As Principal of Keighley College, it is my duty to ensure that staff and students feel that they are part of a community that embraces, recognises, respects and raises awareness of important issues that need tackling (such as racism, injustice and inequality).

Keighley College stands in solidarity with our Black students, staff and communities, and with the #BlackLivesMatter movement in the fight against racism. Racism and intolerance, in any form, have no place at our schools and colleges. We are proud to have a diverse community of staff and students and strive to place equality at the heart of everything we do.

We recognise structural racism and understand that it is present in our communities. As educators, employers and students, we have a duty to act and an important part to play in actively confronting racism to achieve systemic change for our students and staff. We are committed to contributing to a movement that has a lasting impact on our community and beyond. 

We will: 

1. Review our Equality Objectives and build anti-racist actions explicitly into the framework; we will develop and publish a five year plan for this work, led by staff identifying as  Black, Asian or from minority ethnic groups and supported by staff forums, student leaders and allies. 
2. Provide training and development opportunities; deliver anti-racism and unconscious bias training, building confidence and capacity in our networks of Equality Champions and staff forums and embed support for students or staff dealing with the effects of racism. 
3. Develop and deliver an anti-racist, inclusive curriculum; decolonise our curriculum, reviewing content and providing resources to support teachers to respectfully deliver anti-racism topics and ensure our curriculum embraces Black and Asian culture and history. 

There is still lots to learn, and at times we may not get this right, but the students, staff and wider communities of Keighley College and all other members of the Luminate Education Group are committed to being a part of the change.

Steve Kelly, Principal of Keighley College

Sarah*, Access to Health Science student at Keighley College, has been working on the respiratory ward at Airedale Hospital during this pandemic.

She was inspired to pursue a career in healthcare after regularly supporting family members who worked across special needs schools and nursing homes. She initially joined Airedale Hospital working on the intermediate care ward, and got reassigned to a specific Covid-19 ward due to increased demand.

Sarah said: “Working in a hospital during this pandemic can be overwhelming; I get worried about bringing the virus home to my family and I often have a sore face and hands due to constantly wearing personal protective equipment. I was nervous at first about starting work on the Covid-19 ward; there was so much to learn as I didn’t have much knowledge of respiratory care. However, the team at the hospital were phenomenal – they offered full support and training to ensure I was safe at all times. When a patient was well enough to return home, everybody clapped which was really heart-warming.

“My Access course at Keighley College has been brilliant. The modules have been engaging and the team have been so supportive. The course has allowed me to progress to university, I have received an unconditional offer to study a dual qualification in adult and mental health nursing.”

Marie Murphy, programme manager at Keighley College, said: “We’re so proud to see Sarah working incredibly hard in a Covid-19 ward during these worrying times. Despite the ongoing crisis, she has continued to complete all her work in a timely manner and is on target to achieve fantastic results. Her positive attitude is inspirational and I’m delighted that she has achieved an unconditional university offer!”

Find out more about our Access courses here.

*Not the real name of the student as they have chosen to be anonymous.

Keighley College student, Shirley Ellershaw, began her journey into higher education when exploring Access course options.

Following a discussion with Head of Service Professions, Kevin Burke, she was inspired to enrol on the Health and Wellbeing Foundation Degree.

Shirley said: “My experience of higher education has been amazing. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed studying the concepts of health and the legal aspects. I was privileged to be included in the planning of the higher education centre at Keighley College, it was exciting to create our own study space.

“I’m now in the final weeks of my foundation degree and I’ve loved every minute. The support from Kevin and the team has been exceptional! I’m now working as a teaching facilitator at the college within the service professions team – my foundation degree has really shown me how many exciting career paths are available.”

Shirley plans to continue her studying at Leeds City College for a degree in Health and Social Care.

Janet Baldwin, Access to Higher Education in Health Sciences student at Keighley College, has been given the green light to attend university after passing her Functional Skills in English and maths.

After struggling to pass GCSE English and maths, Janet enrolled on the Functional Skills course which provided additional support from the team. She needed to pass these qualifications in order to get a place at university and pursue a career in healthcare.

Jo Rusden, programme manager for adult and community, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Janet’s progress, her tenacious and determined attitude was inspiring. She has always wanted to further her career in healthcare, which was a real motivator for her. Although she felt like quitting many times, our team and student support were always helping her achieve her full potential.”

