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National restrictions update

See the latest update following Government guidance

Since Saturday’s announcement on national restrictions, this continues to be a fast-moving situation. We have committed to updating you as soon as new Government information becomes available.
 
We have now received and reviewed the official guidance for Higher Education from the Government. This guidance is in line with our communication to you earlier this week focusing on areas such as:
 
• The need for you to remain at your term-time address and not to travel home
• That blended learning can continue recognising that universities have worked hard to put appropriate safety measures in place
• That your wellbeing is our key focus
 
However, we do recognise the need to be responsive and flexible within a changing national situation. During the period of national restrictions from 5 November, we will continue to operate at Department for Education (DfE) Tier 1 for teaching but with adjustments to the proportions of face-to-face and online teaching.
 
What does this mean for you?
Having considered the guidance and the changing national situation, we will continue to operate at DfE Tier 1 guidelines. This means we will continue to deliver a blend of online and face to face learning to all year groups but we will adjust the proportion of each element delivered. Your academic department will be responsible for determining the appropriate balance in the best interests of safety, wellbeing and your educational experience. They will be in touch with you shortly to explain these changes in more detail.

Please be assured, we will continue to deliver some face to face teaching in the interests of the wellbeing of all of our students and in line with the initial commitment that we made to you. The library, study spaces and support services, in line with government guidance, will remain open.
 
How long will this change last for?
These arrangements will last for the duration of the period of enhanced national restrictions, and we are committed to keeping you informed of changes.
 
What should I do now?
In terms of your learning, your academic department will be in touch with you. We do ask that you familiarise yourself with the guidance and not travel home. We also recognise these are challenging times and encourage you to seek support should you need it.

Keeping you informed
We will continue to work in consultation with local public health to ensure the most appropriate blend of teaching, and the most appropriate approach to other campus services and activities, based on the latest public health circumstances and taking account of the need to minimise risk to staff and students. We also recognise the need to continue to be adaptable, and our foremost priority continues to be the safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and wider community.

We are also aware that arrangements for the December break remain a source of uncertainty.
We are awaiting Government guidance about arrangements for the end of term and travelling home.