Please note that Coleg Ceredigion's Llanbadarn buildings are not being used as a COVID testing centre.

Our neighbours Aberystwyth University have opened up the Thomas Parry Library, an adjacent building on Llanbadarn Campus, as a centre for carrying out these tests. As you come onto the campus from the main road, turn right at the roundabout to the car park and access to the Thomas Parry Library is down the bottom of the hill. 

To protect our staff we are limiting access to Coleg Ceredigion Buildings to permitted visitors only.

Stay Safe.

Online learning will continue until at least Friday 29 January in schools and colleges in Wales (the next review date) and if there is no significant improvement in case rates by then, until half term (Friday 12 February).

A further review would then be held to look at a potential return on Monday 22 February.

Following yesterday’s announcement by Welsh Government, the College will continue to deliver all its provision online until 18 January 2021.

Normal course timetables will operate for all types of provision and tutors will contact students through Google classroom to confirm day to day arrangements.

Students will continue to be supported online by the Wellbeing and Learner Support teams and any students wishing to access support should contact their tutor in the first instance.

Where assessments or examinations cannot be rescheduled, the college will offer these as planned, on campus, during this period.

Where possible, all commercial, fee paying courses normally delivered on campus will be rescheduled to later in the year.

Staff will be asked to work from home unless it is essential for them to attend campus to support ongoing functions, e.g. online delivery, assessment, examination, library click and collect, estates related matters, IT maintenance, provision of learning devices, essential financial or administrative services to ensure business continuity.

During this time, all cafes, salons, restaurants, gyms, riding arenas, studios, workshops, meeting rooms and sports pitches will remain closed.

Further updates will be posted on the website and through social media as they are received from Welsh Government.

Thank you for your ongoing support and patience with this very challenging situation.

December 11 2020

Further Education colleges across Wales have collectively agreed that face to face teaching will commence from 11 January 2021. Please see press statement issued by Colegau Cymru here:

https://www.colleges.wales/en/blog/post/fe-colleges-to-move-to-online-learning-provision-for-an-extended-period

This means that in the week commencing 4 January 2021, teaching will continue to be delivered online.  All campuses will remain open for essential functional and support staff who need to work on site or teaching staff who wish to deliver from their classroom or workshop.

With increasing Covid-19 case numbers across South Wales, we have taken the decision to move all of our teaching on-line with for the period Friday 11th December to Friday 18th December.

We have taken this action to enable continuing course delivery for our learners in the last week of term and to try to minimise disruption for students and staff over the Christmas period.

Therefore, Thursday 10th December will be the last day for on-site delivery before Christmas and college transport will not run after this date.

Due to the rising number of positive COVID -19 cases in the Cardigan area, we have taken the precautionary step to transfer all courses at the Cardigan Campus online for the next two weeks (Monday 23rd November – Friday 4th December).

We are working closely with Ceredigion County Council and the health authorities to minimise the risks to learners and college staff and prevent transmission of the virus.

We will post further updates on our social media and website as soon as we have them.

Dear Learner,

The college has received confirmation of a confirmed positive test for COVID-19 associated with a member of your Extended Diploma Level 3 Health and Social Care Course at Aberystwyth Campus.

The college has been informed by the regional Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) team that as this is currently an isolated case. No other members of the group are required to self-isolate.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you feel unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Wales will enter a short lockdown from 6pm Friday 23 October until Monday 9 November.  

https://gov.wales/national-coronavirus-fire-break-to-be-introduced-in-wales-on-friday

The College’s teaching, learning and  business support functions will work remotely during this period.  Only essential functions will continue to operate on site during this period. 

GCSE English examinations scheduled for the week beginning 2nd November are expected to go ahead on:

• 2 November am (English)
• 4 November am (English)

but the exact sites on which they will be available  are yet to be finalised (but will include Carmarthen and Llanelli as a minimum).  Students and staff will be contacted individually to confirm.

Other external examinations scheduled for that fortnight, will be considered on an individual basis and curriculum areas and students will be advised accordingly over the next 48 hours.

On site delivery, on a 50/50 basis, is expected to  resume from Monday 9 November.  

