In response to the growing number of cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK and around the world. News headlines about the pandemic have certainly been unsettling. The situation, and the world’s response are evolving daily.
It is not yet clear how the spread of Coronavirus will develop and the extent of its impact on Amac. We are putting in place arrangements for ensuring that services to our students are maintained as much as possible. All students should assume that Amac will operate as normal unless we notify you otherwise.
However we have arranged contingency plans in the event of venue closures or any updates to Government advice. Please be aware of the following potential responses to these three main aspects:
In the event of self-isolation
- If you are unable to attend any of your planned course dates due to self-isolation, or would prefer to postpone your attendance on the course in the current climate, our standard policy is that we only allow students to defer their place if they contact us more than 4 weeks before the course date. However, in the current circumstances we are willing to allow students to defer their course booked at no charge.
- As the spread of the virus becomes more serious, we will be flexible with students to ensure that it won’t impact on the completion and achievement of your qualification.
In the event of closure of the course venue
- We will inform students immediately
- This may mean:
- Delaying live assessments e.g. practical assessments
- Different means of providing tuition, e.g. Skype/video conferencing or eLearning
- The possibility of proctored exams (taken at home)
- Conducting assessment activities online/email
- Providing extensions
- Postponing the course
In the event of Amac Canterbury office closure
- We will inform students immediately
- We are prepared for work-from-home scenario to support the continuity of business
- We will be contactable via email
Hopefully, these contingency measures will not be required but, if they are, we are prepared for the worst. We continue to follow government and NHS advice, and urge everyone to familiarise themselves with this advice and to stay up-to-date with the situation as it develops.
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Public Health England: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance
WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
People with symptoms are no longer required to call NHS 111, as the system is under strain, but are instead urged to look for information on the NHS website and 111 online.
Please be assured that the health and safety of our staff and our commitments to you remain at the forefront of any decisions that are made.