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1/6. DFE's January return guidance published on their website this evening for colleges https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-education-fe-providers-return-in-january-2021
2/6. .. and for schools https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-and-childcare-settings-return-in-january-2021
3/6. Both documents say that "more detailed operational guidance will be issued shortly" while also describing some sort of opt-in process for both schools and colleges with those who "choose not to take the offer of testing" expecting to have a staggered start as announced
4/6. I've learnt more about testing today and have picked up positive reports that it's manageable and helps drive up attendance but there are considerable set-up issues. DFE confirms that "reasonable workforce costs" will be covered (eg not non-staff costs like waste disposal)
5/6. The hope is also that a couple of staff members can manage a testing team of volunteers and agency staff. Colleges will find inventive approaches (eg students) but these will take time. w/c 11 or 18 Jan seems more feasible than w/c 4 Jan though some will move quickly
6/6. I've often expected difficult FE news in the week before Christmas, having witnessed South Thames TEC bankruptcy (21.4.94) and the start of the college capital crisis (19.12.08) but I think this week is the best yet. Shame because asymptomatic testing can really help
