CBS Primary Mitchelstown
COVID-19 Response Plan August 2020
Table of Contents:
1) Introduction
2) What is a School COVID-19 Response Plan?
3) School COVID-19 Policy
4) Planning and Preparing for Return to School
4.1) Induction Training
4.2) Procedure for Returning to Work (RTW)
4.3) Lead Worker Representative (LWR)
4.4) Display signage
4.5) Making changes to school layout
4.6) Update Safety and Risk Assessment
4.7) Access to the School and Contact Log
5) Control Measures – To prevent Introduction and Spread of COVID-19 in Schools
5.1) Know the Symptoms of COVID-19
5.2) Respiratory Hygiene
5.3) Hand Hygiene
5.4) Physical Distancing
5.5) Use of PPE in Schools
6) Impact of COVID-19 on certain school activities
7) Hygiene and Cleaning in School
8) Dealing with a suspected case
9) Special Educational Needs
10) Staff Duties
11) Absence Management
12) Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme
This is a living document and may be reviewed and amended to take into account new guidance from www.Gov.ie, www.dbei.ie , www.hse.ie, www.hpsc.ie, www.hsa.ie; www.education.ie or agreements with education partners as appropriate for primary and special schools.
1) Introduction
The Minister for Education has published “The Roadmap for the Full Return to School” on the 27th July. It sets out what the operation of schools will look like and the range of supports which will be available in a COVID-19 context.
It has been developed in line with public health advice issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and in compliance with the “Return to Work Safely Protocols” developed by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Health with guidance documents provided by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). Each workplace is required to have a COVID-19 Response Plan. In addition to being places of learning, schools are also places of work. This document sets out the information that post primary schools need to implement a School COVID-19 Response Plan, including a COVID-19 policy, lead worker representative and process to deal with a suspected case of COVID-19.
The purpose of this document is to provide clear and helpful guidance for the safe operation through the prevention, early detection and control of COVID-19 in primary and special schools. It provides key messages to minimise the risk of COVID-19 for staff, pupils, families and the wider community while recognising the importance of education for the health and wellbeing of pupils and society as a whole.
This document focuses on the practical steps which can be taken in primary and special schools to minimise the risk of the introduction of infection into schools while recognising that no interpersonal activity is without risk of transmission of infection at any time. The documentation and templates in this booklet are supported by the public health advice provided by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) for the safe reopening of schools and educational facilities. That report is available here.
Further advice from the HPSC on the use of face coverings in educational settings was received on the 6th August. This advice is available here.
One of the key challenges is to balance the need for a practical and sensible level of caution with the need to provide a supportive environment for teaching and learning. This document identifies the steps schools can take to do everything practical to avoid the introduction of COVID-19 into the school and the steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of the spread within the school itself.
The Department has worked intensively with the education partners to develop consistent plans, advice, protocols and guidance for schools, including the School COVID-19 Response plan. There is a suite of documentation available to support schools to reopen safely and fully including guidance on learning, school programmes and wellbeing for the 2020/21 school year. There is also information on funding, staffing and resources to schools to support COVID-19 measures. Schools are advised to familiarise themselves with these documents. All of the documents will be available at gov.ie/backtoschool
In addition the Department has a communication plan for school reopening which focuses on ensuring that schools, school communities and all stakeholders will have the relevant information to support the reopening and continued operation of schools. There is a particular focus on supporting parents and students through the appropriate use of media channels, through schools themselves and on gov.ie
2) What is a COVID-19 Response Plan?
A Covid-19 Response Plan is designed to support the staff and Board of Management (BOM) in putting measures in place that aim to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the school environment.
The Covid-19 Response Plan details the policies and practices necessary for a school to meet the Government’s ‘Return to Work Safely Protocol’, the Department of Education plan for school reopening and to prevent the introduction and spread of Covid-19 in the school environment.
It is important that the resumption of school-based teaching and learning and the reopening of school facilities complies with the public health advice and guidance documents prepared by the Department. Doing so minimises the risk to pupils, staff and others. The response plan supports the sustainable reopening of school where the overriding objective is to protect the health of staff and pupils while promoting the educational and development needs of the pupils in the school. The COVID-19 response plan is a living document and will be updated in line with the public health advice as appropriate for primary and special schools.
In line with the Return to Work Safely Protocol, the key to a safe and sustainable return to work, and reopening of schools requires strong communication and a shared collaborative approach between the BOM/ETB, staff, pupils and parents.
The assistance and cooperation of all staff, pupils, parents, contractors and visitors is critical to the success of the plan.
