AoC Alerts

June

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (24.06.20)

  • In this update: Update on lockdown measures, AoC/Ofsted Sector Dialogue Webinar, Further guidance on Student Number Controls, Pearson’s College BTEC Awards - tomorrow from 2pm and College Collaboration Fund FAQs.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (22.06.20)

  • In this update: UK government’s Covid-19 plans, The Department for Education’s catch-up and national tutoring service plan, Education questions in the Commons asks the tough questions for colleges, AoC’s Skills Recovery plan, ESFA’s July financial return, Student number controls, SEND update, Acknowledges the challenges, High-Volume Apprenticeships Group (SC), Labour Market Observatory webinar - Tuesday 23 June, 10am, Guidance note for restarting sewage treatment plants and AoC/Ofsted Sector Dialogue Webinar - Thursday 25 June, 10am.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (17.06.20)

  • In this update: Free school meals over the summer holiday, School re-opening, The pandemic and unemployment, DfE Update: Keeping children safe in education, Update guidance for Tier 4 sponsors and international students and Edtech webinar, 24 June 2020.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (15.06.20)

  • In this update: In this update: Updated DfE guidance for further education and skills providers, Job Retention Scheme update, ESFA’s July financial return, UCU’s Fund the Future campaign, Centre for Social Justice adult skills and part-time HE report, How Colleges Approach the Virtual Micro-Teach webinar and How colleges are transforming their EdTech strategy webinar.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (12.06.20)

  • In this update: AoC College Reopening Support, Letter to ESFA, Government’s back to school plans, Resource for Colleges - Joint Union/AoC Planning Guide for Colleges, Social Mobility Commission annual report , Unemployment, Communities Secretary letter to Mayors and LEPs on accelerating capital plans, The College Collaboration Fund (CCF) Applications open until 28 June, Independent Commission on the College of the Future - update, Diversity in Governance and fATE’s Rob Nitsch’s second blog.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (10.06.20)

  • In this update: Education secretary announcement about primary schools, BEIS announces opening of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres, Office for students guidance on consumer protection, Cabinet office procurement policy note 04/20, College Collaboration Fund round opens, One day left to feedback on our Recovery Plan and upcoming webinars.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (08.06.20)

  • In this update: Mental health support for colleges, Ofqual consultation - AoC responds, Edge post Covid-19 revival fund, Reminder to feedback on AoC’s recovery plan and upcoming webinars.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (05.06.20)

  • In this update: Recovery Plan, AoC’s next President Sally Dicketts, Ofqual consultation on the additional GCSE, AS and A level exam series in autumn 2020, Ranking of centre assessed grades for large cohorts, IfATE Land based T Level content consultations, Developing schemes of learning for 2020 T Levels, Specialist Lead for Maths/English - recruitment, Colleges West Midlands Capital Investment Prospectus, Annual survey of college international activity, Higher education student number controls, Alternative Provision Transition Funding, T Level Capital Fund Financial Plan template, Further Forces programme, Webinars, Cyber security posture survey and Mental health support.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (03.06.20)

  • In this update: Ofqual consultation on the additional GCSE, AS and A level exam series in autumn 2020, Apprenticeship guidance update, Students with complex needs and PPE, Higher education student number controls, University (and college) re-opening advice and upcoming webinars.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (01.06.20)

  • In this update: Job retention scheme, July Treasury statement, Higher education student controls , DfE guidance to colleges on reopening (the 29 May update), Reopening guidance and vulnerable students, Updated coronavirus guidance for Tier 4 sponsors, migrants and short-term students, Tes survey on reopening and upcoming webinars.

May

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (29.05.20)

  • In this update: DfE guidance on college reopening, National politics, Lifting the lockdown, BTEC deadlines, Beacon Awards virtual ceremony next week, Pearson Higher Nationals grading guidance online session, London Recovery Board and upcoming webinars.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (27.05.20)

  • In this alert: College and school reopening, Retail premises, Government launches NHS test and trace service, SAGE advice on school re-opening, PM commits to exploring an ‘apprenticeship guarantee’, IfATE’s Chief Operating Officer Rob Nitsch blogs for AoC, SEND update to guidance and upcoming webinars.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (22.05.20)

