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 Policy and Procedures for reopening on site learning at the South Devon Steiner School following the site closure Due to COVID-19 Pandemic.Written by: Kaycee FordhamDate: 18.5.2020Approved by: SLTDate: 09.06.2020Approved by: CouncilDate 09.06.2020Cycle of review: The School will review this policy each time the Government significantly changes its Guidance. The School will use the regular updates from the Department of education (DfE) to manage this. The School will also review this policy from time to time as its experiences allow for improvements to be made to the provision.PreambleThe South Devon Steiner School closed its site to students on Friday 20th March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with Government guidelines (see reference section at end of document), the school is now researching how it might safely re-open for on-site learning in a phased way as the context around coronavirus evolves. A phased return will be based on three principles:receiving a clear directive from the Government that it is possible to do so, andbeing satisfied that it can meet the Guidelines for reopening as set out by the DfE, andbeing satisfied that it is possible and practical to do so taking into account all relevant considerations including wellbeing, health and safety of all learners and staff and the economic viability of meeting the regulatory and other requirements and guidelines.It is recognised that a number of key changes will need to be implemented to ensure:(i) that the school site is as safe as possible for pupils, parents and all staff members during this pandemic,(ii) that those pupils attending the school receive a good standard of education and care during this unprecedented time,(iii) that those pupils who do not attend school once it reopens, can still access education via distance learning,(iv) that the school can meet the Government expectations in terms of social distancing, respiratory hygiene, personal hygiene, cleaning and,(iv) that the school can remain financially viable throughout this period of uncertainty.1. Preparing the site 1.1 Health and Safety checkAs our whole school site and all buildings have been closed for many weeks, a health and safety check of the whole site must be completed prior to opening. The responsible teachers together with the H&S Officer will review the fire drill procedure and practice it in the first week when pupils return.During the initial period of reopening, only certain buildings will be open and all other areas of the school will remain closed and out of bounds. Pupil and staff briefings will be used to communicate out of bounds areas, alongside clear signage and tape to cordon off certain areas of buildings where necessary.1.2 Cleaning and hygieneOnce children are back in school, all frequently touched surfaces, equipment, door handles and toilets used during the day will need to be cleaned thoroughly each day in the buildings open to pupils and staff.To manage the cleaning according to Government guidelines, the school will refer to guidance on cleaning non-healthcare settings.The school will also follow the guidance provided in the document implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings.The school will ensure that there is a ready supply of soap and hot water in every toilet (and where possible in classrooms).The school will provide a hand sanitiser station at the main school entrances for pupils and any other person passing into the school to use. These will be monitored by the Office Manager and replenished as necessary.The school will provide lidded bins in classrooms and in other key locations around the site for the disposal of tissues and any other waste. Teachers will be responsible for double bagging and emptying these at the end of each school day. The Office Manager will do the same for those bins located at the site entrances.The school will ensure there is a good supply of disposable tissues to implement the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach in each classroom and hold enough stock to top up regularly. This will be the responsibility of the Office Manager.The Office Manager will also be responsible for the monitoring and ordering of soap, hand sanitiser, disposable paper towels, cleaning products, sanitising wipes and lidded bins to ensure school staff have all they need to create and maintain a hygienic and safe environment.1.3 Movement around the schoolThe school will make every attempt to reduce possible contact between different groups of children, and between adults. It is recognised that in this initial phased return, the school has a large site which it will use to ensure the safety of all parties.In the initial phase of re-opening, the school will situate classes on different floors with separate access. Pupils will access the toilets on their particular floor only and break times will be staggered to minimise contact between the groups. The school will continue to refer to the guidance on implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings when planning things like corridor access, lunch breaks and pick-up and drop-off times; especially as more children and classes return to school.1.4 Site examinationIt may be necessary for the School to relocate some class groups to temporary classrooms and teaching spaces during the phased reopening and for so long as social distancing measures must be implemented.The School will take into account that:Essential resources may need to be moved into new spaces where it is safe and appropriate to do so, and thatIt must minimise the number of resources in order to make sure they can be wiped clean, and thatWherever possible, resources which are not easily washable or wipeable should be removed.The School will display H&S related posters in every classroom, at the main entrance and in places visible to those at the school gate, in the staffroom and in all toilets to encourage social distancing, good hygiene and safe practices. 