Update: 08/04/2020:
Following the latest government guidance, we have moved from classroom-based learning to online and flexible distance learning.
We endeavour to deliver learning online wherever possible to support existing learners to successfully complete their courses/qualifications. We have new online and distance learning courses to support individuals, including furloughed workers, to enhance existing and or develop new skills.
We continue to support vulnerable learners within our Supported Learning programme via a dedicated team of tutors who will continue to contact learners to ensure their welfare and safety are being met.
If you are currently on a course with us or have enrolled on a course yet to start, you will be contacted with all the options available to you; including continuing with online or flexible distance learning, deferral or offered a refund.
We will be sharing new and exciting online opportunities very soon so keep checking our website and follow us on social media. If you have an urgent enquiry, please email us on lifelong.learning@essex.gov.uk and we will try our best to sort out any issues.
Update: 27/03/2020:
Following Government guidance, Adult Community Learning suspended its classroom provision on Friday 20 March 2020 and has now closed all its centres across Essex. Our main priority is the safety and wellbeing of our learners, staff and the general public.
ACL recognises that this current situation is unprecedented, with people unable to go about their lives as they normally would. However, we wish to ensure, as far as possible, that you can continue to access your learning, opportunities and interests whilst at home through online or virtual delivery.
We are in the process of reviewing our curriculum to move it to a digital delivery wherever possible and will, if we haven’t already done so, be in contact with you very soon. We want to make sure that you are aware of the options available to you; this could include online course alternatives, a credit to your ACL account or a refund if necessary.
We will be in contact with you in due course. However, due to reduced staffing, there may be a short delay in contacting you, but rest assured, we will endeavour to provide the information and support that you need.
If you have been trying to contact us, we are experiencing very high call volumes at present so please only call if your enquiry is urgent. If you have an urgent matter, please contact us via email at lifelong.learning@essex.gov.uk
For further information about the current situation and future courses, please look at our website, Facebook page, Instagram (@aclcreates) and our VLE which are updated regularly.
Looking after yourself and others
Coronavirus has plunged the whole world into uncertainty and the constant news updates can feel relentless. All of this can affect people’s mental health. Please use and share the resources and places to find support with others who are in need on our website.
You said, we did
If there’s a course or tutorial that you think we could offer online or virtually then please send us a message – acl.nostoppingme@essex.gov.uk. We are already receiving some great suggestions from our learners; we thank you for all the support.
Please stay safe and we look forward to supporting your learning journey over the coming weeks.
Update: 20/03/2020:
Adult Community Learning has taken the unfortunate but necessary decision to suspend its classroom-based course provision until further notice. All centres will be closed to learners and the general public as of Friday, 20th March. This does not include those who are in vulnerable groups as outlined in recent government guidance. Our teams are in the process of contacting these learners to ensure that adequate support and care is in place.
- Distance and online-learning will be available for some courses; development of additional online-learning material and courses is already underway.
- ACL Nurseries and pre-schools will remain open to support vulnerable children and key workers’ childcare needs.
- Apprentices will continue to study towards their qualifications and be supported remotely.
We are working through the implications and will endeavour to provide the support and advice for all learners at this challenging time. We will continue to share information on our official channels and contact all our learners directly over the coming days. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Update 19/03/2020:
Following the Government’s announcement last night of new measures to tackle the rapidly escalating coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we are taking necessary actions to prioritise the welfare of our learners, staff and members of the public to help limit the spread of the virus. We will share information on our official channels shortly and contact all our learners directly. We appreciate your understanding and patience at this time.
Update 18/03/2020:
You will already be aware of the new advice and guidance issued by the Government on coronavirus (COVID-19) on Monday 16 March.
We are working through what this means for Adult Community Learning, and will be communicating more details to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, we thank you for your continued patience while we complete this important work.
Update 10/03/2020:
All ACL Essex centres are currently operating as normal. ACL is following the guidelines set out by Essex County Council. This advice reflects the guidance published by NHS England and the Government. We are constantly monitoring this official guidance, and should this be updated, we will make the necessary changes. ACL asks learners to follow the current advice which is available on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
UK government response, commonly asked questions, and guidance
Learn about the government response to coronavirus on GOV.UK.
Coronavirus cases update
The Department of Health and Social Care publish updated data on the number of coronavirus cases on their website each day at 2pm.
National advice on handwashing
Wash your hands more often than usual, with soap and water or hand sanitiser, especially on the following occasions when you:
• Get home or into work
• Blow your nose, sneeze or cough
• Eat or handle food
Department for Education helpline
The Department for Education has launched a new helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Staff and learners can contact the helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday) The latest guidance for education settings is available here.
