Remote Education Advice FAQs
Pier Training will adhere to the Government guidance as set out in the publication: Further education guidance for Restricting attendance during the national lockdown January 2021
Question 1: Is Pier Training still running face to face classroom sessions?
Response: No. All face-to-face classroom sessions have been put on hold until such time as we can do so safely and in line with Government Covid-19 guidance.
Question 2: During the suspension of face-to-face classroom sessions what alternatives are available?
Response:
• Remote online live teaching sessions will be provided in groups or on one-to-one basis via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Your Tutor will also be available to discuss your sessions via WhatsApp, Messenger, email, and phone.
• A pre-recorded lesson will be made available for those that are unable to attend the ‘live remote session’ (this would usually only include healthcare support workers that are working under the pressure of Covid-19 demands in the Healthcare settings).
• Remote online live teaching sessions will be provided in groups or on one-to-one basis via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Your Tutor will also be available to discuss your sessions via WhatsApp, Messenger, email, and phone.
• A pre-recorded lesson will be made available for those that are unable to attend the ‘live remote session’ (this would usually only include healthcare support workers that are working under the pressure of Covid-19 demands in the Healthcare settings).
Question 3: Is it safe to attend classrooms face to face / what provision is in place for my safety if I do?
Response: Classroom sessions will only be provided when we are advised that they are safe to do so.
Question 4: If I do attend a face-to-face classroom session, do I need to bring anything with me?
Response: If you are attending a Face-to face classroom session then face covering must be worn at all times (refer to the link to learn about exemptions) Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Question 5: Are there circumstances where I should not attend a face-to-face classroom?
Response: Yes.
• Do not attend if you are displaying symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) and book a covid-19 test immediately. Self-isolate at home until your results come through.
• Do not attend and self-isolate, if you have been in close contact with someone that that has tested positive for Covid-19.
• Do not attend if you are displaying symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) and book a covid-19 test immediately. Self-isolate at home until your results come through.
• Do not attend and self-isolate, if you have been in close contact with someone that that has tested positive for Covid-19.
Question 6: If there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 at my place of work what should I do?
Response: If you have been informed that you are a contact of a person who has had a positive PCR test result for COVID-19, you must stay at home and complete 10 full days isolation. Your isolation period includes the date of your last contact with them and the next ten full days.
Access to your Portfolio / course work
Question 7: How will I get access to my course work and portfolio?
Response: You can access your course work through your online portal OneFile www.onefile.co.uk You should already have your log in details, if not then please contact your Tutor
Question 8: What about my Functional Skills exams, can I still take these?
Response: Yes, these will be delivered remotely using Laptop or a Desktop Computer, you must have access to a mobile smart phone with Camera and Video capability to use this service. The exam will be invigilated using a specialist software program called Proctor. The Invigilator will be a person from one of our awarding organisations and not Pier Training. However, if you can sit your exams in the workplace safely following all the usual invigilation regulations, with an appropriate senior person acting as an Invigilator then this can be arranged.
Question 9: What about my End Point Assessment, can I still undertake this?
Response: Yes. End-point assessment (EPA) can continue and there are currently many adaptations and relaxations due to the Covid-19 pandemic which mostly allow for a remote End Point Assessment. Your Tutor can give you full details of the adaptations and relaxations for your EPA.
Question 10: What about technology, what will I need to do online learning?
Response: Ideally you will need a laptop or a desktop computer with an inbuilt camera, mic and speakers, alternatively you can use a smart phone, tablet, iPad or Xbox, or PlayStation -*Microsoft Teams only via a browser).
Question 11: What if I am put on Furlough leave, can I continue my studies?
Response: Yes. You can carry on with your apprenticeship training if your employer puts you on furlough. We will agree with your employer that you can continue your off-the-job training from home.
Question 12: I am concerned about my 20% Off the job training hours what can I do?
Response: These will be covered via the off the job training you will do from home.
Question 13: How do I stay in touch with my Tutor?
Response: Email, phone calls or text messages or via the instant messaging system through OneFile.
Question 14: What if I am made redundant?
Response: If you were made redundant on or after 15 October 2020 and was within
six months of the final day of training OR you have completed at least 75%, the ESFA will fund 100% of the remaining costs of the price negotiated between the main provider and the previous employer, up to the funding band maximum. The Redundancy Support Service for Apprentices aims to support apprentices who have been made redundant or who feel they are at risk of redundancy. If you need help you can call 08000 150 400 to speak to a dedicated advisor and start planning your next steps.
six months of the final day of training OR you have completed at least 75%, the ESFA will fund 100% of the remaining costs of the price negotiated between the main provider and the previous employer, up to the funding band maximum. The Redundancy Support Service for Apprentices aims to support apprentices who have been made redundant or who feel they are at risk of redundancy. If you need help you can call 08000 150 400 to speak to a dedicated advisor and start planning your next steps.
Question 15: If I take time off sick because of coronavirus (COVID-19) will I get paid?
Response: Yes, if you cannot work while you are self-isolating because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you could get SSP for every day you are in self-isolation. To be eligible for SSP, you must self-isolate for at least 4 days. If you are self-isolating for more than 7 days and cannot work because of coronavirus, you can get an ‘isolation note’ online from NHS 111.
Question 16: Can I take time off my apprenticeship to care for someone?
Response: If you need to care for someone else because of the coronavirus outbreak, we can agree to make some changes, such as using digital or distance learning to continue with your apprenticeship and provide flexible times to attend training. We can also discuss a break in your learning if this is the better option for you.
Question 17: What if I cannot attend training due to Covid-19 pressures in my workplace?
Response: Tutors will provide flexible appointment times and pre-recorded sessions. However, if you are still unable to attend a session with your tutor for each period (4-6 weeks) due to these restrictions, an agreement will be made to institute a break in learning and resume training when this is possible.