Janet Baldwin said: “I’m so grateful to the team at Keighley College, they were really encouraging and always ensured I had the resources to aid my learning. Healthcare is a real passion of mine, I currently work at Airedale Hospital as a healthcare assistant on the elderly ward. As part of this role, I provide high quality care for patients – I find it incredibly rewarding to make a difference and support people who need it most. I also volunteer for Girlguiding at a local Brownie group in the town, it’s great to see so many young people engage in community activities.

“I’m over the moon to have passed my English and maths – I have several offers from universities! When I finish my current studies, I hope to study nursing or operation department practitioner at degree level.”

Two apprentices from Keighley College are supporting a local manufacturing firm in the production of essential textile products in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Baildon-based Canvasman produces textile products including boat covers, upholstery, shop canopies and vehicle covers. The firm mainly provides products for the leisure industry, however due to the recent pandemic, is now also producing essential products such as protective screens and isolation units.

As part of a partnership with Keighley College, Canvasman provides apprenticeships to students studying textile-focused courses. The apprenticeship involves students learning about health and safety at work, the history of the textile industry, the current market and how to produce textile products. All apprentices participate in a training schedule to learn specific manufacturing processes and experience working on a variety of products. 

Chris Salisbury, managing director at Canvasman, said: “The enthusiasm and assistance from our apprentices has been outstanding – they have risen to the challenge with dedication and a positive attitude. It’s incredibly important for us to support key businesses during these times, including the production of bus screens for local firm Transdev Blazefield. We’re proud to have played a role in helping to save lives and over the last three weeks we have prototyped 30 new products.”

Manufacturing Sewn Products Level 2 apprentice, Joseph Armitage, said: “Canvasman has responded incredibly well to the recent changes; my training has been accelerated in order for me to work on specific products and make a difference during these times. Since starting my apprenticeship in January, I’ve developed important practical skills and a dedicated work ethic.”

Meanwhile, former college apprentice, Robyn Allan, works full-time as a machinist at the firm and is assisting with the manufacturing of isolation units for intensive care wards.

A Keighley College student has been named employee of the month on a ward at Airedale Hospital for her efforts during the pandemic.

Bingley-resident Holly Greenhalgh is currently studying a Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship at the college and is working towards her Level 2 Health and Social qualification. Her year-long apprenticeship is with Airedale Hospital on the elderly ward, enabling her to assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing, treating and caring for patients.

As part of her apprenticeship, she provides personal care to patients, completes paperwork and offers emotional support to those on the ward. To meet rising demands of the recent pandemic, she has been working on a Covid-19 ward to provide high quality care. Due to her work ethic and commitment to the role during challenging times, Ward 14 at Airedale Hospital has awarded her with the ‘Employee of the Month’ accolade.

Katie Widdop, senior sister on ward 14 at Airedale Hospital, said: “Within ward 14, it’s really important for us to take the time to acknowledge someone in the team who has done a fantastic job, especially during these worrying times. Holly has shown such determination in providing care to distressed patients and her positive attitude is admirable. She works extremely hard and balances her academic study and placement excellently.”

Holly said: “I felt an immense sense of pride being awarded with ‘Employee of the Month’. Everyone at the hospital has been working tirelessly during the past few weeks, so to be recognised for my efforts is incredibly rewarding. My apprenticeship at Keighley College has given me the perfect opportunity to make a real difference within the community in providing care to those who require it.

“When I started my apprenticeship, I struggled with dyslexia and the college team were incredibly supportive in identifying useful resources to aid my academic work. Since enrolling on the course, my confidence has sky-rocketed and I have even completed an additional Level 3 research task on dementia. I hope the findings from my research will enable me to supply the best care possible on the ward.”

When Holly qualifies in July, she hopes to progress to a Level 3 qualification at the college.

You’ll be aware that following the Prime Minister’s statement and government updates since, that schools and colleges should plan to open from 1 June in a phased way.  

In his message, the Prime Minister specified a range of year groups, including those in years 10 and 12, with a focus on those taking exams in the following academic year. 

