Coronavirus: Forth Valley College to suspend face-to-face teaching

The college confirmed today that it will suspend all face-to-face teaching from close of play this Friday as a precautionary measure to safeguard staff and students.

A statement from the educational establishment said there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus within the college, but the decision had been taken as the health and safety of staff and students is a top priority.

The college’s campuses will remain open with students able to access services and resources as required.

Extra hygiene measures have been rolled out across all campuses and everyone will be asked to use hand sanitiser upon entering the building.

A Forth Valley College spokesman said: “The health and safety of our staff and students is a top priority and we have therefore taken the decision to suspend all face-to-face teaching, effective from close of play on Friday, March 20, 2020.

“Whilst there are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus within the College, this action is being taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safeguarding of staff and

students.

“Similar action is being taken by other colleges across the sector in order to provide a collective response, although there may be some regional variations.

“Our campuses will remain open and staff and students will be able to access services and resources.

“At present, we anticipate that these arrangements will be in place until after the Easter break but this is a rapidly evolving situation and we will continue to review our plans.

“We have a Business Continuity Group which meets daily in order to review our current situation and any advice from the local health protection team and the Scottish Government.

“Our focus is on both ensuring the safety of our staff and students and also minimising disruption to learning and teaching.”

The move comes after college sector leaders took part in a video conference hosted by Colleges Scotland earlier today.

Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland, said: “The college sector recognises that this is a fast-moving and unprecedented situation and that the overarching priority is the health and safety of its staff and students.

“As a sector, we are continuing to closely monitor the latest guidance from public health bodies and the Scottish and UK governments, and working on resilience and business continuity planning to take measured and appropriate precautions to minimise the impact of COVID-19.

“Colleges are planning for a phased reduction of face-to-face learning over the coming days and weeks and to expand online and remote learning, where feasible.

“Colleges will continue to disseminate information specifically tailored for their own institutions to their staff and students.

“The college sector in Scotland is well known for its diversity and so this measured, carefully managed, and phased approach will be done flexibly with each institution acting according to their own specific circumstances in their regions and campuses.”