Re-Opening COVID FAQ's

KAE Safe reopening FAQ's 

Q: When will the school be open again for face-to-face lessons?

A: Monday 17 August 2020

Q: Which courses will be available to book when the school re-opens?

A: All our General English courses and General English Plus courses will be available when we reopen.

Q: What are the new safety measures at KAE?

A: To ensure the safety of our students and our staff and to maintain the required social distancing rules, we have introduced the following new safety measures:

A: Reduced class sizes providing plenty of space between desks

B: Hand sanitizers & cleaning spray in each room and hand sanitizers throughout the school building

C: All lessons will start later to allow for travel during quieter periods. Different classes will start at slightly different times, so the entrance and corridors of the school don’t get too crowded. We will advise you of your class start time ahead of your first day.

D: Break times will be different for each class to avoid too many people moving around the building at the same time and to avoid mixing with students from other classes.

E: There will be additional cleaning throughout the building and classrooms will be sanitized at the end of each session

F: We will operate separate entry and exit points to the school building and stairs and corridors will be clearly marked to allow one-way traffic around the building.

G: Doors to hallways and classrooms will be kept open to avoid unnecessary touching of doors and to provide additional ventilation

H: Daily temperature checks for students and staff will be carried out at the start of each day using a non-contact thermometer

I: Staff and teachers will wear visors and screens may be installed at the reception desk.

We ask students to wear masks when moving through the school building but masks are not required in the classroom.

J: We will avoid paper handouts for supplementary material and will instead send materials to you digitally where possible. You will receive your own coursebook.

Q: How will my first day at KAE be different?

A: All testing, including the speaking test, will be carried out online and via Zoom before you arrive

B: Registration will be done digitally

C: Induction and welcome meeting will take place at the end of the first day

D: You will need to send us a picture of your passport or ID card, including visa where it applies, before you arrive at the school to avoid us handling your documents

E: You will have to tell us whether you have been unwell prior to travelling and declare any pre-existing health conditions

Q: Will KAE run a social programme?

We will run daily activities which will be a mixture of face-to-face activities and online activities. Our central location means we can run a variety of interesting walking tours taking in many of London’s top tourist attractions without the need to use public transport.

As more attractions begin to open up during July and August, we can add more options such as Museums, Sky Garden and Thames Cruises.

There will be a limit on the number of students we can safely take out on the social programme whilst still allowing for social distancing. The current guidelines allow for up to 6 people to meet outside.

We will also be happy to help you to book tickets for any available attractions which cannot currently be booked for groups.)

Q: If I need to cancel my course will I still be charged?

A: No, we are offering a book with confidence guarantee. We are currently offering students the chance to cancel your course up to 7 days before your course start date and receive either a full refund or a credit note, valid for 2 years from the course start date.

If you cancel less than 7 days before the course start date, you will receive a credit note, valid for 2 years from the course start date.

If you have booked via an official representative or agent, please contact them before booking to ensure you are happy with their cancellation policy. We cannot be held responsible for bookings made through third parties.

Q: What happens if I get Covid-19 symptoms while studying at KAE?

You must inform the school immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

• New or continuous cough
• High temperature
• Loss of taste or smell

You should apply for a test if you have the symptoms of coronavirus, or live with someone who has the symptoms of coronavirus. You can register for a test on the NHS website. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 119 to arrange for a test.

For more details, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate-when-you-travel-to-the-uk/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate-when-you-travel-to-the-uk

Q: What are the new safety measures in our accommodation?

To prevent the spread of the virus and ensure your safety in our accommodation we have introduced the following new measures:

• There will be hand sanitizers at the entrances
• We will provide you with your own plate, cup, glass and cutlery
• We will provide you with a clean bedding set and change it for you every other week
• Posters reminding you of how to keep safe will be widely available in the building
• We will provide additional cleaning in the building and rooms will be disinfected before/after each booking
• We will provide professional cleaning of each room once a week
• Although twin rooms will still be available, you will only be able to book this option after you have stayed in a single room for at least 2 weeks
• We will check your temperature on arrival *
• Cleaning products will be available to you, so that you can wipe down surfaces before/after each use *
• We will ask you to use shared facilities in a coordinated way: there will be a limit to the number of students that can use the kitchen at the same time *

*DG residences only

Before your arrival, we will send you detailed guidelines of all of our safety measures for the residence that you have booked.

Q: What do I have to do before I travel?

You must complete the new Public Health Passenger Locator Form before arrival in the UK.

You must complete this form before you arrive in the UK. You cannot submit the form until 48 hours before you are due to arrive in the UK. You will need to show your completed form when you arrive at the UK border, either by printing a copy, or showing it on your phone.