Mike Williams

Vice Principal, Strategy, Planning and Academic Services

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,

Following information received yesterday, linked to a positive COVID -19 case in the community in Ceredigion, the College has taken the precautionary steps to transfer the following courses at its Cardigan Campus online for the next week (Monday 19^th October – Friday 23^rd October) leading up to the half term break.

C&G L1 Diploma in Construction Skills

 C&G L2 Diploma Site Carpentry

C&G L3 Diploma Site Carpentry

C&G L2 Diploma Brick

C&G L3 Diploma Brick

C&G L2 Diploma Bench Joinery

Whilst no learner at the College has returned a positive COVID test outcome, these precautionary steps have been put in place to protect learners, staff and the wider community.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can.

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,

I received confirmation of a COVID -19 case in the community in Ceredigion and have been advised by Test, Trace and Protect to isolate the Level 1 Carpentry Course at Ceredigion Campus.

We do not currently have a positive case of COVID -19 associated with this course but we are acting in the best interest of our learners and our community

All learners on Level 1 Carpentry at Cardigan Campus, will have all their lessons online until after half term.

Learners can return to college on Wednesday 4th November.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if you, your son or daughter or anyone you live with, begins to display the following symptoms you must all stay at home and follow advice from Public Health Wales:

• A new continuous cough and / or
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.

If you or your son or daughter feels unwell and you need medical advice, please phone NHS 111 or visit their website 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call your local GP.

It is important that we all remain vigilant and maintain social distancing and continue to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus as much as we can. 

We hope that the information we’ve provided is reassuring and helpful during what we appreciate can be an anxious time. As always, we appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear Student / Parent / Guardian,

Temporary Closure of Coleg Ceredigion’s Aberystwyth Campus.

Following a meeting with Ceredigion County Council staff this morning, we have been made aware that a number of Aberystwyth University students have tested positive for Covid-19.

In view of the rise of positive Covid-19 cases in the Aberystwyth area we have taken the decision to move campus-based teaching for our Aberystwyth students to on line delivery for the period Tuesday 29th September to Friday 2nd October.

This will mean that there will be no students attending lectures on the Llanbadarn campus during this period.

While there have been no positive Covid -19 cases among Coleg Ceredigion students or staff to date, we have taken this temporary precautionary measure to ensure the continuing safety of our college community.

We will review this decision on Friday 2nd October together with the County Council and University in light of the Covid-19 situation in the Aberystwyth area at that time.

Dr Andrew Cornish

Principal and Chief Executive

Dear all Yesterday the Minister for Education announced plans for schools and colleges to ease back into onsite operations. The statement made by the Minister is here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-52895374

For all Colleges in Wales, this means an opening of campuses from June 15th 2020. However, we have decided that the earliest we can achieve this will be from June 22nd 2020. This is to ensure that all possible steps that we need to take to ensure appropriate staff training, safe working practices and operations can be implemented cautiously and successfully. Our paramount concern in this process will remain the safety of all staff and learners. The College is currently completing risk assessments for all elements of operations that it will be undertaking in the summer months, prior to September.

These will be shared with the Board of Directors, the Health and Safety Committee, Union officials and all staff prior to the commencement of any onsite work. Training will be afforded to staff prior to them receiving learners on campus.

This process will be underpinned with the very latest Welsh Government advice. Priority working areas during the summer months are those areas where learners need assessments to achieve their "license to practice" and to provide on campus support for vulnerable learners. Much of our work will continue online and many staff will continue to work remotely. More detailed information will be provided in the coming days and weeks.

Be kind, stay safe

Andrew 

Ofqual has today launched a consultation following the cancellation of a range of exams and assessments in vocational and technical qualifications due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Click here for more >>

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Hello everyone

Welcome back to a new term after the Easter break. I hope that you all managed to find some time to relax and take a break in what continues to be exceptional circumstances.

Throughout the Easter period there have been a number of important meetings that have led to further discussions around the teacher-led grading of qualifications, the security of various funding streams and the inevitable questions of when life will get ‘back to normal’.

