It is important to us that we work to minimise the potential risk to our staff, students and community. If you think you or someone living in your household have any symptoms that may be caused by coronavirus, please read the latest government advice here:

COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection or refer to the NHS Coronavirus health information page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We appreciate during this unprecedented time that our staff, students, employer partners and other stakeholders may have questions. We would appreciate anyone with questions reading our FAQs before contacting the College. If you do not find the answer to your question, please email info@btc.ac.uk.

All students should monitor communications from the College and interact with tutors and course leaders as requested.

Is the College open?
Yes, College is open.

Do I need to get a Covid test before coming into College?

We are asking our full-time students to book a test at our Bridgwater & Taunton Campuses in the three days before term starts. Book a test here.

Do I need to take Covid tests having started College? 

We would strongly encourage you to participate in the testing scheme by testing yourselves twice a week at home. For information regarding lateral flow testing please visit the page Lateral Flow Testing

What are the social distancing measures in place?
The social distancing measures remain in place. This includes reduced group sizes, staggered timetables, one-way corridor systems and hand sanitising stations. Please support us by ensuring you follow the measures in place and remain in your coloured area whilst you are at College.

Do I have to wear a face covering at College?
Broader government advice recommends face coverings are worn in enclosed and crowded spaces where an individual may come into contact with people they do not normally meet. Therefore, we are mandating the continued use of face coverings in our communal areas.

There may be other situations where we will ask you to wear a face covering, this will be determined by our risk assessments or industry standard requirements. If this applies, you will be informed by your tutor.

I would like to continue to wear a face covering in my classes, am I able to?
Yes, any staff or students who wish to continue to wear a face covering within the classroom, are welcome to do so.

I am exempt from wearing a face covering, what should I do?
If you feel you are exempt from wearing a face covering, please talk to your tutor who will provide you with a sunflower lanyard.

Will food be available on Campus?
Yes, all the food outlets at each Campus are open.

What happens if I am unwell and unable to attend College?
We understand sometimes, staff and students may feel unwell, for example with a sore throat or a headache and may need to stay off college. During term time, any students or staff who are unwell should report their absence in the usual way by informing their tutor or line manager and seek medical advice through their GP or pharmacist as usual.

If you believe you are unwell with Covid-19, please ensure ensure you arrange for a Covid-19 test and follow NHS advice. If you test positive, please contact your personal tutor as soon as possible in order for us to take the necessary steps.

You should get tested if:

1  You develop one or more of the main coronavirus symptoms: a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or the loss or change of your sense of taste or smell.

2  You are recommended to get tested by a healthcare provider (eg. GP or nurse).

or

3 You are contacted by NHS track and trace and requested to take a test.

If a student or staff member develops one or more of the main coronavirus symptoms described above, they should be tested. There is no need for the whole household to have a test, unless they also have symptoms.

What advice are you giving to staff and students?
We are following guidance from Public Health England and Department for Education who have detailed information.

Who are you getting advice from about opening?
We are following all  Government and Public Health England guidance on maintaining educational provision.

Are Apprentices expected to continue to go into their workplace?
Apprentices are advised to follow the guidance being given at their workplace and to speak to their line managers about workplace procedures. If they have any concerns, they should discuss them with their line manager or tutors. We are working closely with employers to address any specific concerns.

What should I do if my teachers are off?
There may be times when teaching staff are unavailable. In these instances, we will make alternative arrangements for your learning to continue, this could include online resources.

What support is available to me if I have been affected by Covid-19?
The government has made funding available to support disadvantaged students,. This is called the tuition fund.  It is a government initiative to provide one-off funding for the 2021 to 2022 academic year only. It is ring fenced funding for schools, colleges and all other 16 to 19 providers to mitigate the disruption to learning arising from coronavirus (COVID-19). To find out more head to the learner support page on our website.

All students should monitor communications from the college and interact with tutors and course leaders as requested.

Additional Information

Below you will find a number of links to documents you might find useful:

College Risk Assessment

How to do your test

Operating Procedures Covid-19

Remote Learning Offer

Tuition

COSHH Sheets

• Selden Hand Sanitiser
• Springfield Hand Sanitiser
• Terminex Disinfectant

Reviews and updates

Bridgwater & Taunton College continues to follow guidance based on advice set out by Public Health England (PHE) and the Department for Education (DfE). Our senior leadership team monitors and reviews guidance from the Government and PHE on an ongoing basis, and we will respond to recommendations and instructions accordingly. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, students and employers for their support during this unprecedented time.