Loughborough Learning Alliance

Details of event

We run a School Direct course, that enables us to train people to become Primary, Secondary and Special Educational Needs teachers. We work alongside the University of Derby and once a week, we either meet with our Primary Trainees or our Secondary Trainees. These sessions have been taking place at Burleigh Court.

Why it is important for the training to happen in person?

We have been using Burleigh Court for our essential training as the Conference Room at our school wasn't big enough to meet all the social distancing regulations. From the moment we stepped into the venue, we knew it was going to be ideal for our needs.

From January to March, all of our training took place virtually and although we were happy to see the trainees online, we were desperate to get back to face-to-face training as soon as we were allowed.

With online training, it's not easy to read people's body language, people are less reluctant to contribute and there are sometimes awkward silences in online breakout rooms. Not to mention, internet issues with various trainees who missed half the session trying to sort out their connections!

When schools reopened on the 8th March and all our trainees were back in their placement schools 4 days a week, we thought it was the ideal time to bring them back together as a group. We knew from our previous training sessions during the pandemic that Burleigh Court met all the guidelines and everyone feels so safe being together onsite. It's so nice to see everyone in person in one room!

Burleigh Court has amazing guidelines in place, the Reception staff check every delegate's temperature on the way in, staff ensure that everyone follows the one-way system around the Conference Wing, there are ample hand sanitising stations around the venue and catering is served to the rooms instead of people mingling in the Lounge areas. Masks are worn throughout the venue.

All of our trainees are so excited to be back in person and are more than happy to follow all the rules the venue have put into place.

How was our customer service, despite restrictions?

Customer service has not been compromised at all due to the restrictions that are in place. From entering the building to leaving at the end of the day, every member of staff is so welcoming, cheerful and always happy to help. Although everyone is wearing masks, you can tell they're still smiling! We love how welcome we are made to feel and it really feels like we're part of the Burleigh Court and Imago family! 🙂

How have the covid-safe measures in place affected delegate experience?

The measures that have been put in place have not affected the delegate experience at all. Everyone is aware that they need to stick to the rules and wearing masks at all times and hand sanitising often are just part of everyone's daily lives now.

Did any covid safety measures stand out?

Due to all the safety measures that have been put in place, trainees are comfortable attending sessions at Burleigh Court and no-one has felt that their safety has been compromised in any way since we've been using the venue.

We've been using Burleigh Court for a number of months now and we can highly recommend the venue to other companies. The safety measures that have been put in place for Covid have certainly ticked all of the boxes and our delegates feel so safe attending face to face training.

The staff are always so welcoming and all of our delegates enjoy attending weekly training. The catering is always exceptional and the venue certainly meets all of our needs. We've started using the venue for some of our other courses and delegates' feedback is always extremely positive.

Thank you for being amazing!!

Jess Evans, Loughborough Learning Alliance