  • In this alert: ESFA financial return, Ofqual decisions on summer assessments, Higher education regulation and student number controls, Pearson centre assessment guidance, Write to your local MP to highlight the support colleges need, AoC President nominations, UK/EU negotiations and the end of free movement, Youth Employment Group - Young People’s Survey and our upcoming webinars.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (20.05.20)

  • In this update: Reopening, Apprenticeships, Safeguarding, July financial return and Mental health resources.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (14.05.20)

  • In this update: DfE reopening guidance and AoC notes, Operational considerations for reopening, Union concerns around reopening, AoC weekly leader Q&A and our Supporting staff with their mental health free webinar.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (13.05.20)

  • In this update: Commentary on re-opening guidance, Job retention scheme extension, Public spending, AoC reopening colleges sub groups, Managing positive industrial relations webinar and our weekly Q&A webinar.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (12.05.20)

  • In this update: Government communications and guidance on wider opening of education, workplaces and transport.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (11.05.20)

  • In this update: The UK government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy, FE white paper, SEND Risk Assessment, Employment Resources for Colleges and Webinars.

• COVID-19 survey results & letter to Secretary of State (06.05.20)

  • In this update: AoC Covid-19 and colleges survey results report. #SeptemberPromise letter to Education Secretary, The class of 2020, Lifting the lockdown and Yesterday’s AoC spring policy forum.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (04.05.20)

  • In this update: Department for Education higher education package, Post-shutdown workplace rules, Furloughed apprentices, Pearson Covid guidance for Higher Nationals.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (01.05.20)

  • In this update: Easing the lockdown, Education Select Committee - Gavin Williamson, AoC draft response to Ofqual consultation on summer 2020 assessment arrangements for vocational and technical qualifications, Legislative changes to EHC plans, Nominations for AoC President are open, Mental health, New, AoC events and webinars, AoC College HE Research and Scholarship Conferences 2020 and T Levels: Curriculum design and delivery networks.

April

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (29.04.20)

  • In this update: Gillian Keegan confirmed for AoC Spring Policy Online Forum, Non-levy supplier relief scheme, Thursday 30 April deadline, DfE launches Skills Toolkit, Ufi partnership on edtech announced, Education secretary appears before the Education Select Committee, Response to Ofqual’s consultation on summer exams, World’s first esports qualification to be launched, Industry placement capacity and delivery funding, ESFA monitoring, WorldSkills UK action plan, Mental health resources, Re-register for weekly Q&A webinar - Fridays 2pm.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (27.04.20)

  • In this update: UK government policy on the lockdown, Non-levy apprenticeship supplier relief scheme, Testing for essential workers, EdTech: Demonstrator schools and colleges programme further funding, AoC webinars.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (24.04.20)
  • In this update: Ofqual publishes consultation on VTQs, UCU study on university finances, AoC survey on impact of Covid-19, Covid-19 testing for key workers, Non-levy apprenticeships, Devices for disadvantaged young people, Updated guidance for vulnerable children and young people, Procurement policy note 02/20 guidance, Job retention scheme, Joint letter with Jisc to Education Secretary, National Skills Academy, AoC online events, AoC Sport Lockdown Challenge, New funding from UfI - VocTech Now - FE Extension and AoC Online Spring Policy Forum - Tuesday 5 May, 2pm.
     

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (22.04.20)

  • In this update: Parliament returns, DfE and ESFA work in progress, Industry placement capacity and delivery funding update, Ofqual consultation reminder, Unconditional offers update, More support from OfS, Protocol on e-safeguarding for online meetings, AoC events, Conversation with Ofsted, Apprenticeships webinar, How one college is using Microsoft Teams.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (20.04.20)

  • In this update: Sunday and Monday’s press conferences, Job Retention Scheme - updated guidance for colleges, Bursary top ups for laptops, Apprenticeship contracts, Vocational and technical qualifications update - Tuesday 21 April, 2pm, Coronavirus (COVID-19): SEND risk assessment guidance, VocTech Now: FE Extension, Home Office updated Tier 4 and Short Term student guidance.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (17.04.20)

  • In this update: Developments over this weekend and next week, College finance and funding, Coronavirus and colleges: survey out next week, Consultation on exceptional arrangements for exam grading and assessment in 2020: Draft AoC response, International work during COVID-19, Ofsted webinar, Online events programme, Vocational and technical qualifications update - Tuesday 21 April, 2pm