As a College we have worked hard to support the NHS through the current crisis by agreeing training to take place at our Aberystwyth Campus and providing local hospitals with much sought after PPE equipment to supplement their current levels of equipment. This has only been possible due to the number of volunteers that have come forward to help – on behalf of the College, thank you. Also, we are currently having discussions with the Welsh Blood Service about providing a centre for them to operate in June, at the Graig Campus in Llanelli.

I am sure many of you will have seen the CARIAD awards that have been presented recently. Support for learners continues online and I am grateful to those staff who provided much need support to learners, in particular the most vulnerable learners, during the Easter period.

Post Easter both support and learning online will continue, but as time progresses some aspects of these functions will change. For example, formative assessment and other factors will be used to provide final grades for learners and, as one academic year comes to an end, we must prepare for the next intake of learners. There will be more specific information on this important piece of work in the coming weeks.

Overall, we are adapting to working from home well but I also appreciate that family commitments and caring responsibilities are difficult to manage in this working environment. Whilst I appreciate the challenge that these difficult times bring I hope that you continue to support each other, to keep in touch with colleagues and above keep yourselves safe and in good health.

Be safe, be kind.

Andrew

The following is an update on next steps for Access to HE providers during the current COVID-19 pandemic from the QAA - Click here to read >>

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Summer Examinations

In relation to the proposal to cancel GCSEs and A-Level examinations for Summer 2020, the college has no detailed information at this stage regarding the measures that will be used to award grades.

Once we know more we will communicate this to you. At this time, it is important that all learners continue with their studies as normal, in the event that WJEC refers to attendance, submission of classwork, past papers and homework to form their judgement on the final grade to award to candidates.

We appreciate your patience during this difficult time.

Anwyl Pawb /Dear All

Mike Williams

Pennaeth Cynorthwyol, Strategaeth, Cynllunio a Gwasanaethau Academaidd

Assistant Principal, Strategy, Planning and Academic Services

Dear All 

Changes or additions to advice issued on 16 March:

Anyone with a new persistent cough or high temperature is advised to self-isolate for 14 days. Anyone with family members with such symptoms, should self-isolate for 14 days.

Staff who are over 70, pregnant, or who have underlying serious health conditions that place them at greater risk are advised to work from home after discussion with the line manager.

Any other staff who can fulfil their function fully from home, should discuss this option with their line manager.

Staff should avoid all non-essential travel, including between campuses, and use digital means when appropriate.

Self isolating students should be marked as an authorised absence on the registers.

The Access centre, based at UWTSD, will not accept face to face clients, but will continue to accept clients through digital means.

Update The College remains open for students and staff across its 7 campuses, until we are advised differently by Welsh Government.

The College remains open for HE students registered with UWTSD. HE students housed in halls of residence at UWTSD can continue to occupy these.

Students must report any absence from College through their local campus office.

Plans are being drawn up for on line provision for all aspects of the College curriculum, if the College is required to close. These will be disseminated in the next few days.

The College is awaiting further advice from national awarding bodies regarding any contingency measures that will be introduced for managing assessment and examinations (including A levels and GCSEs).

The College hair and beauty salons, restaurants, dance studios, fitness centres, equine arena and 3G pitches will close to the public with immediate effect.

Contingencies are being drawn up for the stables at Pibwrlwyd. Owners will be informed that it may be necessary for horses to return to their homes if the College closes.

Anyone with a new persistent cough or high temperature is advised to self isolate for 7 days.

Any staff self isolating must inform their line manager and campus office. Any staff absent due to self-isolation will be entitled to full pay. Absence will not be recorded on the absence management system but staff should notify campus office in the usual way.

Planned trips abroad for students will not be going ahead during the remainder of this academic year.

Essential off campus visits within the UK may continue, but only where absolutely necessary for the curriculum.

We urge all students and staff to strictly follow the hygiene information that has been issued widely, which recommends thorough and regular hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Update In view of UK Government’s statement issued 12 March 2020, the College advice to staff and students is as follows:

The College remains open for business as usual across its 7 campuses.

