Staying safe

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.

Is the College open?

The College is currently open. Term started on Monday 7 September.

What steps have you taken to ensure I’m safe in College?

Your health and safety is of paramount importance, we are reviewing and following government guidelines for colleges.  Below are some of the steps we are taking to make sure everyone is as safe as possible:

• Teaching will be through a blended learning approach.  This means that you will be expected to attend College on specific days at specific times and at other times, your lessons will be delivered online through one of the many platforms that we use, such as TEAMS or Google Classrooms
• We’ve created coloured areas across all the campuses, this will enable you to remain in your bubble and maintain social distancing. Maps of the coloured areas at our Bridgwater, Taunton, Cannington campuses are available by clicking on these links. Each area has access to food outlets and essential facilities such as toilets. It is important that you stay within your allotted coloured area at all times.
• New signage, hand sanitising stations, information points and protective face-to-face screens have been installed where required
• Classrooms have appropriate cleaning materials available so that desks and equipment can be disinfected between uses
• Social distancing measures are in place in all the classrooms, social/learning spaces and corridor use
• Catering outlets and the timing of breaks have been reviewed so that timings are staggered.

How will I know when to attend College?

Your timetable will clearly show when you should be on campus attending lessons. In order to support us to limit the number of people on campus at any one time, please do not attend outside of the days and times on your timetable.

You will be sent a letter with your joining instructions from your curriculum area.  This letter will contain the following details:

• The date and time you will need to attend on your first day (this will be different for each course or area)
• The days you will be required to attend during the first week
• Which coloured area you are in, and where you need to go on your first day
• A campus map with the coloured areas marked

The letter will also contain information about any kit you might need and your medical / consent form.  Please don’t forget to bring this on your first day of term.

Can I leave the College during the day?

We would strongly encourage you to stay at College during your timetabled hours.  Each coloured area has access to facilities such as a food outlet and toilets. If you decide to leave the College, please ensure you adhere to the social distancing guidelines and wear a face covering when entering shops.

Do I need to wear a mask or face covering?

Yes, please wear a face covering in corridors and public areas. You will not be required to wear a face covering in classes or workshops, however, if you would feel more comfortable wearing a mask, and it is practicable, please do so. We continue to follow government guidance which can be found here.

When you are not in an area requiring a face covering, please ensure you store it in a sealable plastic bag when not in use. It might also be handy to ensure you have a spare face covering with you.

I am exempt from wearing a mask or face covering, what should I do?

If you feel you are exempt, please discuss this with your personal tutor and we will provide you with an exemption badge. Please find a link to the government guidance on Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own.

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 school or 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; or

2) you are recommended to get tested by a healthcare provider (e.g. GP or nurse).

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 happens if I feel unwell College? 

If you feel unwell with the following symptoms: a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; or the loss or change of your sense of taste or smell it is important that you inform a member of staff immediately.

We will contact your parent / guardian and request that you are collected as soon as possible. There are dedicated spaces to wait until we can ensure that you are able to leave College, however, we will request that you leave the college as soon as possible.

Please 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; or

2) you are recommended to get tested by a healthcare provider (e.g. GP or nurse).

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

Is a track and trace system in place at College?

Yes, it is important that you complete the medical/consent form, which will come with your joining instructions, we will ask you for your email and mobile number.  This is a requirement of the Government COVID-19 track and trace scheme.

Copies of the student medical and consent forms are also available to download here:

• For students 18 years and over
• For students under 18 years of age

What advice are you giving to staff and students?

We are following guidance from Public Health England, which has detailed information for both personal steps to take and measures to have in place in an educational setting.  We have shared general advice to help prevent the spread of infection with staff and students and offered guidance on what to do if they feel unwell.

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.

In the majority of cases College staff will visit apprentices and their employers via an online platform. Where it is a requirement for teaching, learning and assessment we may visit in person. Please be reassured the frequency and quality of interactions with apprentices will not change.

What should I do if my teachers are off?

There may be times when your teacher is unavailable. Students should continue their courses through online resources, with project work and other course work issued through the numerous digital channels that students already access.

Can I travel to College on public transport?

Yes, please ensure you wear a face covering.

We have been advised Somerset County Council are increasing the capacity of buses available, and all services will be available, we have also allocated extra space in the bus bays in order to enable you to maintain social distancing whilst waiting.

When travelling via public transport, please ensure you go directly to your coloured area in the College on arrival.

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

For more information about the health and safety measures that we have implemented across our three campuses in light of Covid-19, please watch this video:

Additional Information

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

Operating Procedures Covid-19

College Risk Assessment

Around the College you will see a number of posters with QR Codes.  Below are the documents to which they pertain.

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.