COVID-19 FAQs
The safety of our students and staff remains our number one priority during this unprecedented time. On this page you will find details on the measures in place following the latest Government announcement of a national lockdown. These restrictions are being reviewed mid-February.
We have pulled together the following Frequently Asked Questions, which we hope will be of help to you. We will continue to update this page, as more information becomes available. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate in contacting your tutor.
Are all classes taking place online?
Yes, we are currently operating remotely and all classes are taking place online. You should follow your normal timetable, but if you do have any queries at all please do not hesitate in contacting your tutor.
Is College closed to all students?
Classes are all taking place online and College is closed to students, except for those who have been contacted by their tutors and asked to come in.
Will A Level and GCSE exams be cancelled?
Summer exams will not be going ahead as normal, but you will still receive some form of teacher assessed grading. It is important to continue your studies remotely and work as hard as possible during this time, to ensure your teacher assessed grade truly reflects your ability and you are ready for your next steps. Your tutors will be working with you to make sure you have all the support and resources you need for a positive learning experience. Updates on A Level and GCSE exams will be emailed to you, as and when more information becomes available.
I have a vocational exam/assessment this January. Will this still be going ahead?
The majority of vocational exams/assessments are not taking place this January. However, a small number of exams will go ahead in January – students affected are being personally contacted by our curriculum teams, with more information.
Do I need to inform anyone at College if I get a positive test result?
Yes, you still need to let College know if you get a positive test result. Emailabsence@nelsongroup.ac.ukor call 01282 440293 (Nelson)/ 01254 389933 (Accrington).
You must not come onto site, unless you have authorisation from your tutor.
I need to collect a laptop from College to continue my studies – what do I do?
Students who have requested a laptop have been sent an email to book an appointment for collection.
I need to collect resources/equipment from College. Can I just drop in?
No, you cannot come into College without an appointment. If your teacher decides that you need some equipment/resources, you will be contacted by them and advised re how to collect these.
I have been authorised to go into College to collect equipment/resources. What safety measures are in place?
The safety of our staff and students remains our number one priority during this time. Measures in place at our campus include:
- Face masks– masks must be worn at all times while on site, unless exempt for health reasons
- Social distancing– all students and staff must keep 2m apart while on campus. Social distancing includes not hugging other students, shaking hands or any physical contact. You must not congregate in any public spaces
- Hand sanitising stations– hand sanitiser is available to all our staff and students, and must be used regularly while on site. This is in addition to the fact you must frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds
- Enhanced cleaning– frequent cleaning schedule across our campuses
- Engaging with the NHS Test and Trace process– managing confirmed cases within the setting and containing any outbreak by following local health protection team advice
You must not come into College if you or anyone else in your household has had a Covid test and is awaiting the results. You must not come in if you are experiencing any symptoms of coronavirus – a new, continuous cough, a fever (a temperature of 37.8°C or higher) or loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).
Any students who ignore the college Covid safety expectations will face disciplinary action and may risk their place at college.
What do I do if I have a work placement?
You should not attend your work placement. If you are undertaking a remote work placement, such as in Digital, you should continue with your placement as normal. Your tutor will contact you with any further information.
I am enrolled on a part-time adult course that was due to be taking place on campus. What happens now?
Students are being contacted directly and advised regarding next steps on their course.
I am an Apprentice. Do I still need to come into College/the workplace?
Where possible, all learning is taking place online. In some circumstances, training may need to take place in the workplace, where employers are happy for it to do so. Trainer Assessors will be in touch with Apprentices and employers regarding this. In exceptional circumstances, Apprentices will need to go on to College premises for 1:1 training – this will be arranged individually with your Trainer Assessor. If you have any problems or questions, contact your Trainer Assessor.
I am struggling with my mental health and wellbeing. Is there any support I can access?
Yes. We understand that right now is a hugely challenging time for many, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We have a designated Health and Wellbeing Officer Emma Duffy, who you can contact by emailingemma.duffy@nelsongroup.ac.uk
Our College Nurse and Counsellors are still working remotely, and will be able to support you during this time.
Are there any extracurricular opportunities for me to participate in virtually during this time?
Yes. Our team are making sure you still have opportunities to boost your physical and mental wellbeing during this time. If you have any questions you can email: extrac@nelsongroup.ac.uk
Check your College emails for the latest information. Additionally there are lots of useful tips on how to stay physically and mentally fit, health and connected on the Extra Curricular moodle page https://mymoodle.nelsongroup.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1356 and also via the Extra Curricular social media accounts.