2. Reviewing Staff for Availability in SchoolThe SLT will conduct an audit of all staff to ascertain who will be available to be in school from the week commencing 1 June 2020. It will be made clear that staff may need to work with different groups of children than usual.The School will take into account that some staff may be anxious and may value the opportunity for discussion and reassurance before recommencing work on site.The guidance on implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings contains information about clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable adults. The School will adhere to this Government guidance both now and as it evolves. The current situation is set out in sections 2.1 , 2.2 and 2.3 below. 2.1 Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals are advised not to work outside the home. The Government is strongly advising people, including education staff, who are clinically extremely vulnerable (those with serious underlying health conditions which put them at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus and have been advised by their clinician or through a letter) to rigorously follow shielding measures in order to keep themselves safe. Staff in this position are advised not to attend work.The School has read and will adhere to the guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable.2.2 Clinically vulnerable individualsClinically vulnerable individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness (for example, people with some pre-existing conditions as set out in the staying at home and away from others (social distancing) guidance) have been advised by the Government to take extra care in observing social distancing and should work from home where possible. This includes pregnant women. The School will endeavour to support this, for example by asking staff to support remote education, carry out lesson planning or other roles which can be done from home.If clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable) individuals cannot work from home, they should be offered the safest available on-site roles, staying 2 metres away from others wherever possible, although the individual may choose to take on a role that does not allow for this distance if they prefer to do so. If they have to spend time within 2 metres of other people, the School will carefully assess and discuss with them whether this involves an acceptable level of risk.2.3 Other vulnerability issuesIf a member of staff lives with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable), which includes those who are pregnant, they can attend work.If a staff member lives in a household with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable, as set out in the guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable, it is advised they only attend work if stringent social distancing can be adhered to. If stringent social distancing cannot be adhered to, we do not expect those individuals to attend. They should be supported to work at home.As the Schools’ staffing picture changes, the SLT will update the audit. The School will ask staff to communicate immediately if their situation changes as decisions will be based upon the most recent staff availability audit.2.4 Arranging coverThe School will use the up-to-date staff audit information to arrange cover where a teacher is not able to work. It is possible that the School may need to ask pupils to remain at home where cover cannot be found.Where a teacher has the symptoms of COVID-19, the School will defer to the Government guidance set out in Implement Protecting Measures and covered in the section: What happens if someone becomes unwell at our School, below. It is recognised that it may be necessary to ask class groups to self isolate in the event that a class member including the teacher tests positive for coronavirus.2.5 Staff Ratios The SLT will take into consideration the following when considering staff ratios and will ensure that the School has all key positions filled before reopening:How many staff are available to work in school?How many teachers are available to work in school?How many support staff including teaching assistants are available for work in school?Could the SEM be available for work in school?Is at least one person with paediatric first aid training available for work in school?Is at least one person with up to date Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training available to work in school?Is our special educational needs coordinator available for work, or could an alternative staff member take on this role?Is a member of the Estates Team and/or cleaning staff, and if necessary at least one office staff member available during the school day?In some cases, staff members may be prepared to undertake a different role to their normal role temporarily in order to ensure all key positions are filled.The School will keep all staffing arrangements as consistent as possible3. Maximum Safe Group SizeWe know that, unlike older children and adults, early years and primary age children cannot be expected to remain 2 metres apart from each other and staff. The School will therefore, work through the hierarchy of measures set out in implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings:avoiding contact with anyone with symptomsfrequent hand cleaning and good respiratory hygiene practicesregular cleaning of settingsminimising contact and mixingIt is still important to reduce contact between people as much as possible, so children, young people and staff where possible, will only mix in a small, consistent group and that small group will stay away from other people and groups. Where possible, all efforts will be made to ensure that older children within small groups will remain 2 metres away from each other. While in general groups should be kept apart, brief, transitory contact, such as passing in a corridor, is low risk.The School will ensure that no more than 15 pupils will be in any one small group with one teacher (and, if needed, a teaching assistant) for primary aged pupils. For Kindergarten aged