Most students at college, however, do not study two-year programmes with exams at the end; many courses are assessed at different times and in different ways. Practical courses (particularly those that need a formal assessment of their skills competence) and apprentices are not able to achieve their qualifications on the basis of a teacher proposed grade.  

We have been working hard on plans for a gradual and phased return of our students and staff with a focus on those who cannot achieve their qualifications or progress to the next level without some face-to-face support or assessment. We will only start this when we feel it is safe to do so.  

Because there is a lot of preparation needed to make our buildings safe and to prioritise which students need our support to achieve this year, we will not invite any students into college buildings until 15 June at the earliest.  

Your teachers will contact you individually by 12 June to let you know if you need to return before September, how this will work and what special arrangements will be in place. If you are not contacted by that date, please do not arrive at college on 15 June.

In the meantime, we hope that you are able to continue learning remotely and you are in regular contact with your teachers about next steps, whether that is continuation on your current course or progression to the next level, an apprenticeship, higher education or employment. 

Steve Kelly
Principal Keighley College

Since the temporary closure of Keighley College, Level 1 Plumbing students have been working hard to complete assignments each week. They regularly communicate on Google Hangouts to discuss academic work and experiences during lockdown.

Si Tallon, English teacher, said: “I recently gave them an assignment focusing on staying positive and motivated during these unprecedented times. I’m pleased to see most of them participating in regular exercise, supporting neighbours, spending quality time with family, learning new skills and completing assignments. While studying from home, they have really engaged in learning and I’m incredibly proud of their efforts!”

Student Brandon Wadkin commented on keeping positive during lockdown: “During this pandemic, I have stayed positive throughout by getting up at 9am every morning to do a Joe Wicks exercise on YouTube. This helps me be motivated because it releases positive chemicals into my body and I feel full of energy.”

Kadeer Rashid said: “I stay in touch with my education by doing all my coursework, reading books to improve my English and completing online HegartyMaths, so when I do come back to college I can carry on being punctual with my work.”

Raheem Ali added: “I have tried something new by learning a different language. I am currently learning Turkish and so far it is going good. Doing tasks like this is great as you won’t feel the boredom.”

Xander Cowburn said: “You can stay positive by keeping a clear mindset. You can do this by listening to music that sounds the way you want to feel. You could also meditate if you want to. By staying positive it will boost your self- confidence and self-esteem. Also keeping a positive attitude is not just good for your health it is also good for keeping a good mindset.”

Two apprentices from Keighley College are supporting a local engineering company in manufacturing parts for the Ventilator Challenge.

Keighley-based Yorkshire Precision Engineering Ltd specialise in computer numerical control mill and turned parts. Due to the recent pandemic, there has been an increased demand for ventilators across the care sector. As a result, the firm has joined the VentilatorChallenegeUK consortium; a collection of businesses who have come together to produce medical ventilators.

Working closely with Keighley College, two students on the Level 3 Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship have been gaining experience at the firm. Daniel Fuller has been on his apprenticeship since August 2018, enabling him to develop valuable engineering knowledge and experience. Samuel Steventon has been an apprentice at Keighley College since January 2019 and transferred to Yorkshire Precision Engineering Ltd in recently March, following the closure of a local company.

Both apprentices have been supporting the production of ventilator parts, including setting tooling and monitoring the performance and consistency of the two parts.

Lynda Laybourne, sales and finance director at Yorkshire Precision Engineering Ltd, said: “Daniel and Samuel have been instrumental in the production of ventilator components. As part of the Ventilator Challenge, the team has produced a fantastic 8,000 parts within a week. We’ve been working tirelessly around the clock to make this happen; the apprentices’ work ethic is admirable and we’re incredibly proud that they can help us fight against the virus.”

Ronnie Magee, deputy head of Keighley College, said “Our apprenticeships are extremely valuable and this is shown through the masses of practical skills and knowledge developed during their time at great local firms. Yorkshire Precision Engineering Ltd are committed to its apprentices and has ensured Daniel and Samuel have stayed working during these challenging times to help manufacture and inspect the high value ventilator parts.”

Yorkshire Precision Engineering Ltd have produced 8,000 brass turned parts and 4,000 plastic mill parts as part of The Ventilator Challenge and will be distributed to hospitals across the country.