WHEN WILL ALL REOPEN?
Active Language Learning (ALL) will reopen for face-to-face classes on Monday 20th September following government guidelines. ALL will continue to comply with all government guidelines and regulations in all matters regarding school COVID management protocols.
WHAT DAY TIME COURSES WILL ALL BE RUNNING?
Between the hours of 09:30 and 12:45 Monday to Friday our day time General English courses will be running covering all levels. Students will be informed of their class allocation and timetable prior to their course commencement. The school will be open from 09:15 for students to enter with entrance and exit protocols in place.
WHAT EVENING COURSES WILL ALL BE RUNNING?
Between the hours of 19:00 and 21:00 Monday and Wednesday our evening English, French and Spanish courses will be running covering all levels. Students will be informed of their class allocation and timetable prior to their course commencement. The school will be open from 18:45 for students to enter with entrance and exit protocols in place.
WHAT IS THE ALL FIRST DAY ARRIVAL PROTOCOL?
Students will receive a pre-arrival pack prior to your first day containing all necessary information. Our school reception personnel will guide you clearly and safely through the necessary first day steps required. Full school layout and staff I.D information will be provided. Students will be helped to complete the required health forms and information protocol to complete. A full Covid School Policy can be found at “ALL COVID-19 Reopening Policy” and please refer to this document before your course commences.
HOW WILL ALL MANAGE CLASS COVID-19 PROTOCOL?
ALL will minimize the number of fellow student’s sharing classrooms with a maximum number of students allowed and also the required allowed distance in place. Day time classes will be 15 hours per week and Evening classes will be 4 hours per week. Student breaks will be staggered per class in order to facilitate Covid-19 compliance. We have adapted and implemented enhanced procedures in all school areas. In particular, we have introduced and implemented touchless solutions where possible. Also we are required to introduce COVID-19 safety management systems in the form of enhanced hygiene, cleaning and disinfection, employee training and health checks, as well as physical distancing. This is to protect against the transmission of the virus to, or between, employees, students and other people who enter their premises. These guidelines have been created in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. PLEASE REFER TO OUR FULL REOPENING POLICY DOCUMENT AT: ALL COVID-19 Reopening Policy
WILL ALL CLASSES BE FACE TO FACE?
Yes ALL classes will commence on a face to face from Monday 20th September as per Government guidelines with the maximum number of students allowed per class observing the required distance rule. This will be subject to Government regulations changing at all times and may require students to return to online classes if instructed to for health and safety reasons.
WILL ALL BE OFFERING STUDENT ACCOMMODATION?
Yes ALL will be offering homestay accommodation. Our providers will be issued with clear guidance/advice for keeping their homes clean and share regular government updates with them on social distancing measures. We will avoid using those hosts who are in a high risk group and ensure any relevant personal medical information from students is shared with the relevant accommodation provider.
CAN STUDENTS SELF ISOLATE IN HOMESTAY ACCOMMODATION?
Yes and guidance on self-isolation (when applicable) has also been provided to homestay providers. If a student/host/staff member is displaying symptoms of Covid-19 they will be asked to self-isolate in their room and to undergo an immediate Covid test. For any reason a homestay provider is unable to continue to host a suspected or positive case alternative arrangements will immediately be put in place by the Active Language Learning accommodations team. This may incur a hotel or bed and breakfast situation which will the responsibility of the student or in the case of juniors their parent or guardian. If the homestay provider or family member is the suspected case then no fee will incur if a change of homestay is required.
WILL ALL BE OFFERING AIRPORT TRANSFERS?
Yes, ALL will be offering airport transfer services via our experienced and trusted provider. To avoid taking public transport, we encourage all students to book this service. Our providers have ensured cleanliness measures are in place and are following the most recent guidelines set out by the Irish Government covering all the necessary protocols.
WILL MEDICAL INSURANCE BE AVAILABLE?
All students from outside the EU are required to have medical insurance cover for the entirety of their stay. However, we strongly recommend that all students get travel and medical insurance cover for the entirety of their stay during this pandemic. Medical insurance can be purchased through ALL if required.
WILL STUDENTS HAVE TO WEAR A FACE COVERING IN IRELAND?
ALL is of the opinion that it would be good advice to wear face covering in all social aspects where possible. It is recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that face coverings are worn in those situations in which social distancing are not possible. Current Irish regulations clearly state you must wear a face covering when in taxis, public transport, shops, visits and attractions and any social gathering outside of your living situation.
WILL STUDENTS HAVE TO WEAR A FACE COVERING IN ALL?
We will initially make it mandatory for students to wear a face covering when in class or on the school premises in general. However, we have the advantage of a magnificent open roof top terrace where students can remove the face covering while maintaining the required social distance. We therefore recommend that students equip themselves with face coverings before travelling. Further advice from the WHO on how to use face coverings can be found here: Masks and COVID-19
WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS BRING WITH THEM?