pupils, groups will be limited to 8. For senior school aged children, no more than 20 pupils will be allocated to one group and social distancing rules must be strictly adhered to.Vulnerable children and children of critical workers in other year groups will also be split into small groups of no more than 15. Where desks are used, they will be spaced as far apart as possible.4. Creating and Staffing Temporary Teaching GroupsWhen planning to reopen, the School will assume that all eligible children will attend for the purposes of the first stage of planning, even if it is unlikely - that includes ensuring that the attendance expectations for vulnerable children are followed.The School will:determine the class groups (maximum size of 8 for Kindergarten, 15 for primary pupils, 20 for senior pupils), taking into account any limitations of the school buildings and outdoor space (see implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings for more details)Include children of critical workers and vulnerable children who are in reception, year 1 or 6 in groups of 15 within their year groupDetermine the small groups (maximum size of 15) of children of critical workers and vulnerable children not in reception or years 1 and 6Assume that the staffing model will be one teacher per group (or 2 teachers sharing the week if you have existing job shares). If there are any shortages of teachers then teaching assistants can be allocated to lead a group, working under the direction of a teacher.As a result of this exercise, and in the light of the staffing audit and the school premises, the School will know if it can cater for all eligible children, including children of critical workers and vulnerable children of all ages.In the event that the School does not have the staff available to be able to cover all the new teaching groups created, it may need to consider:asking suitably experienced teaching assistants who are willing to do so to work with groups under the supervision of a teacherConsider only opening for some of the eligible age groups and continuing to deliver distance learning for those children not attending school.At all times, the School will focus first on continuing to provide places for priority groups of all year groups (children of critical workers and vulnerable children). Then, to support children’s learning during the early years and transition phases, it will prioritise groups of children as follows:primary schools - Kindergarten ‘sun children’ 5-6 year oldsearly years - Kindergarten 3-4 year oldsprimary schools - Class 5The School will not plan on the basis of a rota system, either daily or weekly as per the guidelines issued by the Government for primary aged children. This means that classes cannot be split into smaller groups and then taught by the same teacher on different days. 5. Attendance reportingThe school will revert to the normal attendance register and continue completing the daily data returns using the DfE portal following the attendance and absence codes guidance provided by the Government).Where applicable, the school will continue with any arrangements that have been made with the local authority with the aim of safeguarding vulnerable children.Parents and carers of eligible year groups, and critical workers/parents and carers of vulnerable children, are strongly encouraged to bring in their children, but they will not face fines or other sanctions if they don’t.We acknowledge that our school will not be held to account for our attendance figures during this time.The School will encourage parents whose children have been invited in to call you each day if they are not coming in as normal, so you understand why and can discuss it with them if needed.6. Practical Steps to Reduce RiskThe School will endeavour to reduce risks by putting in place protective measures, for example by adjusting timings of the school. The overriding aim here is to reduce contact between different groups.The school will complete the following steps:Create a schedule to stagger start and end times between groups by a short period to reduce volume at the entrance ways and car municate with parents and carers to ensure they are aware of recommendations on transport to and from school, which means reducing any unnecessary travel on coaches, buses or public transport where possible (for example, by walking or cycling to school) and avoiding peak timesUse signage to guide parents and carers about where and when they should drop off and pick up their children - and communicate this to parents in advanceWork out arrangements for breaks or play times so that ideally only one group of maximum 15 children is in the same play area at any one timeEnsure that staff remain at a safe distance from each other at lunchtime or during breaks (including how to manage access to the Staff Room)Arrange for assemblies to take place with individual groups in their allocated classroom spaces rather than bringing children from different classes together into the hallIn this interim phase, the School will suspend its provision of hot meals. Pupils will be asked to bring in a packed lunch, snack and water bottle. There are no pupils who are eligible for free school meals at this time.The School will ensure that meal time arrangements for lunch and snack ensure that children do not mix with children from other groups. Pupils will eat within their own classroom with their own small group. 