A college has dropped plans to alternate students between on-site provision and studying from home after an outcry from parents. 

After local media outlet The News reported, followed up by FE Week, parents’ anger over plans for students to partially study from home, with a review planned for the end of this month, Havant and South Downs College has said they will accommodate all students for face-to-face teaching from next Monday. 

Principal Mike Gaston told FE Week: “We have always believed that the best place for students to learn and develop is in the college supported by our staff.  

“The decision to implement an alternate week on site timetable coupled with blended learning on two of our campuses for this September was taken during enrolment following feedback from staff and students. It was put in place for safety and social distancing reasons, with a review scheduled for the end of September.” 

He said the decision was changed after the induction period allowed the college to test systems and listen to concerns from a range of stakeholders. 

But Gaston warned the decision may need to change depending on the local and national situation, and updates to guidance. 

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