The government will use this information to contact you if you or someone you have travelled with develops coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, and to check that you are self-isolating for the first 14 days after you arrive in the UK.

You may be fined up to £100 if you refuse to provide your contact details. You also may not be allowed to enter the UK.

Find out more information here: https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk

Q: Do I have to quarantine on arrival to England?

From 10 July 2020 you will not have to self-isolate when you arrive in England, if you are travelling or returning from one of the travel corridor countries and have not been to or stopped in a country that’s not on the travel corridor list in the previous 14 days.

This applies to all travel to England, by train, ferry, coach, air or any other route.

If you have been to or stopped in a country that’s not on the travel corridor list you will have to self-isolate until 14 days have passed since you left that country

Find out more information on which countries England has a travel corridor exemption from here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors

Q: What should I bring with me?

We suggest you bring a supply of face masks or face coverings and hand sanitizer for personal use. You may also wish to bring disposable plastic gloves for added protection.

We recommend you bring a laptop or tablet with you, as many additional materials and forms will now be provided digitally.

A good supply of pens and paper is also useful as we cannot share these items.

Q: How will I get to the school safely?

A: Many of our accommodation options are within a short walking distance to the school.

If you have to use public transport to get to school, you must now wear a mask or face covering or you will not be allowed to travel. We are also starting our classes a bit later to allow you to travel when it is quieter. We will advise you of your timetable before your first day.

Q: How will I get to and from the airport safely?

We advise against travel on public transport. The school can arrange a private taxi transfer for you to take you to your accommodation safely. You will be required to wear a mask for the journey.

Q: What happens if I have to self-isolate because I have come into contact with someone who has Covid-19?

A: If you need to self-isolate, you can continue your class online. Please note that we may not be able to offer you exactly the same type of course if we don’t run an online version at the time. In this case you will be offered a suitable alternative.

The NHS website provides useful advice on self-isolation and our team is available to give you help and advice if needed.

Q: Will KAE continue to offer online courses after the school reopens?

A: Yes, we will still be offering a selection of our most popular courses online. Our online courses are perfect for those unable to travel to the UK or for those who wish to continue learning once they have returned to their home country.

Q: Who do I contact if I have more questions?

A: Our team is available, Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm. We are happy to arrange meetings to discuss individual circumstances. Contact us via info@kensingtonacademy.com or call us on 0207 221 6665 for more information.

KAE Safe reopening

FAQ’s

Q: When will the school be open again for face-to-face lessons?

A: Monday 17 August 2020

Q: Which courses will be available to book when the school re-opens?

A: All our General English courses and General English Plus courses will be available when we reopen.

Q: What are the new safety measures at KAE?

A: To ensure the safety of our students and our staff and to maintain the required social distancing rules, we have introduced the following new safety measures:

A: Reduced class sizes providing plenty of space between desks

B: Hand sanitizers & cleaning spray in each room and hand sanitizers throughout the school building

C: All lessons will start later to allow for travel during quieter periods. Different classes will start at slightly different times, so the entrance and corridors of the school don’t get too crowded. We will advise you of your class start time ahead of your first day.

D: Break times will be different for each class to avoid too many people moving around the building at the same time and to avoid mixing with students from other classes.

E: There will be additional cleaning throughout the building and classrooms will be sanitized at the end of each session

F: We will operate separate entry and exit points to the school building and stairs and corridors will be clearly marked to allow one-way traffic around the building.

G: Doors to hallways and classrooms will be kept open to avoid unnecessary touching of doors and to provide additional ventilation

H: Daily temperature checks for students and staff will be carried out at the start of each day using a non-contact thermometer

I: Staff and teachers will wear visors and screens may be installed at the reception desk.

We ask students to wear masks when moving through the school building but masks are not required in the classroom.

J: We will avoid paper handouts for supplementary material and will instead send materials to you digitally where possible. You will receive your own coursebook.

Q: How will my first day at KAE be different?

A: All testing, including the speaking test, will be carried out online and via Zoom before you arrive

B: Registration will be done digitally

C: Induction and welcome meeting will take place at the end of the first day

D: You will need to send us a picture of your passport or ID card, including visa where it applies, before you arrive at the school to avoid us handling your documents

E: You will have to tell us whether you have been unwell prior to travelling and declare any pre-existing health conditions

Q: Will KAE run a social programme?

We will run daily activities which will be a mixture of face-to-face activities and online activities. Our central location means we can run a variety of interesting walking tours taking in many of London’s top tourist attractions without the need to use public transport.

As more attractions begin to open up during July and August, we can add more options such as Museums, Sky Garden and Thames Cruises.