7. External support for SEND and behaviourOur School sometimes works with external agencies to support pupils with special educational needs and disability (SEND). For pupils with education health and care (EHC) plans, it may not be possible to provide the full range of provision set out in the plan, and it may be necessary to make different arrangements if some of the support services are not available in their usual form from the start of June. If this is the case, the School will work with the local authority and parents, and confirm what special provision can reasonably be provided.The School will review the published guidance on conducting a SEND risk assessment during the coronavirus outbreak, ahead of re-opening.The School acknowledges that there may be additional pupils, including those with SEND, who display symptoms of stress or anxiety and additional support may be needed for them. 8. Changes to routines for staff and pupilsAhead of opening for more pupils, our School will review and update the behaviour policies to reflect the new rules and routines, and communicate these changes to staff, pupils and parents.The SLT in close collaboration with Department Chairs will communicate all changes to staff, pupils and parents/carers. Best practice suggests this includes:proactively teaching new rules to staff, pupils and parentsregularly and rigorously reinforcing behaviour throughout every dayConsistently implementing the Behaviour Policies and using the consequences set out in the policies. Display the posters promoting the new expectationsPrepare guidance for staff and ensure all staff are trained in the new rules and routines, so that they can support pupils to understand them and enforce them consistently.Staff will need to explicitly teach and supervise health and hygiene arrangements such as handwashing, tissue disposal and toilet flushing.8.1 Taking books homeThe School will limit the number of shared resources that are taken home by staff and pupils and limit the exchange of such resources.Teachers should make sure they wash their hands and surfaces, before and after handling pupils’ books.8.2 Clothing for SchoolOur pupils do not wear a uniform and can continue to follow our School Wear Policy. There is no need for anything other than normal personal hygiene and washing of clothes following a day in a school. Clothing that cannot be machine washed should be avoided.8.3 Drop off and pick up routinesChanges to drop off and pick up routines will be required. The School will communicate these changes to parents/carers on a class by class basis. Parents will not be allowed through the formal school site when dropping off and collecting pupils. Instead, the School will supervise the turning circle to allow parents to drop their children without leaving their vehicle (Class 2 and above), implementing a one way system through the first car park to ease the burden of traffic build up on the main road. Pupils will then move to the playground to be greeted by their teacher and to sanitize their hands (with an alcohol based hand sanitizer)before entering the building. Where it is necessary due to the age of the children, parents will accompany their children to the school gate where a queuing system will be established, and a process for staff to greet each child, ensure they sanitize their hands immediately on arrival, and then go straight to their classroom.The School will inform parents of the new measures and explain that this is to reduce the number of people on the school site in the interest of infection control. As it is customary for parents to gather in the playground at our school, parents will be informed that this is no longer allowed and signage will support this.Each class will have a specific time to be dropped off and picked up. A detailed information sheet will accompany any invitation to a class to return to school, to ensure parents and pupils are clear on what to expect and what will be expected upon their return to school.8.4 VisitorsThe School will limit external visitors to the school during school hours.Parents should come onto the school site only when strictly necessary, by appointment, and ideally only one (unless for example, an interpreter or other support is required). Any such meetings should take place at a safe distance. Due to the size of our Reception Office, this will remain closed.9. Communicating with staffThe SLT will undertake an online staff meeting before opening to take staff through the arrangements in place. Staff will be asked to read this policy and the updated Safeguarding and Behaviour policies. A shorter ‘Returning to School After the COVID-19 Pandemic’ document may be issued to all staff providing key information in an accessible format. Staff will also be required to read and adhere to the appropriate new risk assessments arising as a consequence of the new context.The Education Manager will be present upon reopening of the school, especially during the early part of wider opening. Staff and pupils may require additional support and reassurance, and the Education Manager will be more easily available to pick up on any issues or problems.The Education Manager will arrange regular opportunities to get feedback from staff on the new arrangements.10. Communicating with parentsThe School will communicate with parents to let them know:whether their child will be able to attend from the week commencing 1 Junewhat protective steps the School is taking to make the school a low-risk place for their childwhat we need them to do (such as on drop off and collection)the steps to take should their child develop symptoms of COVID-19.11. Managing pupil and staff wellbeing and mental healthThe coronavirus outbreak may have caused significant mental health or wellbeing difficulties for some children. It is important to recognise that while ‘getting back to normal’ is important and will be reassuring for many, school staff will need to consider how to support:Individual children who have found the long period at home hard to managethose who have developed anxieties related to the virusthose about whom there are safeguarding concernsthose who may make safeguarding disclosures once they are back in schoolsSome children may also have experienced bereavements in their immediate family or wider circle of friends or family or had increased/new caring responsibilities.All children will have missed the routine of school, seeing their friends, and being supported by their teachers and other adults in the school.Staff will be asked to consider providing:opportunities for children to talk about their experiences of the past few weeksopportunities for one-to-one conversations with trusted adults where this