3) School COVID-19 Policy
Our COVID-19 policy outlines the commitment of the school to implement the plan and help prevent the spread of the virus. The policy has been signed and dated by the chairperson and principal of the BOM and brought to the attention of the staff, pupils, parents and others.
4) Planning and Preparing for Return to School
The BOM aims to facilitate the resumption of school based teaching and learning and the return to the workplace of staff. The return to the workplace must be done safely and in strict adherence to the public health advice and any guidance issued by the Department of Education.
Details for the safe reopening of the school facility and the applicable controls are outlined in this document.
Before reopening schools for the 2020/21 school year our school will have processes in place to include the following:
· Arrangements to keep up to date with public health advice, changes to any Government plans for the safe reopening of society and Department of Education updates;
· Arrangements to pass on this information in a timely manner to staff, pupils, parents and others as required;
· Ensured that staff have reviewed the training materials provided by the Department of Education
· Provided staff with access to the Return to Work (RTW) form
· Identified a Lead Worker representative
· Displayed posters and other signage to prevent introduction and spread of COVID-19
· Made the necessary changes to the school or classroom layout to support physical distancing
· Removed unnecessary clutter to facilitate ongoing cleaning of the school taking into account the importance of having educational materials to create a stimulating learning environment;
· Updated the health and safety risk assessment
· Made necessary arrangements to limit access to the school to necessary visitors and maintain records of contacts to the school
· Reviewed the school buildings to check the following:
• Our water system was treated following low usage to prevent Legionella disease and a Certificate was issued in respect of this.
• School equipment and mechanical ventilation been checked for signs of deterioration or damage before being used again;
• Bin collections and other essential services have resumed.
There are checklists in place to assist schools on the details of what is needed for these arrangements in the Appendices of this plan.
4.1) Induction Training
All staff will undertake and complete Covid-19 Induction Training prior to returning to the school building. The aim of such training is to ensure that staff have full knowledge and understanding of the following:
· Latest up to-date advice and guidance on public health;
· Covid-19 symptoms;
· What to do if a staff member or pupil develops symptoms of Covid-19 while at school;
· Outline of the Covid-19 response plan.
Staff will be kept fully informed of the control measures in place in the school and their duties and responsibilities in preventing the spread of Covid-19 and will be updated with any changes to the control measures or guidance available from the public health authorities.
If a staff member is unsure about any aspect of the Covid-19 Response Plan, the associated control measures, or his/her duties, he/she will immediately seek guidance from the Principal, who is supported in this role by the BOM.
A national information campaign to support parents and pupils will happen in advance of schools reopening on issues such as COVID-19 awareness and to help minimise the risk of introduction and spread of the virus in schools.
4.2) Procedure for Returning to Work (RTW)
In order to return to the workplace, staff must complete a Return to Work (RTW) form, which is available online or from the principal.
RTWs will be completed and returned 3 days before returning to work.
The principal will also provide details of the Induction Training for completion by staff and details of any additional health and safety measures in place in the school to facilitate the staff member’s return to the school facility.
There are some school staff who may be unable to return to school. Current public health guidelines have identified these people as being in groups who are defined as being at very high risk. This will be updated in line with public health advice.
People at very high risk (extremely vulnerable;
The list of people in very high risk groups include people who:
·are over 70 years of age - even if fit and well
·have had an organ transplant
·are undergoing active chemotherapy for cancer
·are having radical radiotherapy for lung cancer
·have cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment
·are having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer
·are having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors
·have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs
- have severe respiratory conditions including cystic fibrosis, severe asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, lung fibrosis, interstitial lung disease and severe COPD
·are taking medicine that makes you much more likely to get infections (such as high doses of steroids or immunosuppression therapies)
· have a serious heart condition and are pregnant
The advice for this group is available from the HSE. Details of the arrangements that will apply for these staff, which will be in accordance with those applying for the public service generally, will be updated by the Department of Education following consultation with management bodies and unions and a circular will issue to all schools.
4.3) Lead Worker Representative
The Protocol provides for the appointment of a Lead Worker Representative (LWR) in each workplace. The LWR will work in collaboration with the employer to assist in the implementation of measures to prevent the spread of COVID -19 and monitor adherence to those measures and to be involved in communicating the health advice around COVID-19 in the workplace.
This section sets out how the provisions will operate in schools. The process for appointment of the lead worker representative in schools has been agreed centrally between the Department of Education and the education partners.
