Sheffield College principal gives thanks to students and staff for coronavirus response

Angela Foulkes extended her gratitude to students and staff at the college, praising their “heroic efforts” in the unprecedented circumstances brought about because of the Covid’19 pandemic.

The college confirmed that all students and staff are currently studying and working from home following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement on Tuesday, in which he banned people from leaving their homes apart from for a few "very limited" reasons.

All the college buildings are also closed, except for the city campus nursery, which remains open to support children of frontline and key workers.

In the letter, Ms Foulkes said: “As we start a new phase of home-based remote learning and working this, I want to thank students and staff for their heroic efforts in these unprecedented circumstances.

“I have seen all parts of our organisation pulling together to enable college life to continue - albeit it in a different way for now.

“I understand that this is an unsettling and worrying time. Some of you may feel invincible whilst others may feel anxious.

“We’re all in this together. So, please be kind. Be safe and be smart. Do follow official advice about Coronavirus and please stay home.

“By doing that you will protect yourself, others around you and the National Health Service (NHS) including the doctors, nurses and other frontline staff working flat out to help us all.”

Ms Foulkes encouraged everyone to look after their mental wellbeing and noted how “humbled” she was by the efforts of staff who have ensured, among other things, the technology is in place to allow remote working, and students, aged 16 to 18, who receive financial support and free meals will still receive those payments.

She also gave guidance to students themselves on how they can keep up with their studies despite being out of the classroom and explained how the college has implemented a plan to support vulnerable learners, which includes staff being in daily contact with them by telephone or online.

“Please listen to the experts, such as the NHS. If you are feeling anxious, there’s some really helpful guidance from Young Minds,” Ms Foulkes added.

“Talk to someone about how you’re feeling. Make sure you understand the facts from rumours.

“We are here for you by telephone, email and social media, as well as via other technology that teaching colleagues are using to stay in touch such as Google Classroom.

“Keeping up with your studies will support your wellbeing by helping you to establish a new routine. How can you make the most of the time you have now, where possible?”

“It’s ok to allow yourself to daydream and cast your mind forwards. What do you want your future to look like and what can you do now to help prepare yourself to go further?

“Although it may be difficult to believe this right now, a time will come when this situation will have passed. We’re here to support you along the way.”