TRURO and Penwith College has announced that it will stop face-to-face teaching at the end of this week.

A letter sent to parents by principal designate, Martin Tucker, said: "In recent days UK Government advice has changed in relation to the global coronavirus pandemic.

"With some staff and students now needing to self-isolate it is becoming increasingly difficult to deliver education and training through traditional means in classes at the

college itself.

"The college has therefore taken the decision to stop face-to-face teaching for students at the end of this week, Friday, March 20, at 4.15pm.

"This measure is being taken to enable a transition to the online delivery of courses. Students are not expected to travel to college from this date until further notice.

"College staff have been preparing for such an eventuality, but will need a little more time to prepare and produce the wide range of resources to be used. No online delivery will therefore take place on Monday, March 23, and Tuesday, March 24, to allow for further staff training in preparation for the online delivery of courses.

"To confirm, students will not receive online delivery on either of those two days, March 23 and 24.

"Online delivery of classes will start on Wednesday, March 25, at students’ normal timetable times.

"It is very important that students attend online classes from Wednesday, March 25, to the start of the Easter break on Friday, March 27, to ensure the college can continue to deliver a consistent and quality learning experience. Students are expected to return to online delivery at the start of the new summer term from Tuesday, April 14.

"All students have been contacted about the move to online delivery and support and guidance is being offered. As much as possible, college teaching and support staff will remain in place to support your child’s transition to and ongoing use of online delivery.

"For those students who cannot access online delivery at home after Friday, March 20, the college will provide supervised and quiet-study access to the Mylor Learning Centre at Truro College and the Sennen Learning Centre at Penwith College from Wednesday, March 25.

"We fully appreciate that this move may cause you or your son/daughter/dependant some concern, but would like to reassure that the college will continue to support and nurture their education as much as possible during what are exceptional circumstances for us all.

"The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent UK Government advice has moved universities, colleges and schools across the country to respond in similar ways and I’m sure you will support these measures in the continued support of staff and student welfare.

"May I personally extend my thanks to you for your continued support and understanding in these difficult times and remind that the college can be contacted on 01872 267000 at Truro and 01736 335000 at Penwith should you require any further assistance."