loss of taste. You should stay at home and follow the instructions on the Public Health Wales website.

• What do I do if someone I had close contact with someone has tested positive for Coronavirus?

  If the person who has tested positive is a learner at the college, then we will be aware of this and will contact you directly.

  If the person who has tested positive is not from college and you have been advised to self-isolate by NHS test, trace and protect or the NHS app, then please contact your personal tutor to let them know that you are self-isolating.

  If you are unsure or have any concerns please contact your personal tutor.

• NHS Test, Trace and Protect have told me to self-isolate but I don't have any symptoms, can I come to college?

  No, you should not come into college and you'll need to self-isolate for the full period that NHS test, trace and protect have advised. If you don't have any symptoms and are able to continue with your studies, you should do so virtually for the duration of your self-isolation period and your tutor will be in touch with you about this.

  Welsh Government Documents:

  • Keep Wales Learning – Test, Trace, Protect information for parents and carers
  • A guide for parents

Safety at college

• How are we keeping learners and staff safe on site?

  Creating a safe learning environment for everyone is a priority at all of our college sites.

  As well as washing hands, wearing a face covering and maintaining social distance the following measures are in place to keep our learners and staff safe at college:

  • Sanitisation stations
  • Arrows showing the direction to walk
  • One way systems
  • Markings on the floor reminding you to keep a 2m social distance
  • Screens in general reception areas
  • Decluttered areas with less furniture
  • Regular cleaning

  For further information, please watch this video before you attend campus.

  Our September 2020 Reopening Risk Assessment and Plan explains the comprehensive measures we have implemented to keep staff and learners safe from Coronavirus.

  Access our full September 2020 Reopening Risk Assessment and Plan here.

• Do I need to wear a face covering?

  From Monday 30th November;

  • Following a change in Welsh Government guidance, everyone will be required to wear face coverings on GLLM premises, this includes in all communal areas, college grounds, car-parks, and on all college transport.
  • Smoking will no longer be permitted on GLLM premises, this includes in all communal areas, college grounds, car-parks.

  You won't be required to wear a face covering in classrooms, outdoor teaching sessions, workshops, when accessing a 1-1 support service or if you are exempt (please contact Learning Support on aln@gllm.ac.uk to discuss any concerns relating to the wearing of face coverings).

• I cannot wear a face covering because of a medical condition, what do I do?

  In line with Welsh Government guidance, there are exemptions that apply to learners who are unable to wear a face covering. Learners must contact Learning Support on aln@gllm.ac.uk to discuss any concerns relating to the wearing of face coverings.

  Eligible learners will be issued with an exemption card that you will be required, without exception, to wear in addition to your college ID and lanyard.

  You can download a form to request an exemption here.

• What do I do with my clothing, equipment and PPE needed for my course at the end of the day?

  Any clothing, equipment and PPE that you use as part of your course must be taken home with you.

  Lockers will not be available on site.

• Can I buy food or drinks at the campus?

  Yes. A 'grab and go' food facility is offered at college sites. Water fountains are available however you will need to bring your own drinking bottle/cup. You may prefer to bring your own food and drinks.

• Can I meet my friends on-site?

  You must maintain 2m social distancing at all times in college, and avoid close contact with learners including friends outside of your college contact group.

• What can I do to help stop the spread of the virus?

  Being respectful and considerate of others are college values and everyone has their part to play in reducing the spread of the virus.

  Make sure to wear your face covering in the communal areas; wash your hands regularly; use the sanitiser stations around the college and follow the social-distancing guidelines.

  Click here to see what is expected of you to maintain safety on our college sites.

Safety outside college

• What should I do to keep safe from Coronavirus outside College?

  We advise all learners to follow the current Welsh Government guidance which states we should do the following to Keep Wales safe:

  • always observe social distancing
  • wash your hands regularly
  • if you meet another household, outside your extended household, stay outdoors
  • work from home if you can
  • Stay at home if you or anyone in your extended household has symptoms.

  If you have symptoms, get a test.

  A full list of the guidelines are listed here: https://gov.wales/coronavirus.

  In addition to this those living in areas under restrictions due to local lockdowns should follow the guidelines here: https://gov.wales/local-lockdown.

• Should I meet my friends socially on evenings or weekends?

  We should all adhere to government restrictions when meeting friends socially. Any action which results in coronavirus spreading is a risk to us all, is likely to result in disruption to learners' education and training, and must be avoided. Any action which breaches government coronavirus restrictions and results in disruption to learners education and training will be subject to staff and learner disciplinary processes.

Transport

• Do I need to wear a face covering when travelling on college or public transport?

  Yes. Everyone travelling on college and public transport must adhere to the guidance from Welsh Government and wear a face covering.

  You can find the latest guidance on the Welsh Government website.

  As a learner at the college, we expect you to be respectful and safe at all times.

• Travel to campus

  Accommodation providers may wish to consider how to facilitate safe travel to and from campus during term. Measures may include encouraging walking and cycling by, for example, providing secure storage for cycles, and working with local transport operators.

Learning from home and support

• How do I access support at the college?

  All college support services will be available on campus. This includes Mentors, Learning Coach, Student Advisors and Counsellors. All of our services can also be accessed remotely by phone, email or digitally, giving you more flexibility.

  Our Learner Services centres are providing a walk-in service to everyone between 12 - 2pm, Monday and Friday. Outside of these hours you are able to book a slot with an Advisor.

• Will I receive my EMA/WGLG if I am self-isolating or ill?

  Yes. If you are unable to come into college because you are self-isolating or are unwell, then your register will be marked as ‘excused'.

• Is there any guidance to follow about being taught remotely from home?

  Yes, we have put together a Learner Guide for Online Learning to help you to continue with your studies from home. It includes top tips on how to prepare for your online lessons. It is important to be courteous and respectful of others online.

  If you have any specific questions, your personal tutor will be able to support you.

• Am I able to access the libraries and learning centres?

  Yes. The Library and Study Centres will be open and available for learners to use with social distancing measures in place.

• Is there any support available to help me access my online learning?

  Yes. If you require any support with accessing your online learning from home, you can contact one of our libraries who will be able to assist you.

  Details of your local centre can be found here.

• I don't have a computer at home, can the college provide me with one?

  Yes. Any learner who does not have access to a PC at home, can apply to the Learning Support Fund to request a chrome book. The grant is means tested and you will be asked to provide evidence of your household income. We also have a limited number of chromebooks available for loan from the libraries.

Keeping Healthy

• I am worried and anxious about the situation, what can I do?

  If you're finding things hard at the moment, remember that you're not alone. This is a challenging time for everyone.

  Talking to your family and friends about the situation can help. We can also provide help and assistance, please email staysafe@gllm.ac.uk to arrange to speak to a member of the Welfare Team.

  You can also access a range of mental health resources online, including the mental health charity Mind.

• How can I help to stay healthy?

  Maintaining positive mental wellbeing can be challenging. Your Wellbeing Hub is a one stop shop to provide you with information and resources to help support your wellbeing throughout your time studying at college. Explore videos and links to external agencies to help you maintain balance and exercise self-care.