Anyone with a new persistent cough or high temperature is advised to self-isolate for 7 days, as the UK Government moves to the "delay" phase of its plan to tackle coronavirus.

Any staff self-isolating must inform their line manager and students must report their absence through their campus office.

Planned trips abroad for students will not be going ahead during the remainder of this academic year.

Trips within the UK may continue, but will be considered on a case by case basis.

We urge all students and staff to strictly follow the hygiene information that has been issued widely, which recommends thorough and regular hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds.

At present, the College continues to operate normally for all students and staff.  

The situation is evolving daily and the College is monitoring this closely.  It is being guided by information issued by central government and the guidance for educational settings issued by Public Health Wales.

https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/guidance-for-schools-advice-for-parents-or-carers/

However, if any staff or students are concerned about their health or have recently returned from affected areas please contact NHS 111 for personal advice. 

We strongly encourage all students and staff to follow the hygiene information that has been issued widely, which includes thorough and regular hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds.

If, in future, there are any suspected cases of Coronavirus in the College, the management team will work with the local Health Protection Team and seek advice on how best to respond.

Any planned staff and student trips or events scheduled for the remainder of this year, will be considered on a case by case basis and in light of the most up to date advice issued.

An update on the action which the College is taking with regard to the COVID19 virus.

1. Cleaning

Solo, the College Contract Cleaners for Coleg Sir Gâr campuses have already instigated a more intensive cleaning regime in line with the Cleaning Industry recommendations. This includes using Antibac sprays on "hotspots" ,which are door handles and push plates (particularly metal fittings). Toilet areas are continuing to be cleaned as per normal spec - there is no additional cleaning required for such areas. Currently there is no requirement for any deep cleaning however this will be reviewed if there is a confirmed case of COVID 19 in the College. At Coleg Ceredigion campuses, door handles and push plates are being cleaned with anti bac products.

Solo are not responsible for cleaning desks and IT equipment Ideally these should be regularly wiped down with anti bac wipes. Gym / Fitness equipment should also have a similar cleaning regime. Wipes are currently out of stock - this is the position with all suppliers across the entire country.

2. Hand Sanitisers

The College has been able to place an order for sanitiser foam gel dispensers. It is the intention that these units will be placed at main door entrances and Refectories. Hopefully these will be with us without too much delay.

3. Posters

Bilingual Information Posters are in the process of being produced and will be issued to all campuses.

4. Plasma Screens

A Public Health video clip on awareness of COVID 19 and personal hygiene will be played on college reception plasma screens. In line with Public Health Wales information, the most effective action which can be taken is for everyone to ensure that they wash their hand thoroughly in hot soapy water frequently throughout the day and also to be responsible for high standards of personal hygiene particularly when coughing / sneezing.

At present, the College is operating normally for students and staff.    

The College continues to follow the global progress of, and response to, the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.  It is being guided by information issued by:

Public Health Wales(PHW)

Public Health England (PHE)

The situation is evolving daily and the College is watching its progress closely.  However, if any staff or students have recently returned from affected areas please ensure that you self-isolate for the recommended 14 day period and contact NHS 111 if you feel unwell. 

The College is also reviewing the comprehensive advice for Educational Settings issued by PHE and if there are any suspected cases of Coronavirus in the College community, the College will act accordingly.  

Any planned staff and student trips or events scheduled for the remainder of this year, will be considered on a case by case basis and in light of the most up to date advice issued by central Government.

Following discussions with Ceredigion County Council on Monday this week, we took the decision to temporarily suspend in-person teaching on the Llanbadarn Campus of Coleg Ceredigion. This decision was taken as a precautionary measure following uncertainty regarding the scale of the spread of Covid-19 within the community.

As there have been no positive cases of Covid-19 amongst Coleg Ceredigion staff and students, we will be restarting in-person teaching on the Llanbadarn Campus from Monday 5th October.

We appreciate that the past few days have been difficult for staff and students and we are grateful for your support and understanding.

The health and well-being of students, staff and the local community remains our priority and we will continue to work closely with the Council, University, NHS and Public Health Wales to limit the spread of the virus.