There will be a limit on the number of students we can safely take out on the social programme whilst still allowing for social distancing. The current guidelines allow for up to 6 people to meet outside.

We will also be happy to help you to book tickets for any available attractions which cannot currently be booked for groups.)

Q: If I need to cancel my course will I still be charged?

A: No, we are offering a book with confidence guarantee. We are currently offering students the chance to cancel your course up to 7 days before your course start date and receive either a full refund or a credit note, valid for 2 years from the course start date.

If you cancel less than 7 days before the course start date, you will receive a credit note, valid for 2 years from the course start date.

If you have booked via an official representative or agent, please contact them before booking to ensure you are happy with their cancellation policy. We cannot be held responsible for bookings made through third parties.

Q: What happens if I get Covid-19 symptoms while studying at KAE?

You must inform the school immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

• New or continuous cough
• High temperature
• Loss of taste or smell

You should apply for a test if you have the symptoms of coronavirus, or live with someone who has the symptoms of coronavirus. You can register for a test on the NHS website. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 119 to arrange for a test.

For more details, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate-when-you-travel-to-the-uk/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate-when-you-travel-to-the-uk

Q: What are the new safety measures in our accommodation?

To prevent the spread of the virus and ensure your safety in our accommodation we have introduced the following new measures:

• There will be hand sanitizers at the entrances
• We will provide you with your own plate, cup, glass and cutlery
• We will provide you with a clean bedding set and change it for you every other week
• Posters reminding you of how to keep safe will be widely available in the building
• We will provide additional cleaning in the building and rooms will be disinfected before/after each booking
• We will provide professional cleaning of each room once a week
• Although twin rooms will still be available, you will only be able to book this option after you have stayed in a single room for at least 2 weeks
• We will check your temperature on arrival *
• Cleaning products will be available to you, so that you can wipe down surfaces before/after each use *
• We will ask you to use shared facilities in a coordinated way: there will be a limit to the number of students that can use the kitchen at the same time *

*DG residences only

Before your arrival, we will send you detailed guidelines of all of our safety measures for the residence that you have booked.

Q: What do I have to do before I travel?

You must complete the new Public Health Passenger Locator Form before arrival in the UK.

You must complete this form before you arrive in the UK. You cannot submit the form until 48 hours before you are due to arrive in the UK. You will need to show your completed form when you arrive at the UK border, either by printing a copy, or showing it on your phone.

The government will use this information to contact you if you or someone you have travelled with develops coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, and to check that you are self-isolating for the first 14 days after you arrive in the UK.

You may be fined up to £100 if you refuse to provide your contact details. You also may not be allowed to enter the UK.

Find out more information here: https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk

Q: Do I have to quarantine on arrival to England?

From 10 July 2020 you will not have to self-isolate when you arrive in England, if you are travelling or returning from one of the travel corridor countries and have not been to or stopped in a country that’s not on the travel corridor list in the previous 14 days.

This applies to all travel to England, by train, ferry, coach, air or any other route.

If you have been to or stopped in a country that’s not on the travel corridor list you will have to self-isolate until 14 days have passed since you left that country

Find out more information on which countries England has a travel corridor exemption from here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors

Q: What should I bring with me?

We suggest you bring a supply of face masks or face coverings and hand sanitizer for personal use. You may also wish to bring disposable plastic gloves for added protection.

We recommend you bring a laptop or tablet with you, as many additional materials and forms will now be provided digitally.

A good supply of pens and paper is also useful as we cannot share these items.

Q: How will I get to the school safely?

A: Many of our accommodation options are within a short walking distance to the school.

If you have to use public transport to get to school, you must now wear a mask or face covering or you will not be allowed to travel. We are also starting our classes a bit later to allow you to travel when it is quieter. We will advise you of your timetable before your first day.

Q: How will I get to and from the airport safely?

We advise against travel on public transport. The school can arrange a private taxi transfer for you to take you to your accommodation safely. You will be required to wear a mask for the journey.

Q: What happens if I have to self-isolate because I have come into contact with someone who has Covid-19?

A: If you need to self-isolate, you can continue your class online. Please note that we may not be able to offer you exactly the same type of course if we don’t run an online version at the time. In this case you will be offered a suitable alternative.

The NHS website provides useful advice on self-isolation and our team is available to give you help and advice if needed.

Q: Will KAE continue to offer online courses after the school reopens?

A: Yes, we will still be offering a selection of our most popular courses online. Our online courses are perfect for those unable to travel to the UK or for those who wish to continue learning once they have returned to their home country.

Q: Who do I contact if I have more questions?

A: Our team is available, Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm. We are happy to arrange meetings to discuss individual circumstances. Contact us via info@kensingtonacademy.com or call us on 0207 221 6665 for more information.