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Waltham Forest College is pleased to announce that Janet Gardner has been appointed as Principal and CEO and will join the college on July 31, 2020.
Janet is an exceptionally experienced strategic leader with a successful record of high performance in senior leadership roles within diverse and complex FE colleges, as well as having a successful previous commercial experience in the private sector. Janet is passionate about promoting equality of opportunity and has led on several regional and national projects in collaboration with other organisations to support hard to reach pockets of the community.
Janet has significant experience of working in the Further Education sector in London and as Deputy CEO at Newham College brings with her a wide network of stakeholder relationships as well as a deep understanding of the complexities of working and living in East London.
Janet said, 'I am delighted to be joining Waltham Forest College at this exciting stage in its journey and to lead its ambitious vision and strategy for the future. I am looking forward to working with students, staff and stakeholders to further reinforce its position as an anchor institution in North East London, serving the needs of its communities and employers.'
Paul Butler, Chair of Corporation at Waltham Forest College said, ' I am delighted to welcome Janet to the college. She is joining at an exciting time as we drive forward our college Vision and Strategy to ensure the college is delivering an expansive and progressive curriculum to meet the needs of growing industries and equip students with the skills that meet the demands of the modern workplace. This has never been more important as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic and education and skills will be vital to reviving our local community and London economy.'
'The Governing body has every confidence that Janet will draw on her extensive experience and bring fresh thinking to share with the senior team to drive forward our ambitious plans for the college. I am very much looking forward to working with her.'
Joanne Aldridge, a long-serving staff member at Waltham Forest College transformed her home into an NHS production suite answering the call to sew scrubs for NHS workers at Homerton University Hospital.
Staff members at Waltham Forest College are clapping for Fashion Technician and Garment Demonstrator Joanne Aldridge, for volunteering her time to become a hero to our NHS heroes.
The idea to start her own NHS project came after being approached by her cousin who was seeking elastic sources to produce NHS face masks. Joanne then began an extensive search online for ways to support the NHS, where she signed up for support groups on Facebook ' ' For The Love of Scrubs', ' Queens Hospital, Romford' and ' Sewing 4 the NHS'.
Joanne extended her efforts by teaming up with a former colleague and fashion lecturer, Alison Donahue, forming the Facebook group 'NHS Production' and transforming her home into an NHS production suite during the lockdown period. Over the past weeks, they have used their joint resources to make scrubs and facemasks for Homerton University Hospital, a local care home and a local G.P. Surgery.
Joanne has also connected some of Waltham Forest College's suppliers to voluntary organisations and individuals. As a result of her efforts, organisations such as The Children's Scrap Project in Homerton donated hundreds of metres of fabric, which has been used by ' Sewing 4 The NHS'.
Joanne, who has been working for the college for 20 years, said: 'I feel immensely proud that I have been able to play my part and have used my skills to help support our NHS.
'Many thanks to the College for supporting me and allowing me to access and use available resources.'
Students and staff have embraced online learning platforms, eager and prepared for learning, thanks to Microsoft Teams and digital streaming technology.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, all schools and Colleges has been instructed by the Government, to partially close its doors as everyone is being asked to minimise their contact with others.
Waltham Forest College is now teaching everything online from Construction to Tourism by using digital technology to support students with being able to complete their courses.
Staff have adapted brilliantly to the new technology that, for some, had never been used until a couple of weeks ago. This past month of massive change has meant that college lecturers have rewritten and restructured lessons plans that reflect different models of delivery whilst getting used to working remotely from home.
Kenn Starr, Electrical Lecturer shared photos of his home workspace with College staff and comments: 'I want my students to stay well and mentally active during this period, where there is too much uncertainty. You might have noticed the old school clapperboard I have been using to engage my learners which give my videos a bit of a twist' .
It is vitally important that all students studying for GCSEs and other vocational qualifications remain focused in the weeks and months ahead.
Mohammed Khan parent of Pathway to Independence Student Moheed, comments: 'My son is studying a course which requires a lot of 1:1 support from lecturers. The transition from campus to online learning has been incredibly smooth. Staff have been checking in regularly and incredibly supportive during this period.'
Students with additional learning and pastoral needs are being supported by dedicated learning support staff, who continue to provide ongoing personalised support that will ensure all students are making expected progress against their set targets. Students who normally access free school meals and those financially affected by the lockdown will continue getting financial support.
Deputy principal, Stella McManus comments 'I have been amazed by the commitment and innovation that continues to be shown by all our staff to support our students and the wider community.
'I am hugely grateful above all else, that our college community spirit continues to shine through during this incredibly difficult and fast-changing time. Colleges create communities and like many communities, we are staying connected while we are apart to ensure those, we care about most, stay safe and well' .
