Dear learner,
It has been nice to welcome some of our learners back into the college over the past few weeks, we look forward to seeing more of you over the next few weeks.
We will return to face-to-face learning from Monday 19 April, unless you have been advised to continue with your remote learning (via Microsoft Teams) by a member of LECB staff.
In order for us all to safely return to college, we are continuing to follow government guidance and recommendations, which include:
Learners can either:
Kind Regards,
Pippa Tiller – Interim Vice Principal
We will keep you up to date via our website, social media and our Student Messenger or you can call or email us:
LECB Learner Updates
Click here to read our latest learner update - 05 January 2021
Click here to read our latest learner update - 03 November 2020
Click here to read our latest learner update - 20 April 2020
Click here to read our latest learner update - 23 March 2020
Click here to read our latest learner update - 20 March 2020
It has been nice to welcome some of our learners back into the college over the past few weeks, we look forward to seeing more of you over the next few weeks.
We will return to face-to-face learning from Monday 19 April, unless you have been advised to continue with your remote learning (via Microsoft Teams) by a member of LECB staff.
In order for us all to safely return to college, we are continuing to follow government guidance and recommendations, which include:
- Learners are encouraged to have asymptomatic testing using rapid lateral flow tests (LFT). These tests should be carried out twice a week, typically on a Sunday and Wednesday evening. However, this pattern should be amended to reflect your learning schedule. For example, if on a particular week you are studying on a Tuesday and Friday, then you should take the tests on the Monday and Thursday evening. If you are learning once a week, please make sure you take a test the day before you are due to come into college.
Learners can either:
- Collect home test kits directly from the college at Brampton Road between the 12 and 15 April. Click here to book an appointment to collect your kit from the college
- Place an order online for home test kits by following this link; https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
- Collect FREE home test kits from a testing centre near to your home, without an appointment https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rapid-lateral-flow-testing-for-households-and-bubbles-of-school-pupils-and-staff just click on this link and follow the instructions to find your nearest collection point, they are normally open between 1pm and 8pm Monday to Friday.
- Book tests up to two weeks in advance at the Civic Offices, or go to one of the many named pharmacies in the borough; https://www.bexley.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-no-symptoms-rapid-testing/rapid-test-booking
- Face coverings are to be worn in all areas of the college, if you are exempt from wearing a face covering, please contact the Learner Support Manager on Sarah.Meredith@lecb.ac.uk
- Please remember to continue to follow social distancing rules and regularly wash your hands, we have provided hand sanitiser points throughout the college.
- Self-isolate immediately.
- Get a PCR test to confirm the result https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
- Follow the stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection.
- Inform your tutor
Kind Regards,
Pippa Tiller – Interim Vice Principal
We will keep you up to date via our website, social media and our Student Messenger or you can call or email us:
- Follow us on Social Media - @LECBexley
- Call us on 0203 045 5176 for information and advice
- Visit our website: www.lecb.ac.uk
- Email: enquiries@lecb.ac.uk
- Sign up for the Learner Messenger to receive updates: http://bit.ly/37mXew9
LECB Learner Updates
Click here to read our latest learner update - 05 January 2021
Click here to read our latest learner update - 03 November 2020
Click here to read our latest learner update - 20 April 2020
Click here to read our latest learner update - 23 March 2020
Click here to read our latest learner update - 20 March 2020
LECB IS COVID SECURE
At LECB we are committed to running a high-quality service, ensuring that the safety and welfare of our learners, visitors and staff is our top priority.
Therefore, we will:
Any student or staff member displaying Covid-19 symptoms will be asked to leave the college immediately and will not be able to return until they have self-isolated for the appropriate period or can evidence that are clear of the virus.
Courses, times, dates and course locations may be subject to change for us to keep students and staff safe and so we appreciate your patience and continued support as we follow government guidance.
Therefore, we will:
- Ensure that we follow government guidance across our sites.
- Ensure that the way we operate and the measures we take are continually risk assessed to ensure we remain Covid Secure.
- Continue to manage the number of staff and students on site at any one time.