ALL will have a supply of required sanitation stations around the school. However we would recommend students equip themselves with the following items where possible:- • A supply of washable or disposal face coverings • A supply of alcohol based hand sanitizer • A supply of miniature hand soap. • A supply of disposal hand gloves • A small supply of different coloured pens & personal copy book or journal • A personal laptop, IPad or sufficient modern mobile phone • A case (Sealable Sandwich Bag) to hold pens and copies. • A supply of plastic (Sealable Sandwich Bag) for phone, hand soap etc. covering. • Eye glasses case (Sealable Sandwich Bag) if required • A Covid clearance cert within the previous 10 ten days or less of arrival.
DO STUDENTS HAVE TO QUARANTINE BEFORE ARRIVAL TO IRELAND?
No the restrictions for the 14 day self-isolation has been lifted for all but a very few countries. A green list of countries is in place and anyone travelling to Ireland from a green list country will not have to isolate. More information can also be found here: COVID-19 Travel Advice; view the COVID-19 Green List.
WHAT CAN STUDENTS DO DURING THE ISOLATION PERIOD?
If the quarantine requirement is still in place when students arrive, they will be able to access their course online while self-isolating. These online classes will be in conjunction to the face-to-face course booked and will be part of the class students will join.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS IS ALL TAKING TO PREVENT AN OUTBREAK?
ALL is an MEI member and ACELS regulated school. Through these sector stakeholders a comprehensive risk assessment based on government guidance and regulations has been carried out. Key compliant measures put in place include:- • Limiting the number of fellow students and staff to specific rooms and timetabling which is known as a bubble. If there is a case of coronavirus fewer students will come into contact with the individual by using this approach. • Staggering the class start times and break times so as to minimise contact in bathrooms, entranceways, corridors and reception. • Providing sanitisation stations in all areas so students can regularly clean their hands. Anti-bacterial wipes will also be made available to students to wipe desks and chairs before use. Our facilities have ventilation in every room and are cleaned regularly. • Adhering to social distancing measures within the classroom in line with the guidance of the Irish government. This is currently 1 meter. • Limiting the access to shared areas such as IT suites, canteen, student lounge, terrace and other social areas.
WILL ALL STAFF BE TESTED?
All ALL staff, homestay providers and market partners will be required to abide by current return to work protocols at all times.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A STUDENT CONTRACTS THE VIRUS?
ALL have taken every precaution to ensure that either an isolated case or a class cluster outbreak will be carefully monitored. A separate isolation room is in place in the event of a suspected case. Students or staff may present with symptoms of the virus, may contract it, or may infect others at the school or in their accommodation. If someone presents with Covid-19 symptoms while on the premises, and/or they find out they have been in close contact with someone who has Covid-19 or Covid-19 symptoms, they should: • stay at least 2 metres away from others; • go to the provided well-ventilated room / area behind a closed door; • avoid touching anything; • cough or sneeze into a tissue and put it in a bin, or if they do not have tissues, cough and sneeze into the crook of their elbow; More information can be found here: https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/. Students should not come to the school if they think they have coronavirus. Please call the school’s emergency phone. Students can find the number in their welcome pack.
HOW WILL STUDENTS GET FOOD?
Supermarkets will be open and there are several located close to the school. Many restaurants are offering take-away services – a range of options are available on services such as Just Eat and Diliveroo.
ARE RESTAURANTS AND BARS OPEN?
Yes, restaurants and bars which serve food have now reopened with social distancing measures in place.
CAN STUDENTS GO SIGHTSEEING OR TRAVEL AROUND IRELAND?
Yes, many of Ireland’s sights are outdoors in public spaces and can be visited. There are some restrictions on entering buildings, but these are slowly been lifted. ALL has currently ceased its structured social programme for obvious reasons however, we are available to help with any information and bookings at reception or online.
IS THERE ANY CHANGES TO ALL’s STUDENT VISA POLICY?
You can apply for a study visa if you are planning to come to Ireland to undertake a course of study for more than 3 months. You can apply for a study visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland. You can find our school visa policy at https://all.ie/non-eu/. For more information on how to apply, visit: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Study.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A STUDENT BOOKS AND THE SCHOOL REMAINS CLOSED
We understand this is a time of uncertainty and are offering flexibility to students unable to travel. If the college is closed or you can’t travel due to government restrictions in either Ireland or your home country, you can re-book your course for a later date.
WHAT IS ALL’s CANCELLATION POLICY?
ALL’s terms and conditions regarding cancellation can be found here: https://all.ie/policies-and-regulations/.
WILL ALL CONTINUE WITH ONLINE COURSES?
Yes, with excellent results and feedback to date we will, where necessary continue to be in a position to offer online courses. If at any time a course is cancelled due to COVID-19 students will immediately revert to full online courses where necessary.