With 168,500 construction job opportunities being created by 2023, Waltham Forest College is continuing its lifelong tradition of providing high-quality training in Automotive, Construction, Electrical and Engineering (ACEE) by transforming working relationships with employers.
Waltham Forest College has secured a large range of power tools and machinery worth over £40,000 in retail value from premier power tool specialist, Festool. The new tools reflect the technological advancements of the ACEE courses with Bluetooth connectivity and increased safety standards with higher degrees of accuracy.
Carpentry tutor, John Strange, said: 'This is a fantastic opportunity for our learners to be able to access top-of-the-range professional tools for use in our workshops. These tools bring modern connectivity to complement a traditional trade and our learners are thrilled to be using them.'
Tools such as the Domino jointing system provide quicker and more accurate methods of joinery, teaching learners the highest standards of workmanship, while the Mobile dust extractor's keep the environment clean, with the Bluetooth technology allowing remote switch on and off, creating a more energy-efficient workshop.
Carpentry student, Reece Wilshire, said: 'These tools are modern and what we will be expected to use in the sector. They are much cleaner for the environment, due to the portable extraction system and much more accurate allowing us to produce a better quality of work.'
As a sign of inspiration, learners have already commenced work on some of the College's workspaces using the new equipment and tools that combines their skills to build a spec-house, that will be used as a showroom to inspire the next generation of learners.
Learner, Jahmai Fermin, who is working towards a construction apprenticeship with new housing developments said: 'We are learning valuable skills that will allow us to go out and build. Overall, the College has been a good experience for me where I've been taught the values of teamwork and the use of tools and materials in a safe environment.'
The new ACEE provision is planning to introduce a new partnership with City and Guilds, aiming to progress learners through a 2-year package course with training that reflects the reality of the industry. Learners will not only walk away with qualifications but will achieve a range of CITB courses relevant to the industry, increasing the chances of gaining meaningful employment.
The College will continue to thrive in becoming a key provider for the UK Construction Workforce and in 2018 was made an official member of the Mayor's Construction Academy and awarded with a prestigious Quality Mark that recognises the high standard of skilled workers that it produces.
Lecturer, Matthew Gordon, conducts presentation on the use of webinars to engage students.
English lecturer, Matthew Gordon, took part in and presented at the Advanced Practitioner (South) Conference at South Essex College on this month. His presentation featured his ongoing collaboration with Shipley College (a leading FE college in West Yorkshire), on the use of webinars to engage students.
Advanced Practitioners attended in their numbers to share excellent practices around quality improvement with the rest of the further education sector. The day was filled with opportunities to discuss, learn from and practise new and impactful approaches to quality improvement.
Matthew said: 'The event was extremely successful, vibrant and energetic! It led to further collaboration projects with several other Advanced Practitioners around the use of webinars as a teaching tool, as well as a method to promote sharing good practice among educators themselves.
'I would like to say a special thank you to Andy Crissell and Jane Chillingworth at South Essex College, Jan Calvert from Shipley College.'
Matthew's presentation also highlighted some of the core quality practices here at the College such as enhanced teaching, learning and assessment methods across subject areas.
As a follow-up to the event, a series of webinars (mini - 'Ted-talks') are now in the planning stages. To find out more about the event, and to download materials from all the sessions, please click HERE.
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Information and advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing quickly and its important you keep up to date with those changes. The Council will be using email newsletters to keep residents and businesses up to date.
Students at Waltham Forest College are being taught how to protect their friends from vulnerability and how to stay away from gangs and violence.
Waltham Forest College has dedicated a themed teaching week to raising awareness of topics that affect young people linked to youth violence. Some timetabled lessons have been replaced with workshops about managing conflict, joint enterprise, online safety, healthy relationships and consent.
The College collaborated with a range of organisations to deliver themed seminars focusing on topics that matter to young people and vulnerable adults. Seminars included ways to defuse confrontation, self-defence, basic first-aid and other awareness-raising workshops that equip learners with the skills and knowledge on how to avoid being drawn into susceptible situations.
One of the sessions was delivered by researchers from the University of Cambridge and University of Kent that commissioned a body map exhibition, produced by convicted inmates, of joint enterprise. Prisoners revealed the harsh reality of joint enterprise through artwork, describing their experience through written testimonials.
Public Services student, who attended the exhibition said: 'This is a real eye-opener as we started questioning how one person can be convicted of an offence committed by another person. This just highlighted the importance of how we choose our friends and not being caught up in vulnerable situations' .
The week of activities forms part of the overall awareness campaigns embedded into the College calendar to tackle topics on youth crime.
Shiguftah Gulzar, Welfare and Wellbeing Manager, said: "The workshops and exhibitions we have chosen to deliver allowed our students to critically discuss the impact on their immediate vulnerability. The exhibition was popular, and many students shared their thoughts and left heartfelt messages of encouragement, gratitude and resilience on handwritten postcards, which the researchers will post out to the prisoners' .