- Hold smaller teaching groups and combine our lessons with blended learning to minimise the number of people on site at any one time.
- Comply with the 2m social distancing rules by setting up our classrooms and other areas differently.
- Ensure that no large gatherings take place.
- Continually remind our students and staff to socially distance, maintain good hygiene practice and regularly use the hand sanitisers on site.
- To support NHS Test and Trace we have QR codes for the NHS COVID-19 app displayed in all our building entrances and teaching room doors please ensure you scan the QR code when you arrive onsite.
Any student or staff member displaying Covid-19 symptoms will be asked to leave the college immediately and will not be able to return until they have self-isolated for the appropriate period or can evidence that are clear of the virus.
Courses, times, dates and course locations may be subject to change for us to keep students and staff safe and so we appreciate your patience and continued support as we follow government guidance.
LECB Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) relating to Covid-19
How do I contact the College?
For general enquiries please email enquiries@lecb.ac.uk or call 020 3045 5176 to speak with a member of staff. As these are unprecedented times, we may not have the answers for you straight away, but we will do our best to answer your enquiry as quickly as possible.
Enrolments – Do I need to enrol before the course starts?
Yes. We have carefully reviewed each centre's capacity and have a limited number of places available for each course. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrolments can be made online or by calling 020 3045 5176.
Payments – Can I pay using cash or cheque?
To protect our centre staff teams we need to avoid handling cash or cheques. Please enrol and pay by credit or debit card either via the website or by calling our Customer Service Team on 020 3045 5176.
Social Distancing – What measures are in place?
As well as reviewing our room capacities, each centre has directional signage and floor markings in place to support the 2 metre social distancing guidelines. We ask you to walk on the left down corridors, follow the one way signs for the stairs and our toilets and lifts will be operating on a one person at a time basis. We have closed our communal spaces and we will continue to review guidance to ensure everyone’s safety.
Have you enhanced cleaning in place?
All rooms are cleaned each morning and have cleaning stations in each room. We have increased our cleaning throughout the day and increased staffing to ensure touchpoints are cleaned frequently.
Arrival – What do I do when I arrive at college?
Everyone must sanitise their hands when they come into the building and regularly during their visit. Additional hand sanitiser stations have been positioned at key areas throughout the college centres. You must wear a face covering when moving around inside college buildings, unless you are exempt in accordance with Government guidelines.
Please do not come to college if you have any COVID symptoms.
Please arrive no more than 10 minutes early for your class to avoid queues and follow the social distancing rules while you're waiting. If you know the room your class is being held in, you should go directly to the classroom. Reception staff can direct you if you are unsure of the location of your classroom.
We've installed plastic screens at our reception desk to protect you and our staff.
To support NHS Test and Trace we have QR codes for the NHS COVID-19 app displayed in all our building entrances, please ensure you scan the QR code when you arrive.
Visitors – What signing in process is required?
LECB requests all visitors provide a telephone number to enable easier contact should a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) be identified in addition to scanning the QR code on arrival. This will be a temporary record, which is kept securely for 21 days, before being destroyed.
Departing – What do I do when my class has finished?
At the end of your class please follow the exit signage and leave the centre as quickly as possible.
Teaching Rooms – What will have changed?
To aid ventilation in classrooms and across the college windows and doors will need to remain open, whilst still adhering to fire regulations. You may wish to wear additional layers to compensate for this. You may also find that the layout of classrooms has changed or that some items have been removed to create a bigger teaching space.
Shared Equipment – What's happening about learning resources and specialist equipment?
Please reduce the amount of contact you have with any shared equipment, whether this is learning resources or specialist equipment. Your tutor will demonstrate techniques on their own project and direct you while you work on your item. Social distancing should be maintained at all times. We ask for your cooperation in making sure that your workstation and all shared equipment is wiped down. Disinfectant wipes/ spray will be available in each classroom so you can clean shared equipment before and after use and please dispose of these in the bins provided.
Face Coverings – Do I need to wear one and will staff be wearing one?
