Welcome to Blackburn College
We have been notified by the Borough’s Director of Public Health that from Monday 22 November 2021, face coverings/masks will be re-introduced in schools and Colleges in Blackburn with Darwen. Although rates of Covid-19 in the Borough are low, the message we have received from the Council asks us to remain cautious so that numbers remain low.
The latest advice does not mean that we need to return to the wearing of face-coverings in the classroom. However, we do need to return to wearing face-coverings in communal areas and corridors – such as when moving around, using canteens etc.
Please remember that there are other things that can be done to keep everyone at College safe.
The other things we can all do are:
• Washing our hands regularly and using hand-sanitiser;
• Taking regular rapid tests, particularly before mixing with others;
• Getting fully vaccinated against Covid-19; and
• Keeping rooms well-ventilated, particularly when spending time indoors with people we don’t live with.
Covid-19 Symptoms
The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.
What to do if you have symptoms
If you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19, even if they're mild:
- Do not attend Blackburn College
- Get a PCR test (test that is sent to a lab) to check if you have COVID-19 as soon as possible.
- Stay at home and do not have visitors (self-isolate) until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.
Hand-sanitiser and Hand Washing
Washing your hands and using hand-sanitiser helps control the virus spread. Please ensure you use hand-sanitiser regularly and when you enter our buildings and practise regular and thorough hand-washing.
Vaccinations
As part of national guidance, 16 and 17 year olds are now being encouraged to come forward and have their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The young adults of Blackburn with Darwen are now able to play their part in helping us return to normal life by getting their Covid vaccination.
Did you know?
All bus operators in Blackburn with Darwen are offering free transport to anyone going to get their Covid vaccination. Just let the bus driver know where you’re going when you get on!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I get Lateral Flow Home Test kits from?
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You can get a Home Testing Kit from the Beacon Centre reception or the Students' Union area in the University Centre.
- I’m worried about travelling to College, what do you suggest?
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When you’re attending College you may be worried about public transport. We recommend you read the following guidance from the Government. This document is entitled ‘Safer Travel Guidance for Passengers’. Should you still have concerns, we recommend you speak to your Personal Tutor in the first instance. Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- I've lost my lanyard/ID card. What do I do?
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You will be able to access a new lanyard and ID card from the Beacon Centre Reception. These will be issued for FREE during the first weeks of term. After these dates new lanyards and ID cards become chargeable.
- Will a register for face-to-face sessions be taken?
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Yes. We will take a register for all the sessions that take place. This is so we can see that you are engaging with your studies and know that you have returned to College.
- I’m eligible for Free College Meals, how will I get this payment?
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If you are eligible for Free College Meals we will re-start making the associated payment to your College account so that you continue to be able to purchase food from our onsite restaurants.
You can contact the Student Finance team using StudentFinance@blackburn.ac.uk if you have any queries about this.
- I’m an adult student and am in receipt of support for childcare, what will happen?
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If this applies to you, your payment will still be made to your registered childcare provider.