Di Gowland has been appointed as interim Principal of Waltham Forest College. Di has extensive experience working within further education in London and retired from her role as Principal & CEO of Newham College in 2017.
During her time at Newham, Di was credited for leading the college's transformational journey and a highly successful Ofsted inspection, as well as successfully turning around the organisation's financial position.
Di Gowland, Interim Principal & Chief Executive, said: 'I am delighted to be supporting Waltham Forest College, and I look forward to working with the Corporation and staff, whilst the College looks to appoint a permanent successor.'
Paul Butler, Chair of the Corporation, comments: "We selected Di because of her experience in the further education sector and because she brings with her a strong commitment to continuous improvement in quality, serving learners and ensuring they achieve their potential. We are extremely pleased that she has chosen to join Waltham Forest College and we look forward to working with her.'
The Corporation is confident that Di will be able to build on Waltham Forest College's Ofsted 'Good' rating achieved in 2018 and ensure that the College continues to provide our learners with an excellent learning experience.
LAST UPDATED: 01 MARCH 2022
Following the Prime Minister's Living with COVID-19 announcement on Monday 21 February, you will be aware the Government has now lifted all COVID-19 restrictions.
Waltham Forest College will continue to implement some key safety measures for the time being including encouraging hand sanitizing upon entry and around the campus, disinfectant spray and tissues in classroom and additional cleaning of high traffic areas. All classrooms and corridor space will continue to be opened for increased ventilation around the campus environment.
It is no longer necessary for staff and students to complete twice weekly testing, except for those working with highly vulnerable learners such as SEND, where it is still recommended. The guidance around staying at home remains unchanged and any staff or students who test positive, should not come into the College on days 1-5 but, subject to negative LFT results on day 5 and 6 can return on day 6 if they feel well. Students will be supported to study from home where practicable but where it is not possible to study remotely.
Click here to access our COVID-19 Risk Assessment
Click here to access our Remote Education Offer
COVID-19 VACCINATION
Being vaccinated is the best way to make sure that COVID-19 doesn't get in the way of your life or your education, as having to stay at home if you are ill can have a big impact on your learning experience. By being fully jabbed you are much less likely to get COVID-19 or pass it on to others. COVID-19 is still making people ill, including young adults, and with millions of people around the world having had the jabs, there is strong evidence that people who are unvaccinated are 8 times more likely to end up in hospital and that would really impact your education and plans. You're also more likely to get long COVID-19 if you're not vaccinated and that can make you feel tired and make it hard to concentrate and remember things.
To book a vaccination, please visit: Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination ' NHS www.nhs.uk or visit your nearest walk-in centre.
Click here to access our COVID-19 Vaccination Q&A
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
It is very important to take care of your mental health and wellbeing and Waltham Forest College is committed to promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, ensuring that action is taken to support our students. The Wellbeing Hub contains useful advice and tips for maintaining mental health and wellbeing while studying remotely or on-site.
We are aware that the spread and impact of the coronavirus is a cause of anxiety and uncertainty. For those affected, please click on the following resources which you may find informative and reassuring.
The College will continue to provide remote counselling service during the national lockdown period if you would like more information please email
1. General Information
- Term Dates
The new academic term will commence on Monday 06 September 2021. Click here for more information on dates and half terms.
- IT
We ask any students without access to the necessary digital equipment at home to discuss their IT requirements at enrolment. You may be eligible for the Government's technology support scheme for young people during coronavirus Covid-19. It is important that you ask for help if you need it. Our Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is now reopened for students. The area is set up with socially distanced desks, and laptops are available to students to use while in the area.
The opening hours are:
Monday -Thursday 8:45am to 5pm
Friday 8:45am to 4:30pm - Safeguarding
Waltham Forest College has a statutory and moral duty to ensure that it functions with a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults undertaking education and training. In response to the UK government advice around specialist support for our most vulnerable learners that fall under one or more of the below categories:
Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
Looked After Children (LAC)
Care Leavers (CL)
High Needs Funded (HNF)
Safeguarding concerns
The College remains in contact with learners who fall under the ' vulnerable' category.
- Key Contacts
For ease of communication, the following key email inboxes are being actively monitored, should you need to contact the College:
Department Email Learner Services This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Safeguarding This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Finance This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Business Development Unit This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Human Resources This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Additional Learning Support This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Estates This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2. Resources
- NHS Coronavirus Helpline
The NHS has comprehensive advice on their website about what to do if you think you may have the virus, precautionary measures, and self-isolation procedures. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111.
- Department for Education Coronavirus Helpline
The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is now available to answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and children's social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)
- Other Useful Resources