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (16.04.20)

  • In this update: Lockdown extension, Ofqual consultation on summer gradings, Results days confirmed, Job retention scheme updated, T levels update, Ofsted webinar, Apprenticeships webinar, Mental health resources for key workers.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (14.04.20)

  • In this update: Look after each other campaign, The impact of the shutdown on the economy, Universities UK funding request - and what AoC is doing, Student tuition fee refunds, Job retention scheme and employment issues, Home office immigration guidance, AoC Spring Policy Forum - 5 May 2020, AoC Vocational and technical qualification webinar - 21 April 2020, #LoveOurColleges through Covid-19, Cost price interim management support, AoC Friday webinar - 17 April 2020.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (09.04.20)

  • In this update: A message from David Hughes, supporting the NHS and Ofqual announces process for technical and vocational qualifications.  

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (08.04.20)

  • In this update: Chancellor announces support package for charities, AoC and FAB agree joint principles, Accountability, performance tables and data approach announced, AoC asks Ofsted to extend the freeze on inspections NHS staffing, EHCP student risk assessments, Resources for colleges, Ebook and digital learning resources, Interim management and consultancy support, AoC webinar.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (07.04.20)

  • In this update: Number 10 briefing highlights , Updated guidance on furloughed apprentices, David Hughes outlines the top five priorities for AoC and the sector, College spending rules, Additional DfE funding for schools during Easter closure, AoC’s mental health and wellbeing resources updated on COVID-19 hub, Weekly AoC leadership for the sector webinar brought forward to Thursday.
     

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (06.04.20)

  • In this update: Labour Party’s new leader and shadow cabinet appointments, Furloughed apprentices, Higher education - OfS announcements, College funding, staffing and payments, AoC end-of-the week Q&A webinar, AoC A-level and GCSE webinar, Access to FE Week’s webinar with David Hughes.
     

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (03.04.20)

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (02.04.20)

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (01.04.20)

  • This alert includes an update from AoC sport formally cancelling all sport competitions, college governance during COVID-19 webinar registration, Q&A session for college leaders, and the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) Congress cancelled.

  • Links:

    • AoC Sport statement on cancelled competitions

    • College governances during COVID-19 webinar registration

    • Q&A Session for college leaders registration

March

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Evening Alert (31.03.20)

  • This alert includes summer exams, qualifications and awarding organisation fees, job retention scheme and furloughing, registration for the college governance webinar, national free school meal vouchers, and how to collaborate with your local NHS organisations.

  • Links:

    • Coronavirus (COVID-19): free school meals guidance (DfE)

    • Register for the college governance and COVID-19 webinar

    • Examples of colleges collaborating with the NHS

    • Clarifications around PPE and imminent further guidance

    • Home Office temprarily changnes right-to-work checks

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (31.03.20 AM)

  • This alert is a short update on the work AoC is doing to get clairfication on updated guidance released by government for vulnerable students.

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (30.03.20)

  • This alert includes Dominic Raab talks about repatriating UK citizens home, updated safeguarding guidance documents released by government, new resources by PHE for mental health, new agreements with telecoms companies to support vulnerable consumers, Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme launches, wrongful trading rules are suspended, an update on college related funding and finance issues is provided, free webinar for home learning, updated guidance for vulnerable children and school closures, IfATE provide Q&As on apprenticeships, CITB to provide advance payments to 2nd and 3rd year apprentices, OfS slimmed down regulatory requirements and FAQs, advice for Erasmus+, new technical resources, free consultancy and support from Jisc, Pearson resources and updates, health and social care student part time workers/volunteers needed, and updated timefram for college collaboration fund.

  • Links:

    • Coronavirus (COVID-19): safeguarding in schools, colleges and other providers
    • Guidance for schools about temporarily closing (school closures Q&A)
    • Guidance on vulnerable children and young people (vulnerable children and young people Q&A)
    • PHE advice to support mental health
    • PHE Every Mind Matters platform updated
    • Government agrees measures with telecoms companies to support vulnerable consumers
    • Government support for business during COVID-19 crisis
    • Registration for free Home Learning webinar (31 March)
    • Updated guidance on school and college closures (vulnerable people)
    • Apprenticeship Q&As from IfATE
    • CITB to provide advance payments to apprentices
    • OfS FAQ page
    • European Commission advice for Erasmus+ mobilities
    • New series of drop-in clinics for Jisc
    • Free 90 days access to digital learning resources at Pearson
    • Pearson dedicated resources to supporting colleges during COVID-19
    • Health and social care student part time workers and volunteers request
    • Updated timeframe information for college collaboration fund

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (27.03.20)

  • This alert includes information on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Ofqual announcements on summer exams and qualifications, letter from education secretary to college leaders, video from Apprenticeships and Skills Minister to the sector, highlighting good deeds by colleges, and information on the AoC online event: Home Learning - next steps post Easter.