LECB sites are enclosed public spaces and you will be coming into contact with people who you do not normally meet, all learners and staff must wear a face covering in all communal areas. Some people are exempt from wearing face coverings for health, age or disability reasons so please be respectful of this. Please be mindful that wearing a face covering may inhibit communication with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound. Please bring your own face covering with you. Should you forget your face covering, please speak to a member of the Customer Service team at Reception.
Lost Property – What if I forget something?
We will not be able to keep any lost property and will have to dispose of anything left behind. To assist us in keeping classrooms clean and clutter-free, please only bring what you need for the class and check your work area before you leave.
PPE – Will you provide everyone with this?
In the majority of instances, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will only be provided for courses where it was provided previously. For example, our Pottery, Jewellery, Stained Glass and Glass Fusing courses use some techniques that require a specialist face mask. In these circumstances, you will be provided with one Face Fit Protection (FFP3) mask at the beginning of the course and you are expected to take this home and bring it back for all subsequent classes. Should you forget your mask, a replacement can be purchased from reception.
Café at Brampton Road is it open?
Our café will be closed, so food and drinks will not be available to purchase whilst on site and is not available for you to sit and wait for your class. However, our vending machines in the café area at Brampton Road have been cleaned and are maintained following Covid guidance, Drinking water is available from our water machines, in the Café at Brampton and common room at Sidcup High Street.
Emergency Evacuation – What should you do in the event of an emergency?
Should the fire alarm sound, the normal evacuation procedure will be followed during which time there is no requirement to observe social distancing or any one way system, please leave by your nearest fire exit. Please note, we undertake one emergency evacuation drill per term at each centre.
First Aid – What happens if I require help?
Please let your tutor know and contact the Reception team should you require first aid support. The First Aider will give directional support, taking into account social distancing unless there is a risk to life. All our First Aiders have the latest information and guidance around providing first aid during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Feeling Unwell – What do I do?
If you or a member of your household are displaying any flu-like symptoms or symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) or have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) in the last 10 days, please do not attend college. If you become unwell after attending any of our centres, contact us immediately to let us know by emailing enquiries@lecb.ac.uk and include 'COVID-19 ABSENCE' in the subject field. Alternatively, call our Customer Service Team on 020 3045 5176.
Exams
Please see latest Ofqual guidance with regard to GCSE’s, AS & A level examinations in 2021. Also, see the Ofqual response to the Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP, Secretary of state for Education that is contained within.
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/gcse-as-and-a-level-qualifications-in-2021
If you have any queries, please send an e-mail message to exams@lecb.ac.uk and we will endeavour to reply to you ASAP.
What about employment support?
Our National Careers Service team are still working, and you can contact them by emailing careers.advice@lecb.ac.uk or by calling: 07732 681091 or 07732 681092.
You can also visit our website for local and national vacancies – www.lecb.ac.uk
How will I learn?
Due to the unprecedented circumstance of Covid-19, courses will be delivered remotely until further notice using Microsoft TEAMs.
What about refunds?
Although face to face teaching is suspended, where possible, we are continuing to deliver short and long-term courses remotely in order to complete them where we can.
For those courses that we unfortunately had to cancel, depending on the progress of the course you may be entitled to a part or full refund.
You will understand our ability to do this varies on a class by class basis, please contact enquiries@lecb.ac.uk if you wish to enquire about a refund.
What about my Instalment payment plan?
If you need to discuss your instalment plan, please contact enquiries@lecb.ac.uk to register your enquiry and someone from our business hub team will contact you.
Due to COVID-19, we have had to change the way we enrol. This year you can enrol on any non-accredited course via our website – www.lecb.ac.uk or you can call us on 020 3045 5176.
If you wish to enrol onto an accredited course such as maths, English, ESOL, AAT or Photography, you will need to attend an Initial Assessment and Enrolment appointment. Please call us on 020 3045 5176 and a member of staff will talk you through the process.
We will take every precaution to ensure your safety by following our Covid Secure Risk Assessment and adhering to government guidance.
How will I know if you are open?
We will keep you up to date via our website, social media and our Student Messenger or you can call or email us:
Where can I find your prospectus?
