COVID-19 – Staying Safe at ELC Bristol
Read our article: COVID-19 – Staying Safe at ELC Bristol to understand what we expect from our students and how we are keeping everyone as safe as possible.
What we expect from you?
- You must not travel to the UK if you, or any of the people you have recently had contact with, are showing symptoms of Covid-19 (high temperature, new continuous cough or loss of taste or smell).
- So we can take the necessary precautions, you must let us know if you have any pre-existing conditions which place you in a high-risk category for COVID-19.
- You must let us know if you or someone in your home has had a confirmed or suspected case of Covid-19 in the last 19 days.
- You are expected to ‘social distance’ at all times. In the UK that is 1 metre + which means a minimum of 1 metre, more if possible.
- We ask you to wash your hands in hot water with soap when you arrive at school in the morning and when you come back to school after lunch.
- Please use a tissue if you sneeze or want to blow your nose, and put the tissue in one of the small disposable bags which we have in every room. These bags should then be put in the red ‘General Waste’ bins.
- You should bring a supply of masks with you. Masks are optional in classes but you are encouraged to wear them during break times and in all communal areas of the school. You must wear them in shops and on public transport.
- We will use digital handouts and you can email us homework, so, if possible, please bring a laptop/i-pad with you on your first day at ELC. If you don’t have one, tell us before you come and we will lend you one. Students should only use their own books and pens.
- We recommend you bring your own water flask.
What you can expect from us (in school)?
- Abon House classrooms are spacious and there is at least 1 metre + between desks/students.
- All rooms are ventilated as much as possible before, during and after classes.
- When numbers increase, we will stagger lesson times to reduce the number of students in the common areas at the same time
- Classrooms will be deep cleaned at the end of each day. Toilets will be disinfected during the lessons while students are in class.
- There are tissues and hand sanitisers in the hallways and in every room. Please sanitise your hands in the entrance before coming into the school, before using the drinks and snack machines, the water dispenser and before playing pool or the piano.
- Lunch. You can get lunch in one of the many cafes near the school. Alternatively, you can pre-order your lunch during the morning break and it will be delivered to you at 12.45.
What you can expect (in homestays)?
- We have provided guidance to our homestay hosts on how best to keep themselves and their students safe at home.
- We are only providing single room accommodation, except for family members travelling together.
- We have measures in place in case you need to self-isolate in line with current government guidance.
- We will ensure backup/emergency accommodation is available should it be needed.
- We will communicate regularly with our host families on the latest government guidance on social distancing regulations.
- We are only using existing host families that we know and trust.
- We will identify hosts in high-risk groups and avoid placing students with them.
What you can expect from us (in the school residences)?
- Students staying in self-catering accommodation will be provided with clear guidance to ensure their safety.
- We have carried out measures to ensure the residences are COVID-19 safe.
- Common areas in the self-catering residences will be sanitised daily and cleaned by professional cleaners weekly. Students will be expected to keep the houses clean and work surfaces clear.
- We have measures in place in case you need to self-isolate in line with current government guidance.
- We will ensure backup/emergency accommodation is available should it be needed.
- Our warden lives at the residence with you and is there to help you when needed.
What if …? Do you have any questions?
How do I get from the airport to my accommodation?
We encourage you to book a taxi transfer with one of our trusted transfer providers instead of using public transport. If you choose to travel by public transport, you must wear a face mask. Please be prepared to pay by contactless card payment. Safety measures include: Only 1 passenger in the taxi unless family members are travelling together. You and the driver both wear face masks and there will be hand sanitisers kept in the car for your use. The drivers wear gloves so they will be able to carry your luggage.
What happens if I am told to self-isolate while I am in Bristol?
If you want, you can cancel your course and get a refund, and, if allowed, you can go home. or if you prefer, you can stay in your accommodation, self-isolate and join your class on-line. Our homestay families have said that if you are self-isolating, they will endeavor to look after you, and if this is not possible, then we will provide suitable alternative accommodation. If you are in a self- catering residence, you can tell us what food you would like to buy and we will deliver it to you. During self-isolation, you can join your normal class on-line, every day.
What if I get symptoms of Covid-19 while I am in Bristol?
You should stay at home and not come to school. Telephone the school. We can arrange for you to be tested. While you wait for the test results, you must self-isolate. If the result is positive, you can leave the school if you wish and get a refund, and, if allowed, you can go home, or you can self-isolate in Bristol and attend lessons on-line.
What if I want to cancel my course at the last minute?
For courses starting in 2020: Before coming to Bristol, you may cancel your course with a 100% refund for tuition and accommodation at any time right up to the day you start your course.
What if I want to go home early?
During 2020, if, during a course, you decide to go home early, you will get a 100% refund for tuition and accommodation from the end of the week in which you leave.
Do I need insurance?
The school insurance, which is non-refundable, covers the normal things but does not cover flights cancellations or COVID-19. If you want cover for COVID-19, we recommend you take out your own insurance before leaving home
What is open in Bristol? What is there to do in my free time?
Life is getting back to normal in Bristol. Most things are now open including pubs, cafes, shops, gyms and some tourist attractions.
ELC will provide an exciting and varied social programme that enables you to safely meet and make friends with people from other countries, practise your English and explore the UK.
How many other students will there be in the school? Where will they come from?
We are expecting around 50 students by mid-September. Students are coming from the following countries – Switzerland, Italy, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Poland, Russia, Czech Republic, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Advice and expectations are based on current UK government guidance (30/07/20). If this changes, we will advise staff and students immediately and update this policy document.