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Dear all,
Regarding the coronavirus pandemic, we are writing to confirm that Blackburne House is implementing special measures for the last two weeks of term and the spring break.
The safety and wellbeing of our staff and students is our utmost priority. The impact of the virus has already seen substantial staff and student absence. We want to be instrumental in safeguarding our staff and students and in slowing the spread of coronavirus.
Blackburne house will move to online learning and or distance learning for all classes for the final two weeks of term, with face-to-face lessons ceasing at the end of Friday 20th March. The intention is that you should return to Blackburne house to continue your studies on the week commencing 20th April, unless you are advised otherwise.
It is very important that you continue to carry on with your studies and gain your qualification. Your tutors will support you in doing this. They will be advising you on your lessons and how they will be delivered remotely. We encourage you to use the next two weeks to access the online learning groups or complete any work your tutors set, via email, Edmodo or via mobile phone. Tutors will be organising group work.
We intend to recommence classes W/C 20th April, which effectively means you will be out of Blackburne House for four weeks as the following two weeks are the spring break. We will also continue to post updates via our website and social media channels so please check them out for more information.
We ask that you please take the time to follow important guidance information:
Government advice:
Government advice changes on a daily basis, so you may need to keep checking. However, the emphasis on good hygiene remains the same:
· Make sure you’re washing your hands more frequently with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds
· Use a hand sanitiser wherever possible
· Use tissues to catch coughs and sneezes in
· Avoid non-essential contact with others and keep a physical distance
· Avoid any unnecessary travel
If you become unwell and suspect you may have coronavirus (a temperature of 37.8 or higher, or a new, continuous cough), you should immediately self-isolate for a period of 7 days. You do not need to contact NHS 111 to self-isolate, but if your symptoms worsen you should seek further medical advice and support via NHS 111, preferably online. You are asked not to go directly to your GP or any other healthcare provider before taking advice from NHS 111, to help restrict the spread of the virus. In an emergency, call 999.
Department for Education Coronavirus Helpline:
The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is available to answer questions from staff, students, parents and guardians about coronavirus relating to education. The helpline is available from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, on 0800 046 8687.
Please be assured that we are doing everything possible to limit the impact of coronavirus on our staff and students and are operating in line with Public Health England and the Department for Education guidance.
Colette McKenna
Director of Learning