You can find the digital prospectous here
What do I do if I need urgent help?
The Council has a Coronavirus helpline. If you, or you know someone that may be in need, please tell them about the helpline - 020 3045 5398.
For more information about coronavirus:
www.bexley.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19
For general enquiries please email enquiries@lecb.ac.uk or call 020 3045 5176 to speak with a member of staff. As these are unprecedented times, we may not have the answers for you straight away, but we will do our best to answer your enquiry as quickly as possible.
Enrolments – Do I need to enrol before the course starts?
Yes. We have carefully reviewed each centre's capacity and have a limited number of places available for each course. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrolments can be made online or by calling 020 3045 5176.
Payments – Can I pay using cash or cheque?
To protect our centre staff teams we need to avoid handling cash or cheques. Please enrol and pay by credit or debit card either via the website or by calling our Customer Service Team on 020 3045 5176.
Social Distancing – What measures are in place?
As well as reviewing our room capacities, each centre has directional signage and floor markings in place to support the 2 metre social distancing guidelines. We ask you to walk on the left down corridors, follow the one way signs for the stairs and our toilets and lifts will be operating on a one person at a time basis. We have closed our communal spaces and we will continue to review guidance to ensure everyone’s safety.
Have you enhanced cleaning in place?
All rooms are cleaned each morning and have cleaning stations in each room. We have increased our cleaning throughout the day and increased staffing to ensure touchpoints are cleaned frequently.
Arrival – What do I do when I arrive at college?
Everyone must sanitise their hands when they come into the building and regularly during their visit. Additional hand sanitiser stations have been positioned at key areas throughout the college centres. You must wear a face covering when moving around inside college buildings, unless you are exempt in accordance with Government guidelines.
Please do not come to college if you have any COVID symptoms.
Please arrive no more than 10 minutes early for your class to avoid queues and follow the social distancing rules while you're waiting. If you know the room your class is being held in, you should go directly to the classroom. Reception staff can direct you if you are unsure of the location of your classroom.
We've installed plastic screens at our reception desk to protect you and our staff.
To support NHS Test and Trace we have QR codes for the NHS COVID-19 app displayed in all our building entrances, please ensure you scan the QR code when you arrive.
Visitors – What signing in process is required?
LECB requests all visitors provide a telephone number to enable easier contact should a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) be identified in addition to scanning the QR code on arrival. This will be a temporary record, which is kept securely for 21 days, before being destroyed.
Departing – What do I do when my class has finished?
At the end of your class please follow the exit signage and leave the centre as quickly as possible.
Teaching Rooms – What will have changed?
To aid ventilation in classrooms and across the college windows and doors will need to remain open, whilst still adhering to fire regulations. You may wish to wear additional layers to compensate for this. You may also find that the layout of classrooms has changed or that some items have been removed to create a bigger teaching space.
Shared Equipment – What's happening about learning resources and specialist equipment?
Please reduce the amount of contact you have with any shared equipment, whether this is learning resources or specialist equipment. Your tutor will demonstrate techniques on their own project and direct you while you work on your item. Social distancing should be maintained at all times. We ask for your cooperation in making sure that your workstation and all shared equipment is wiped down. Disinfectant wipes/ spray will be available in each classroom so you can clean shared equipment before and after use and please dispose of these in the bins provided.
Face Coverings – Do I need to wear one and will staff be wearing one?
LECB sites are enclosed public spaces and you will be coming into contact with people who you do not normally meet, all learners and staff must wear a face covering in all communal areas. Some people are exempt from wearing face coverings for health, age or disability reasons so please be respectful of this. Please be mindful that wearing a face covering may inhibit communication with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound. Please bring your own face covering with you. Should you forget your face covering, please speak to a member of the Customer Service team at Reception.
Lost Property – What if I forget something?
We will not be able to keep any lost property and will have to dispose of anything left behind. To assist us in keeping classrooms clean and clutter-free, please only bring what you need for the class and check your work area before you leave.
PPE – Will you provide everyone with this?
