TAFE NSW to suspend classes for a month to prepare for online delivery

TAFE NSW said it would pause all classes from March 30 - excluding for students in critical skills areas such as aged care and enrolled nursing due to complete before the end of term - before they recommence on April 27 with "connected and blended delivery".

Campuses remain open. Federation deputy secretary (post schools) Maxine Sharkey said the union had been asking for the suspension for more than two weeks.

"It's a sensible decision and gives students stability and consistency and gives teachers time to adapt and build capability to continue to engage students in very difficult times."

She said there were only two weeks before holidays and teachers needed "rest and recuperation".

"For some teachers two weeks might be enough to start delivery on April 27, for some sections it won't be possible."

TAFE NSW will pause all training and education delivery from next Monday and for a month to put as many courses as possible online.

TAFE NSW said in a statement it would pause all training and educational delivery starting March 30, apart from in critical skills areas such as aged care and enrolled nursing.

"During the temporary pause, our teaching teams will be working to get everything ready for classes to recommence on 27 April," it said.

"There will be some exceptions to the pause.

"This includes delivery of training for critical skills areas, such as aged care and enrolled nursing for students who are due to complete before the end of term one and wish to do so.

"If this applies to you, your teacher will work directly with you to ensure you can complete your assessments, graduate and use your skills to support the community.

"From 27 April, TAFE NSW will re-commence delivery to students through connected and blended delivery.

"This may include face to face delivery where necessary and where adequate social distancing measures can be implemented.

"Teachers will discuss arrangements directly with their students over the next few weeks."

TAFE NSW said its campuses remain open and will continue to provide childcare centres, counselling, disability services, Aboriginal support, international support and student associations.

Libraries will be closed to the general public, but will continue to be open to support students. Social distancing will be in place.

TAFE NSW said it will advise students via their email address if there any changes to hours of operation or if a campus closes.

In the event of closures, study programs will continue unless advised otherwise.

TAFE NSW said when study programs require face-to-face interaction or practical environments such as labs, kitchens or workshops, it will reduce the size of the classes by splitting up practical and theoretical activities; encourage regular hand hygiene; regularly wipe frequently used surfaces and avoid congestion in common areas by staggering class break times.