YouTube www.youtube.com/channel/UC6MgfLoZbixI1yCzMUMvbCA
Nelson Group Extra C
Instagram @NCC_ExtraC and @ARC_Extra C
I need Safeguarding support. Is there somebody available to talk to?
Yes. Our team are on hand to provide you with any Safeguarding support you require. You can emailstaysafe@nelsongroup.ac.ukor ring or text 07803 658861.
How do I access IT support?
If you need IT support you can email: itsupport@nelsongroup.ac.ukor call 01282 440239.
What do I do if I have items I need to return to the LRC?
You can keep hold of any LRC items until College reopens. You will not be fined.
How do I access e-resources remotely to help with my work?
E-resources can be accessed through the LRC Moodle page –https://mymoodle.nelsongroup.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=805.
The LRC Team are working remotely, but can be contacted if you have any queries or need help and support. Simply email lrc.arc@nelsongroup.ac.uk
Will I be able to purchase food and drink while on campus?
Yes. The Accrington Coffee Shop (Broadoak Building) will remain open serving hot and cold breakfast and lunch items on a reduced menu basis.
Opening times are 8.30am – 2pm Monday to Friday.
I am eligible for Free College Meals. What will happen now I am learning remotely?
You will be paid £15 per week into your bank account up to and including February half term. If you want to speak to us about this, please contact Student Services on 01282 440209 or StudentServices@nelsongroup.ac.uk
Are the College’s dedicated bus services still running?
No. The college mini bus and dedicated Transdev bus services are not running. However Transdev bus services continue to run and you can continue to use your Transdev bus pass for these services.
I would like to speak to the Careers Team. Are appointments still available?
Appointments are available via Microsoft Teams – you can book by emailing careers@nelsongroup.ac.uk
I am in Year 11 and have applied to your College. How are College interviews operating?
All interviews are taking place remotely via Microsoft Teams or telephone. A member of our Admissions Team will be in touch with details of when your interview will take place. If you have any questions, you can contact our Admissions Team on 01282 440272 or email admissions@nelsongroup.ac.uk
Can I still apply to study at this College? What happens if I need support with my application?
Yes, there’s still time to apply to our College. You can apply via this website, or if you need support you can still contact our Admissions Team on 01282 440272 or email admissions@nelsongroup.ac.uk
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?
You should look for any of the following symptoms:
- New continuous cough
- Fever (a temperature of 37.8°C or higher)
- Loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
How do I book a COVID-19 test?
If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, you must not come into College and you must inform us of this by calling the absence line. We advise you book a test as soon as possible, and share the results of these with us.
Where can I find information and support about Covid?
College related frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Covid can be found on either of the College websites as below:
For general advice follow:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance
To book a test visit:
To seek support because you may be worried about Covid-19 and how it could affect your life. This may include having to spend a lot of time at home. Or you may have concerns about being around other people, seek support at:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
I am an adult learner. Do I need to inform anyone if I get a positive coronavirus test result?
If you are an adult learner who has been on site or into one of our community venues, you will still need to inform your tutor if you receive a positive test result.
I am an adult learner. I need some advice about a course/would like some guidance on starting a new career. What do I do?
Our expert team provide FREE, impartial and confidential support with:
• Choosing the right qualification
• Careers advice and CV development
• Understanding Labour Market Information
- Exploring career options, employment, Apprenticeship, university or volunteering opportunities
Our advice is free to all adults aged 19 years and over in Lancashire. Please contact any of our Careers Zone advisers for further assistance by emailing careers@nelsongroup.ac.uk
I am an adult learner. How do I access Additional Learning Support?
If you have a learning difficulty or disability, physical disability, visual impairment or hearing impairment, we will do our best to provide you with the support, equipment, access and learning resources that you might need throughout your time at College. Please mention this on your application to College, during your interview or to your tutor during induction. A member of our Additional Learning Support Team will then contact you to discuss your needs and ensure that the appropriate support is in place.
Support is confidential and information provided will only be shared with the appropriate professionals to meet your individual needs. Our team is committed to ensuring that every student has the support and resources to achieve their full potential. Please contact any of our Additional Learning Support team for further assistance by emailing als.lal@nelsongroup.ac.uk