In the majority of instances, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will only be provided for courses where it was provided previously. For example, our Pottery, Jewellery, Stained Glass and Glass Fusing courses use some techniques that require a specialist face mask. In these circumstances, you will be provided with one Face Fit Protection (FFP3) mask at the beginning of the course and you are expected to take this home and bring it back for all subsequent classes. Should you forget your mask, a replacement can be purchased from reception.
Café at Brampton Road is it open?
Our café will be closed, so food and drinks will not be available to purchase whilst on site and is not available for you to sit and wait for your class. However, our vending machines in the café area at Brampton Road have been cleaned and are maintained following Covid guidance, Drinking water is available from our water machines, in the Café at Brampton and common room at Sidcup High Street.
Emergency Evacuation – What should you do in the event of an emergency?
Should the fire alarm sound, the normal evacuation procedure will be followed during which time there is no requirement to observe social distancing or any one way system, please leave by your nearest fire exit. Please note, we undertake one emergency evacuation drill per term at each centre.
First Aid – What happens if I require help?
Please let your tutor know and contact the Reception team should you require first aid support. The First Aider will give directional support, taking into account social distancing unless there is a risk to life. All our First Aiders have the latest information and guidance around providing first aid during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Feeling Unwell – What do I do?
If you or a member of your household are displaying any flu-like symptoms or symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) or have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) in the last 10 days, please do not attend college. If you become unwell after attending any of our centres, contact us immediately to let us know by emailing enquiries@lecb.ac.uk and include 'COVID-19 ABSENCE' in the subject field. Alternatively, call our Customer Service Team on 020 3045 5176.
Exams
Please see latest Ofqual guidance with regard to GCSE’s, AS & A level examinations in 2021. Also, see the Ofqual response to the Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP, Secretary of state for Education that is contained within.
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/gcse-as-and-a-level-qualifications-in-2021
If you have any queries, please send an e-mail message to exams@lecb.ac.uk and we will endeavour to reply to you ASAP.
What about employment support?
Our National Careers Service team are still working, and you can contact them by emailing careers.advice@lecb.ac.uk or by calling: 07732 681091 or 07732 681092.
You can also visit our website for local and national vacancies – www.lecb.ac.uk
How will I learn?
Due to the unprecedented circumstance of Covid-19, courses will be delivered remotely until further notice using Microsoft TEAMs.
What about refunds?
Although face to face teaching is suspended, where possible, we are continuing to deliver short and long-term courses remotely in order to complete them where we can.
For those courses that we unfortunately had to cancel, depending on the progress of the course you may be entitled to a part or full refund.
You will understand our ability to do this varies on a class by class basis, please contact enquiries@lecb.ac.uk if you wish to enquire about a refund.
What about my Instalment payment plan?
If you need to discuss your instalment plan, please contact enquiries@lecb.ac.uk to register your enquiry and someone from our business hub team will contact you.
Due to COVID-19, we have had to change the way we enrol. This year you can enrol on any non-accredited course via our website – www.lecb.ac.uk or you can call us on 020 3045 5176.
If you wish to enrol onto an accredited course such as maths, English, ESOL, AAT or Photography, you will need to attend an Initial Assessment and Enrolment appointment. Please call us on 020 3045 5176 and a member of staff will talk you through the process.
We will take every precaution to ensure your safety by following our Covid Secure Risk Assessment and adhering to government guidance.
How will I know if you are open?
We will keep you up to date via our website, social media and our Student Messenger or you can call or email us:
- Follow us on Social Media - @LECBexley
- Access the LECB Moodle
- Call us on 0203 045 5176 for information and advice
- Visit our website: www.lecb.ac.uk
- Email: enquiries@lecb.ac.uk
- Sign up for the Learner Messenger to receive updates: http://bit.ly/37mXew9
Where can I find your prospectus?
You can find the digital prospectous here
What do I do if I need urgent help?
The Council has a Coronavirus helpline. If you, or you know someone that may be in need, please tell them about the helpline - 020 3045 5398.
For more information about coronavirus:
www.bexley.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19
