Coronavirus FAQ’s

Whilst the college is closed and you are studying remotely, we have put together some FAQs to help give guidance and support.

There is a national report focussing on the response of young people across the UK to Covid-19. The report has been produced by Beatfreeks a local youth agency who often come into college to work with students. You can click here to read the report.

Warning Scammers

We are aware that unscrupulous individuals are trying to take advantage of the current situation by attempting to defraud people.

We have been warned by the Department for Education that parents and carers are being targeted by scammers with fake requests for bank details.

Fraudsters are targeting families, emailing parents and carers offering cash for those entitled to free school meals. The fraudulent email invites parents to send bank details via a link if they want to receive funding. These emails are not genuine, and we would not ask for information in this way.

We have also recently been informed some learners and parents have received a letter from ESFA asking for personal learner bank details in relation to the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund. The ESFA never ask for personal bank account details. If you have received this letter it is fraudulent – please do not respond.

If you are concerned that you have been targeted, please contact the police on 101.

We will update our Coronavirus page as soon as we have any further information.

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What is COVID-19?

For information on coronavirus and general advice, we recommend visiting the following official government sources in order to receive the most up to date information.

Click here for the latest information and advice on coronavirus and here for the latest guidance for educational settings.

Translated advice and guidance

We want to ensure that as many people as possible can access the latest advice and guidance on COVID-19.

Please click here to a link to the Doctors of the World website that translates COVID -19 guidance into 60 languages.

How can I appeal my final GCSE grade?

Click below for the appeals update.

GCSE Appeals Process

How will I complete my studies if the college is closed again?

Tutors will be in direct contact with students to provide learning tasks, feedback and support. Please do speak to your tutor in the first instance, who will be able to advise about arrangements in your area.

The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is also available to answer questions regarding education. Students and parents can contact 0800 046 8687 (opening hours 8am-6pm Mon-Fri) for advice.

Will I still be able to call the college?

Yes! You can reach us on 0121 446 4545, where our team will be happy to help.

Alternatively, you can use our Live Chat option directly from the BMet website.

The opening hours of the call centre are:

Monday – Thursday 9.00am-5:00pm, Friday 9.00am-4.00pm.

Can BMet students still get welfare support?

We will continue to support our learners through the provisions of a counselling and mentoring service remotely.

All learners currently on caseloads/waiting list are being contacted and advised how to access support remotely.

Our support teams can also be contacted via email;

Mentoring@bmet.ac.uk
Counsellors@bmet.ac.uk

Click here for the NHS mental health support offer during COVID-19. For urgent or out of hours support, click here to access the details of several service providers.

Can I get a refund on my course?

We are doing our best to carry on delivering our courses at a distance and have every intention of delivering new courses as soon as possible.

However, we will keep this under review and take guidance from the Department of Education and we will consider refunds on a case by case basis.

How will you manage safeguarding?

BMet has a duty to protect and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults receiving education and training at our colleges.

We are committed to the highest standards in protecting and safeguarding at all times. BMet promotes a culture of vigilance where all of our staff know their responsibilities and act accordingly, and all learners are aware of what they can expect and what to do if they have concerns.

We will continue to support and protect our students while the college buildings are not operational. Our dedicated web page has the contact details of our safeguarding contacts.

Please click here to view it.

How can I continue to access bursary payments?

BMet have put in place the following arrangements to those in receipt of bursary payments:

Students who usually receive a meal allowance will have a transfer into their bank account on a fortnightly basis.
Students in receipt of the vulnerable bursary will continue to receive the payment fortnightly.
Anyone who has not had their payment should email studentfinance@bmet.ac.uk.

If you require further information you can contact ask@bmet.ac.uk

Can I still get careers advice?

In addition, we will continue to offer our learners careers advice remotely and the careers team can be contacted via email Careers@bmet.ac.uk

I’ve not yet received my certificate – what do I do?

Due to the current situation awarding bodies have been delayed in sending out certificates.

If you have a query or need an urgent confirmation of achievement – email support-examinations@bmet.ac.uk

I haven’t applied to BMet yet – is it too late?

It’s not too late to apply & enrol!

Applications to BMet are completed via our website. You can apply anytime. View our courses here.

All applicants will now pre-enrol online. We will send a formal offer by email with further details on their application including how to accept the offer.

We are looking forward to you starting with us in September 2020!

Can you help me with my application?

Yes! If you have any questions on the course you have applied for – you can call us for help and guidance.

You can call us on 0121 446 45 45. Our contact centre is open – Monday – Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm, Friday 9:00am-4:00pm.

I’m not sure on the status of my application?

Don’t worry – If you are unsure if you have applied, started your application but not finished or have any questions do contact us and we will be happy to help.

Also, if you have any questions on the course you have applied for – you can call us for help and guidance. We also have some exciting virtual events planned for applicants. Watch this space!