may be supportive, taking into account all usual Safeguarding protocolssome focussed lessons on relevant topics, for example, mental wellbeing or staying safepastoral activity, such as positive opportunities to renew and develop friendships and peer groupsother enriching developmental activitiesTeachers will be asked to refer to the DfE resources on mental wellbeing (provided as part of the RSE framework) which may contain useful information for teachers as they plan their lessons.The different experiences all pupils will have had at home will naturally play a large part in how easily they re-adapt to attending school and its routines. Staff will need to strike an appropriate balance between reintegrating pupils into a reassuring and familiar work ethic to support their mental wellbeing on the one hand, and identifying and taking time to address explicitly individual concerns or problems on the other.If safeguarding issues come to light they should be addressed using the school’s safeguarding policy. The DSL will undertake a review of the Safeguarding policy and additional COVID-19 addendum, which may need to be updated in light of wider opening. The School Education Manager in conjunction with the DSL will consider how they might manage any increase in referrals as pupils return to school and implement any changes to the policy as necessary.Alongside this, the SLT will work with the Council of Trustees to consider the mental health and wellbeing of staff (including school leaders themselves), and the need to implement flexible working practices in a way that promotes good work-life balance for teachers and leaders.12. Planning what to teach, and howThe priorities for young children at this time are resocialisation into new style school routines; speaking and listening, and regaining momentum in particular with early reading for Classes 1 and above.It is recognised that each school context will vary and needs are likely to be greatest where children have not been able to access remote education consistently. Children who have had limited opportunities for exercise should be encouraged to exert themselves physically, making use of supervised non-touch running games within their group. For younger children, the resources made available for child-initiated learning will be carefully considered. For example, malleable resources, such as dough, should not be shared and consideration will be given to their safe use, depending on circumstances.Resources for activities such as painting, sticking, cutting, small world play, indoor and outdoor construction activities should be washed before and after use (more detailed guidance on this will be included in the guide for early years providers) and where possible, children will be discouraged from sharing these.Children will be taught to wash their hands frequently, but particularly after using wheeled bikes, trikes and other large, movable toys. Children should be encouraged where possible not to touch their faces or to put objects in their mouths. Sharing stories, singing and playing outdoor games will help all children to socialise and resettle into familiar everyday classroom routines.The Government has amended legislation to allow for the temporary disapplying and modifying of a number of requirements within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), which covers children in reception, giving settings flexibility to respond to changes in workforce availability and potential fluctuations in demand. These temporary changes came into force on 24 April 2020. During the coronavirus outbreak, schools are asked to make reasonable endeavours to meet the existing EYFS learning and development requirements. As far as possible, children should benefit from a broad range of educational opportunities, but this also provides schools with the flexibility to give additional focus to fundamental areas where support is required following time spent out of school.Our School has exemption from some key aspects of the EYFS framework. Year 1 pupils will focus on their ‘sun child’ project during the initial phase of school reopening and will prepare for their transition to Class 1.As our Class 5 / Year 6 group is not a transition group (as our school is an all through setting from 3-19 years), the teacher/s of this group will not need to make provision for any transition preparation (to Senior Schools).Physical education lessons may continue to take place providing they are strictly non-contact and do not involve more than any one temporary group.13. Remote education during a phased re- openingOur school has been able to offer remote education opportunities over recent weeks. Now that primary schools will be opening more widely, larger numbers of staff will be needed to provide face-to-face teaching at school. This means that it may be more challenging to maintain the same level of remote education provision for pupils in the year groups who are not eligible to attend, or for those pupils in year groups who are eligible to attend but who themselves cannot.We recognise however that a distance learning provision may be part of our current reality for some time to come. Accordingly our teachers will continue to provide a distance learning programme, making lesson plans, materials and other resouces such as online face to face teaching where appropriate available to pupils learning remotely.For remote learning to be practical and effective, students/their parents will need online access to receive material at home and a simple printer for black and white A4 printing. The degree to which pupils themselves will use online technology directly will be age appropriate as determined by the school and communicated on a class by class basis.14. Phasing of the return of classesIn accordance with current Government guidelines, the School is reviewing whether it is safe to bring back pupils in the eligible years (nursery, reception, years 1 and 6), plus vulnerable children and children of critical workers. The aspiration is to bring pupils back into school as soon as possible. The expectation, based on these current government guidelines is that the first phase will involve opening the Kindergartens and Class 5 only. As Government guidelines are published daily and the advice changes with each issue, the precise timing of re-opening cannot be described in this policy. Notwithstanding the government guidelines , in accordance with the principles set out in the preamble to this policy, the School may also, after consultation and risk assessment, decide that it cannot reopen some or all of the eligible classes. 