| answer text |
<p>In line with Step 4 of the government’s roadmap, there will be no further restrictions
on in-person provision in the autumn term. Higher education (HE) providers are therefore
able to shape their courses without restrictions on face-to-face provision. The position
will be kept under review considering the latest scientific evidence and public health
advice. The latest advice can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-education-reopening-buildings-and-campuses"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-education-reopening-buildings-and-campuses</a>.</p><p>Furthermore,
my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, wrote to education leaders
on 8 July 2021, setting out plans as we move towards Step 4. This included the government’s
expectation that HE providers offer students a full, enriching and enjoyable experience,
whilst staying as safe as possible. The letter is available to read here: <a href="https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2021/07/08/a-letter-from-the-education-secretary-to-education-leaders/"
target="_blank">https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2021/07/08/a-letter-from-the-education-secretary-to-education-leaders/</a>.</p><p>HE
providers should therefore not be planning to restrict teaching based on COVID-19
restrictions. However, as autonomous institutions it is for providers to determine
their own provision, taking account of government guidance. We understand that a number
of universities have announced plans on teaching in the next academic year: some will
retain an element of blended learning. We know that the COVID-19 outbreak has enabled
many providers to identify new and innovative approaches to teaching and learning,
and students will continue to benefit from these alongside in person provision. We
expect all universities to act in the interest of students and provide them with a
full experience and in accordance with Office for Students guidance, which can be
found here: <a href="https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/guidance-for-providers-about-student-and-consumer-protection-during-the-pandemic/"
target="_blank">https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/guidance-for-providers-about-student-and-consumer-protection-during-the-pandemic/</a>.
HE providers should communicate clearly to their students what they can expect from
planned teaching and learning so that they are able to make informed choices.</p><p>HE
providers are autonomous institutions and are responsible for setting their own fees
within maximum fee limits set by the regulations, where applicable. The government
has already announced that maximum fees in the 2021/22 academic year will remain at
£9,250 for a standard full-time course. We also intend to freeze the maximum tuition
fee caps for the 2022/23 academic year to deliver better value for students and to
keep the cost of higher education under control – the fifth year in succession that
maximum fees have been frozen.</p><p>Whether an individual student is entitled to
a refund of their tuition fees depends on the specific contractual arrangements between
the provider and student. Students do have consumer rights, and it is for them to
decide whether to seek to exercise these.</p><p>We recognised early on the impact
the COVID-19 outbreak could have on students’ mental health and wellbeing, and we
asked universities to prioritise support for this. Universities responded positively
and have transformed mental health and wellbeing services. There are many examples
of good practice in this area. Many universities have been actively reaching out to
vulnerable students to proactively offer additional support.</p><p>We have worked
closely with the OfS, to provide up to £3 million to fund the mental health platform
Student Space. We have asked the OfS to allocate an additional £15 million towards
student mental health, through proposed reforms to strategic priorities grant funding.</p><p>Going
forward, HE providers should continue to be innovative in how they identify issues
and support their students. This includes identifying appropriate technology to flag
potential issues and enable students to engage in a variety of ways. As a government,
we will continue to review the situation and our support in this area.</p>
|
|