  • Links:

    • HMRC information on Job Retention Scheme

    • Ofqual updates

    • Education secretary letter to college leaders

    • Video message from Apprenticeship and Skills Minister

    • College good deeds blog

    • Webinar registration: Home Learning - next steps post Easter

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (26.03.20)

  • This alert includes information on the government support package for the self employed, an updated on college finances, Ofqual exams update timeframe, OfS regulatory requirement changes, staff mental health information from Education Support (charity), updated travel advice for educational settings, changes to via restrictions and requirements for international students, and collecting stories of online vocational teaching for Tes.

  • Links:

    • Government business support schemes

    • Letter to the Education Secretary (repeat)

    • Further details on exams and grades announced

    • OfS regulatory requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic

    • Education Support (charity) mental health resources

    • Updated travel advice for educational settings

    • Visa extensions for those currently unable to return home due to COVID-19

    • Advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents

    • COVID-19 UKVI Fact sheets for International visa customers

    • COVID-19 UKVI Fact sheet for UK temporary residents and visa holders

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (25.03.20)

  • This alert includes a follow up letter to the Education Secretary on the current priority issues for colleges, the assent of the Coronavirus Bill and early adjournment of parliament, the informal meeting of the Education Select Committee with Minister Keegan on apprenticeships, the querying of exam invoices, QAA work on quality and standards, extension of visa's by the home office and change of sponsorship requirements, the pausing of the college collaboration fund, the changes to the process for withdrawing funding from low and no enrolment qualifications, government guidance on social distancing in educational settings, Ofqual considerations for vocational and technical qualifications, an update on SEND students, an update on college closures, and VocTech Now grants of up to £25k for short projects in getting learners online.

  • Links:

    • AoC follow up letter to the Secretary of State

    • Education excerpt from the Coronavirus bill (repeat)

    • UK wide guidance on QAA

    • Home office announcement on visa extensions

    • Government guidance on social distancing in educational settings

    • Ofqual statement on considerations for vocational and technical qualifications

    • VocTech Now grants

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (24.03.20 PM)

  • This alert includes updated information on official government guidance on maintaining further education provision, and guidance for apprenticeships. We also include AoC asks for apprenticeships support, briefings provided to government on apprenticeship needs, updated guidance from Irwin Mitchell on self isolation, pay, holidays, pregnancy and 'high risk' individuals, and business advice on continuation of operation. You will find updated information on vulnerable and SEND students, including the open letter from Minister Vicky Ford to children and young people (and their families) with SEND. There is a request for good news stories and examples of best practice, a tutorial video for new attendance recording and submission, working from home guidance, an update from WorldSkills UK and information on the next AoC Webinar Q&A session.

  • Links:

    • Maintaining further education provision guidance from the government

    • Apprenticeship guidance from the government

    • AoC asks for apprenticeship support (and briefing note for Education Select Committee on this)

    • Irwin Mitchell's guidance on

      • Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

      • FAQs about self isolation, pay and holidays

      • FAQs about pregnancy and high risk individuals

      • Coronavirus: which businesses can operate

    • Open letter from Vicky Ford to children and young people (and their families) with SEND

    • Updated link for DfE FAQs re. vulnerable children and young people

    • Video tutorial from DfE on attendance recording and submission

    • National Cyber Security Centre GCHQ and Ofsted guidance on safeguarding and security while working from home

    • Worldskills FAQ page for updates

    • AoC weekly leadership webinar sign up 
       

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (24.03.20 AM)

  • This alert follows the lockdown announcement by the Prime Minister last night. This guidance has no impact on whether colleges stay open or decide to close. It also includes updated education provision guidance, apprenticeship provision guidance, information for colleges facing financial difficulty and an outline of the lockdown requirements, including government guidance.

