BCOT Updates on Swine Flu
SWINE FLU UPDATE – Autumn 2009
BCOT is committed to doing all that is possible to ensure the college environment is safe and healthy. Swine flu updates will be released as necessary to ensure that students, parents and visitors are fully aware of the impact of the swine flu pandemic on our operations and are aware of the actions the college has taken in response to the emerging issues.
Update on swine flu
To date the college has been notified of a relatively few cases of suspected swine flu. In all cases when the college is notified of a potential swine flu infection the advice is to check symptoms at the National Pandemic Flu Service [www.direct.gov.uk/Pandemicflu] or telephone 0800 1513 100 or consult with the GP and to stay at home until fully recovered
BCOT’s response to the emerging swine flu pandemic
This update details the actions that have been taken by the college to date and those planned in the future should the spread of swine flu increase.
Actions taken to date:
- all hard surfaces such as door handles, light switches, taps and stair rails are cleaned every morning
- anti-bacterial wipes have been placed in all college computer areas so that users are able to wipe clean keyboards before use
- staff are cleaning their computers and telephones with anti-bacterial wipes at least weekly
- information posters placed around the college promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ campaign
- antiseptic hand wash dispensers have been installed in the following locations:
- North site coffee shop
- South site refectory
- Student entrance to HHBT/Hospitality
- Learning Resource Centre
- ILT suite
- Nursery
- Entrance to RNR/Evolve Salon
- Engineering & Automotive Department
(We will keep these dispensers in place after the pandemic to facilitate good personal hygiene practices)
- information and updates published on the website, intranet and Boodle
- contingency plans have been reviewed and tested to ensure developments and updates are communicated effectively
- text numbers for staff and students collected to facilitate rapid and immediate communications
- information leaflets in various languages have been ordered and printed
- the Health Protection Agency has been consulted and their advice used in information updates and determining appropriate college actions
- detailed guidance issued to staff on actions required in the event of swine flu infection
- contact details of key suppliers and stakeholders collected
- the college’s Business Continuity Team meet weekly to review the situation and determine appropriate actions
Current predictions are that the spread of swine flu will increase over the coming months. The college is therefore developing its plans to continue operating in a situation where large numbers of staff and students may not be able to attend college due to illness.
Contingency plans being made include:
- opening the college with limited staff availability, considering the impact on teaching and learning and the provision of support services to students
- using effective means of communication to students, parents, employers and staff
- use of remote learning through Boodle
- flexible use of the Learning Resource Centre
- identifying and considering the needs of young and vulnerable learners
- department based plans for managing learning and staff and student communication
- planning for the impact on exams and assessments
- plans for the provision of advice and information to students
- the impact on EMA payments
- the provision of service by contractors (who may be similarly affected by staff shortages)
The college continues to monitor the situation and will issue further advice and updates as necessary. If you have any queries or questions on the college’s policy or advice in relation to swine flu, please telephone (01256) 354141.
