Service Disruption: Coronavirus Updates

Thursday 19 March 2020

Following the latest government guidance, we are now moving from face-to-face learning to online and flexible distance learning. Therefore classes will not take place at BAES Centres after 3pm on Friday 20th March and centres will be temporarily closed to learners.

However, your class will continue online. Your teacher will contact you shortly and explain how you can access learning resources and how you will be supported. These are some of the measures that your teacher will use to support you:

1. Your tutor will contact you by email to tell you how to access online learning for your course and other ways that materials will be provided

2. Your teacher will also email you class materials and presentations where an online option is not available to you or is not the best way to conduct your lessons

3. You can contact your teacher via email for any questions you have

4. If you have problems accessing materials online and if you don’t have access to the internet, teachers are preparing study packs that will be sent out to you.

Please wait for your teacher to contact you next week with the exact information on how you will access your learning. If your teacher does not contact you early next week and you have a question, in the first instance call your centre or email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will try our best to sort out any issues.

Thursday 12 March 2020

Birmingham Adult Education Service is aware that a number of cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the United Kingdom. We are taking preventative actions for the safety of students, staff, and visitors.

What we are doing:

• Monitoring the situation within the UK and Birmingham
• Following advice and guidance from Public Health England
• Keeping students and staff informed, in line with BCC, Public Health England and DfE guidance

Frequently asked questions

I think I have symptoms - what do I do?

As per the latest government advice, we are urging students and staff who are displaying either high temperature or a new continuous cough to stay at home and self isolate for 7 days. You don't need to contact 111, your doctor's surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

What can we do to stay healthy?

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue and wash your hands afterwards
• Refrain from touching face without washing hands
• Do not share items that come into contact with your mouth e.g. bottles/cups
• Maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle.

I have a specific question that I would like to discuss

In the first instance we would urge all students to speak to their tutor. In addition, the Department for Education Coronavirus helpline is available to answer questions regarding to education. Learners can contact this helpline as follows - 0800 046 8687 (opening hours 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday). 

How many confirmed cases of COVID19 virus are there within BAES?

There are no confirmed cases at present amongst staff or learners.

Are our centres likely to close?

All of our centres are currently open as normal and we are keeping a close eye on the situation as it develops. Be sure to check here or on our social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) for updates.

For the most current advice and guidance from Public Health England, click here

For advice and guidance for educational establishments, click here