  • Links:

    • Overnight guidance on the lockdown requirements

    • Updated educational guidance

    • Apprenticeship guidance

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (23.03.20)

  • This alert includes a letter from Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan, to the college sector praising their work to date, updated travel advice from the government, increased social distancing for vulnerable adults comes in to force, David Hughes' weekly blog looks at the amazing ways colleges are working to support communities, information on the new job retention scheme, college's updated requirements around updating attendance records, government releases Q and A on vulnerable students, resources to support SEND learners at home, an update on exams and assessment, maintenance loan payments for students, and a range of new employment resources for colleges.

  • Links:

    • Letter from Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills to colleges

    • Updated travel advice

    • Updated shielding advice for vulnerable people

    • David Hughes' Tes blog on good work by colleges

    • Information on government support for businesses

    • Job retention scheme (Irwin Mitchell guidance)

    • Updating attendance records

    • Vulnerable students Q and A

    • Resources to support SEND learners at home

      • Complex needs webinar registration

      • Mainstream SEND remote learning webinar registration

    • Statement on exams and assessment by Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State

    • Implications of changes to exams and assessment for colleges

    • Maintenance loan payments 

    • Acas advice for employers and employees

    • Acas webinar registration

    • CIPD COVID-19 resources page

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (20.03.20)

  • This alert includes information on Chancellor's announcement on the closure of cafes, pubs, bars and restuarants; financial scheme aimed at protecting workers wages and keeping businesses afloat; key workers and vulnerable students guidance; online forums for college staff; new resources hub for colleges; joint statement on digital content and provision; and FAQs for international students.

  • Links:

    • Key workers and vulnerable students guidance

    • Details for summer assessments

    • Coronavirus resources hub

    • Jisc joint statement

    • International students FAQs

• Coronavirus Update: AoC Evening Alert (19.03.20)
  • This alert includes information on vulnerable students, key workers, exams (no update), new email address for enquiries (covid19@aoc.co.uk), Coronavirus Bill, coronavirus communications webinar, draft response for UCU, Jisc planning for coronavirus webinar, update on the Independent Commission on the College of the Future, International students update
  • Links:
    • New email address: covid19@aoc.co.uk
    • Coronavirus bill - education excerpt, full bill
    • Registration for communications webinar
    • Draft response letter for UCU
    • Book place for for Jisc planning webinar, or watch the recording
       
• Coronavirus Update: AoC Morning Alert (19.03.20)
  • This alert includes a letter from David Hughes about the Secretary of State's announcement of school closure, followed by a series of FAQs that can be found on our Corona FAQ page in the left hand menu
     
• College closures ordered by government (18.03.20) 
  • This alert includes the announcement that schools and colleges will close as of Friday 20 March, exams will not take place, the FE Commissioner pauses activity, and initial information about the Coronvavirus Bill.
     
• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (17.03.20)
  • This alert includes a new economic packaged announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Ofsted temporary suspension of inspecitons, employment resources for colleges, AoC letter to the Secretary of State calling for support for colleges, 
  • Links:
    • Economic package announced by Chancellor
    • Ofsted announces temporary suspension of inspections (more information here)
    • Template coronavirus policy (Mar 2020)
    • AoC Helpline by Irwin Mitchell
      • Phone: 0333 0100319
        Email: aocemployment@irwinmitchell.com
    • AoC open letter to Secretary of State
    • Mental health during coronavirus links:
      • Mind
      • Mental Health Foundation
      • Young Minds
         
• Urgent letter to government re: colleges and coronavirus (17.03.20)
  • This alert includes an open letter written by the Chief Executive of AoC, David Hughes, to the Secretary of State calling on him to support colleges through this crisis. It includes an attachement with nine different areas that were initially identified as requiring consideration.
  • Links:
    • Letter to Education Secretary
       
• Coronavirus Update: AoC Alert (16.03.20)
  • This alert gives an update from David Hughes, including his initial thoughts on the impact on colleges in his Tes blog. It also includes reference to the latest advice by the Prime Minister, useful government resources, and how to engage with AoC during this time.
  • Links:
    • David Hughes Tes Blog
    • Prime Minister full speech (12 March)
    • Gov.uk Coronavirus page
    • Guidance for education settings
    • Travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
    • Public Health England Blog