Latest coronavirus update from Adult Learning

Learning safely during COVID-19

We are committed to running a high-quality service, ensuring that the safety and welfare of our learners is our top priority.

As we all get used to the changing circumstances around coronavirus (COVID-19), your visit to our centres will feel a little different but our team is dedicated to ensuring you have a safe experience while learning with us.

Government advice has been carefully followed and all areas of our service have been risk assessed to allow us to operate in a controlled and responsible way. Measures have been implemented to ensure our centres are COVID-19 secure which enable us to provide safe and enjoyable visits for everyone.

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 onsite.

For those who prefer to learn from home, we have an extensive online progamme running alongside face-to-face courses.

Please take a moment to read the following important information before you visit a centre.

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 up to four working days before the course start date. We're unable to take late enrolments.

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 online enrolment process or by calling our Customer Service Team on 0300 200 1044.

Social Distancing – What measures are in place?

As well as reviewing our room capacities, each centre will have directional signage and floor markings in place to support the 2 metre social distancing guidelines. This will include walking on the left down corridors, walkways and stairs and our toilets and lifts will be operating on a one person at a time basis. Some areas won't be accessible.

Enhanced Cleaning – What measures are in place?

Before centres open, they are undergoing a deep clean. To help support ongoing cleaning we are limiting the amount of courses taking place in each classroom to three per day across the morning, afternoon and evening. This will allow sufficient time to clean between each session, ready for the next group of learners.

Hygiene – What measures are in place?

All visitors 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 centre.

Arrival – What do I do when I arrive at a centre?

Please arrive no more than 5 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 onsite.

Visitors – What signing in process is required?

To support the NHS Test and Trace service, SAL requests all visitors provide a telephone number to enable easier contact should a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) be identified. 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.

Classrooms – What will have changed?

To aid ventilation in classrooms and across the centre 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 will be available in each classroom so you can clean shared equipment before and after use and please dispose of these in the lidded bins provided.

Face Coverings – Do I need to wear one and will staff be wearing one?

As our centres are enclosed public spaces and you will be coming into contact with people who you do not normally meet, we request that you and our staff wear a face covering in all communal areas. We will update this advice regularly in line with government recommendations. 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, a replacement can be purchased from 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, Sculpture, 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. In addition, disposable gloves will be provided for Pottery and Sculpture courses.

Cafés – Will these be open?

Our centre cafés and vending machines will temporarily be closed for the Autumn term, so food and drinks will not be available to purchase whilst on site. We also request that you refrain from eating on site whilst you are with us. Drinking water will still be available from our water machines, however we request that you come with your own filled water bottle when attending.

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. Please note, we are required to undertake one emergency evacuation drill per term.

First Aid – What happens if I require help?

Please let your tutor know and contact the centre staff 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 the centre. If you become unwell after attending any of our centres, contact us immediately to let us know by emailing adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk and include 'COVID-19 ABSENCE' in the subject field. Alternatively, call our Customer Service Team on 0300 200 1044.

Course interruption - What happens if changes in government advice mean that face-to-face classes cannot continue?

If government advice means face-to-face classes cannot continue, classes will be moved to online provision, where possible. If a partial lockdown occurred and resulted in one or more centres being closed, where appropriate, classes would be moved to online delivery or relocated to a centre with capacity. Where this is the case, no refunds will be provided. If classes cannot continue online or from an alternative centre, refunds will be made for the missed session(s).