Harrogate College reopens

Harrogate College will be reopening for a selection of students and staff from 16 June it has been announced.

Danny Wild, Principal of Harrogate College, said: “Supporting staff and students to return to a safe environment has been at the centre of the college’s preparations and approach.

“Many steps have been taken based on the guidance for further education colleges provided by the Department of Education, which have been translated into a practical operation for the college to open safely. We have invited 168 students and apprentices to come back into college over the next 6 weeks to complete their courses while our other students continue to work remotely.”

Harrogate College is taking the following steps to ensure a safe practical operation:

• All staff and students will arrive and leave college at off-peak times, with staggered start and finish times between groups.
• The number of people that can be in the buildings and each classroom has been calculated, so that two metre social distancing can be maintained at all times.
• Any personal protective equipment (PPE) that is risk assessed as being required, will be provided by the college.
• A one-way system will be in effect throughout the college.
• Ongoing cleaning of classrooms and workshops will take place throughout each day.

Staff have also been working on preparations for students joining in September. All students who have applied to Harrogate College will be contacted and asked to take part in a summer transition programme. This provides students with the opportunity to communicate with new teachers and classmates, while developing valuable digital and study skills needed to return to full-time education in September.