Your safety first
​Coronavirus (COVID-19) Procedures for Return - update as at 22nd July 2020

We're delighted to share that we are re-opening the school from
Tuesday 4th August 2020

Dear All
 
We hope that you are all still keeping safe and well. Please see below the procedures we have put in place for the above re-opening:

Summary of covid-19 safety protections

• Class size is restricted to a maximum of 12 plus the tutor
• The school layout has been amended to accommodate all necessary social distancing measures, by temporarily closing the back classroom, except for a one way corridor to the exit, sinks and the bathrooms
• The front classroom and dining room area have been opened up into one large space to accommodate socially distanced work table layouts
• A one-way system has been put in place throughout the school, with signage and distancing markings, and barriers where required
• Doors and windows will remain open for best ventilation
• Tutors will demonstrate via webcam projected onto a large screen TV out in front of the classroom and will sit behind a screened-off desk. Tutors can be approached for one to one assistance at the correct safe distance
• Students and tutors are asked to observe social distancing at all times, and not move around the classroom to look at other's work
• Shared tools must be sanitised after each use – where possible students will be provided with own set or can use own tools
• Refreshments and lunch will be served individually in individual Brown Paper Bags and can be taken in the garden, eaten at desks, on a walk or in own cars, or you can bring your own refreshments if preferred. Lunch choices will be made by completing a 'menu form' in the morning
• Tea, coffee and water will be available as usual; handles of urn and coffee pots must be sanitised after each use. Please bring your own mugs / drinking vessel!
• Additional daily sanitising / cleaning measures have been put in place. Sanitiser and cleaning materials will be available on each desk, in each classroom and at the entrance
• The ladies washrooms have been modified so that the centre cubicle is closed to avoid overcrowding - we ask that you keep to one in the loo and one washing hands; the disabled / men's toilet has been converted to a unisex loo for the future. Spray cleaning materials are provided so that everyone can sanitise the loo after use
• It is requested that all tutors and students wear appropriate face coverings when moving around the school and classroom, although when seated at your desk it can be removed if you prefer (subject to any changes in Government guidelines)
• We expect you will wash hands very regularly - we have seven sinks available in the school and all have nail brushes and plenty of soap and paper towels. Please bring own sanitiser supply if preferred to soap and water
• Anyone who has been in contact with, or experiencing symptoms of covid-19 in the last 14 days will NOT be permitted to enter

​We provide a regular update to students on the status of your particular course. If your course is cancelled by us, we will offer a refund, or a transfer to another course, in line with our usual policy. If you cancel your attendance, our usual cancellation policy applies.

In the meantime, we have extended our programme of safe, socially-distant online LivePlus workshops and ArtTalks, which have been extremely popular.  You can see the full programme at this link: ArdingtonAcademy. These small group sessions (limited to 12 students) are hosted live on Zoom video conferencing, which our students and tutors are describing as incredibly simple to use.  We hope to see you again soon, and in the meantime, do feel free to give us a call or drop us a line to discuss any aspects of our programmes.

With best wishes, Yvonne and Simon