15. Afternoon careThere will be no afternoon care during this phased return to onsite learning.16. Communication with the Council of TrusteesThroughout each stage of this process, the SLT will consult members of staff and trustees to gain their involvement and support. The SLT will keep all stake-holders informed of arrangements being made. Key strategic decisions which require trustee approval will be made by the Council of trustees informed by recommendations by SLT. Specifically this includes the decision on re-opening onsite learning.17. Social Distancing - The Cooperation of ParentsThe School will explain clearly to parents/carers what the arrangements are for the start and end of the school day, Clear communication, including signage, will be utilised to remind all parties of the need to socially distance. Verbal reminders may be useful as well from time to time.18. Personal Protective EquipmentThe School will adhere to the Government guidance on implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings. The guidance states that it is not necessary for staff to wear masks, gloves and aprons unless they are carrying out activities that would usually require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) or if a child, young person or other learner becomes unwell with symptoms of coronavirus while in their setting and needs supervision until they can return home.The School will use its own suppliers to obtain PPE. 19. Supporting Staff to Return to WorkIt is natural that some staff will be worried about coming into school even if the risks for them are very low. The SLT will work with our staff to find workable solutions in individual cases. It is acknowledged that we are working in an unprecedented context, and more reassurance and discussion than usual may be required. It is always best, if at all possible, to work out a sensible way forward in individual cases that acknowledges any specific anxieties but which also enables the school’s responsibilities to be effectively discharged. As the plan clarifies for reopening the school, it will be necessary for more staff members to return to work from furlough leave. Due to the new way in which the School must operate, it may be necessary to redeploy individual staff members to meet the needs of the school. Where this is necessary, the School will initially ask for appropriately qualified staff members to volunteer for the new role/s. Where no volunteers are identified, the SLT will inform staff members that their period of furlough leave will be ended, providing details of the role they will be returning to work to. Staff do not have the right to furlough leave and refusal to return to work from furlough leave: this may in some circumstances lead to the staff member remaining at home on an unpaid leave basis.The School will make all reasonable adjustments to ensure that staff members feel safe and happy to return to work, and that they are suitably qualified and able (mentally, physically and emotionally) to hold their own role or any role identified for them (redeployment). The return to work of Staff Members identified as vulnerable or extremely vulnerable in the Staff Audit will be managed in accordance with Government guidelines (see 2.2 above).The School will seek support from Peninsula to resolve any especially complex cases.20. Behaviour policiesIn light of the need for children to behave differently when they return to school, and the new systems put in place to support that, there will be some changes to our behaviour policies. Behaviour policy changes will be communicated to pupils, parents and staff as appropriate.The following are specific examples of changes:following any altered routines for arrival or departurefollowing school instructions on hygiene, such as handwashing and sanitisingfollowing instructions on who pupils can socialise with at schoolmoving around the school as per specific instructions (for example, one-way systems, out of bounds areas, queuing)expectations about sneezing, coughing, tissues and disposal (‘catch it, bin it, kill it’) and avoiding touching your mouth, nose and eyes with handstell an adult if you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirusrules about sharing any equipment or other items including drinking bottlesamended expectations about breaks or play times, including where children may or may not playuse of toiletsclear rules about coughing or spitting at or towards any other personclear rules for pupils at home about conduct in relation to remote educationrewards and sanction system where appropriateIdentify any reasonable adjustments that need to be made for students with more challenging behaviour.21. Principles for staffStaff will be asked:Not to come to work if they have coronavirus symptoms, or to go home as soon as these develop (informing the Education Manager), and access a test as soon as possible.To clean their hands more often than usual - with running water and soap and dry them thoroughly or use alcohol hand rub or sanitiser ensuring that all parts of the hands are covered.To use the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach.To avoid touching their mouth, nose and eyes.To clean frequently touched surfaces often using standard products, such as detergents and bleach. To think about ways to modify their teaching approach to keep a distance from children in their class as much as possible, particularly close face to face support (noting that it’s understood that this is not possible at all times, which is why hygiene and hand cleaning is so important).To avoid calling pupils to the front of the class or going to their desk to check on their work if not necessary.To help their class to follow the rules on hand cleaning, not touching their faces, ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ etc. including by updating your classrooms displays with posters.To prevent their class from sharing equipment and resources (like stationery).To keep their classroom door and windows open where possible for increased air flow.To limit the number of children from their class using the toilet at any one time.To limit their contact with other staff members, and avoid congregating in shared spaces, especially if they are small rooms.Make sure they have read the school’s updated behaviour policy and know what role in it they are being asked to take.22. COVID-19 PPEThe school will have two COVID-19 PPE kits - one located in the Lower School and one in the Kindergarten designated isolation areas. These will include surgical face masks, eye protection, plastic aprons, protective gloves and appropriate cleaning materials.These kits will only be used in the event that a pupil, parent or staff member develops symptoms of COVID-19 whilst on-site. Used items from the kits will be reported to the Office Manager to allow for top up PPE to be ordered and to ensure kits are always complete.23. What happens if someone becomes unwell at our School?The School will defer to the Government advice provided. If anyone in our School becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, or has a loss of, or change in, their normal sense of taste of smell (anosmia), or any other relevant symptoms, they will be sent home and advised to follow the Government’s COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection guidance.If a child or staff member is awaiting collection, they will be moved to one of the designated isolation areas, with appropriate adult supervision if required. A window will be opened for ventilation. If it is not possible to isolate them, they will be moved to an area which is at least 2 metres away from other people.If they need to go to the bathroom while waiting to be collected, where possible they will use a separate bathroom. The bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected using standard cleaning products before being used by anyone else.PPE should be worn by staff caring for the child or colleague while they await collection if a distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained (such as for a very young child or a child with complex needs).In an emergency, the School would call 999 if they are seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk. If a member of staff has helped someone with symptoms, they do not need to go home unless they develop symptoms themselves (and in which case, a test is available) or the child subsequently tests positive (see ‘What happens if there is a confirmed case of coronavirus in a setting?’ below). They should wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after any contact with someone who is unwell. Cleaning the affected area with normal household disinfectant after someone with symptoms has left will reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people. See the COVID-19: cleaning of non-healthcare settings guidance.24. What happens if there is a confirmed case of coronavirus in School?When a child, young person or staff member develops symptoms compatible with coronavirus, they will be expected to conform with Government guidelines. Currently these are:that the person will be sent home and advised to self-isolate for 7 days. their fellow household members should self-isolate for 14 days. All staff and students who are attending an education or childcare setting will have access to a test if they display symptoms of coronavirus, and are encouraged to get tested in this scenario.Where the child, young person or staff member tests negative, they can return to their setting and the fellow household members can end their self-isolation.Where the child, young person or staff member tests positive, the rest of their class or group within the School will be sent home and advised to self-isolate for 14 days. The other household members of that wider class or group do not need to self-isolate unless the child, young person or staff member they live with in that group subsequently develops symptoms.As part of the national test and trace programme, if other cases are detected within the cohort or in the wider setting, Public Health England’s local health protection teams will conduct a rapid investigation and will advise schools and other settings on the most appropriate action to take. In some cases a larger number of other children, young people may be asked to self-isolate at home as a precautionary measure – perhaps the whole class, site or year group. Where settings are observing guidance on infection prevention and control, which will reduce risk of transmission, closure of the whole setting will not generally be necessary.Should our School ask parents to report pupils’ temperatures at the start of each day?Currently the Government’s guidance is as follows: Parents, carers and settings do not need to take children’s temperatures every morning as routine testing of an individual’s temperature is not a reliable method for identifying coronavirus. Educational and childcare settings should reiterate to parents the need to follow the standard national advice on the kind of symptoms to look out for that might be due to coronavirus, and where to get further advice. If anyone in the household develops a fever, or a new continuous cough, or a loss of, or change in, their normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia), they are advised to follow the COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection guidance (which states that the ill person should remain in isolation for 7 days and the rest of the household in isolation for 14 days).References ................
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