Responsibility for the development and implementation of the Covid-19 Response Plan and the associated control measures lies primarily with the Board of Management/ Education and Training Board and school management.
Strong communication and a shared collaborative approach is key to protecting against the spread of COVID-19 in schools, and looking after the health, safety and wellbeing of staff and students. Adherence to the Return to Work Protocol will only be achieved if everyone has a shared responsibility in implementing the measures contained within the Protocol in their place of work.
If a staff member has any concerns or observations in relation to the Covid-19 Response Plan, control measures or the adherence to such measures by staff, pupils or others he/she will contact the lead worker(s) who will engage with the principal/BOM.
Role of the Lead Worker RepresentativeIn summary, the role of the LWR is to:
- Represent all staff in the workplace regardless of role, and be aware of specific issues that may arise in respect of different staff cohorts;
- Work collaboratively with school management to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of employees in relation to COVID-19;
- Keep up to date with the latest COVID-19 public health advice;
- In conjunction with school management, promote good hygiene practices such as washing hands regularly and maintaining good respiratory etiquette along with maintaining social distancing in accordance with public health advice;
- Assist school management with the implementation of measures to suppress COVID-19 in the workplace in line with the Return to Work Safely Protocol and current public health advice;
- In conjunction with school management, monitor adherence to measures put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19;
- Conduct regular reviews of safety measures;
- Report any issues of concern immediately to school management and keep records of such issues and actions taken to rectify them;
· Following any incident, assess with the school management any follow up action that is required;
- Consult with colleagues on matters relating to COVID-19 in the workplace;
- Make representations to school management on behalf of their colleagues on matters relating to COVID-19 in the workplace.
Every school will appoint one Lead Worker Representative.
In schools with less than 30 staff, a Deputy Lead Worker Representative will be appointed in addition to the LWR. The role of the Deputy LWR will be to deputise as LWR where the LWR is absent.
In schools with 30 or more staff and in all Special schools, an Assistant Lead Worker Representative will be appointed in addition to the LWR. The role of the Assistant LWR will be to:
· assist the LWR in their duties as set out above; and
· deputise as LWR where the LWR is absent
Name(s) of lead worker representative: John Weir
Contact details: j.weir@cbspmitchelstown or 025-24505
All staff, pupils, parents, contractors and visitors have a responsibility both as individuals and collectively to have due regard for their own health and safety and that of others and to assist with the implementation of the Covid-19 Response Plan and associated control measures.
4.4) Signage
CBS Primary Mitchelstown will display signage outlining the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and to support good hand and respiratory hygiene.
We will display the posters in prominent areas such as offices, corridors, staffroom area, classrooms and toilets.
4.5) Making Changes to School Layout
Maintaining physical distancing in the school environment is recommended as one of the key control measures to minimize the risk of the introduction and spread of COVID-19.
CBS Primary Mitchelstown will reconfigure classrooms and other areas as necessary to support physical distancing in line with the guidance in advance of school reopening.
Maintaining physical distancing in the school environment, is recommended as one of the key central measures, to minimise the risk of the introduction and spread of Covid – 19. Therefore, we have used every available space and made best use of all staff resources, to ensure that our pupils will be in a single small class groupings.
4.6) Health and Safety Risk Assessment
COVID-19 represents a hazard in the context of health and safety in the school environment. A template risk assessment was used by CBS Primary Mitchelstown to identify the control measures required to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 in our school setting.
At CBS Primary Mitchelstown we will review our emergency procedures involving, fire safety, first aid, accidents and dangerous occurrences to consider any new risks that arise due to our school’s COVID-19 Response Plan. Any changes to the school's existing emergency procedures will be documented and incorporated into the school’s safety statement.
At CBS Primary Mitchelstown we will review our existing risk assessments to consider any new risks that arise due to our school’s COVID-19 Response Plan. Any changes to our school’s current risk assessments will also be documented and incorporated into the school safety statement.
First Aid/Emergency Procedure
The standard First Aid/emergency procedure shall continue to apply in our school. In an emergency or in case of a serious incident, we will call for an ambulance or the fire brigade on 112/999 giving details of location and type of medical incident.
4.7) Access to School and Contact Log
Access to our school building will be in line with agreed school procedures.
Arrangements for necessary visitors such as contractors and parents with be restricted to essential purposes and limited to those who have obtained prior approval from the principal. The Department of Education Inspectorate may also need to visit schools and centres for education to support them as appropriate in the implementation of public health advice relating to creating a safe learning and working environment for all.
The prompt identification and isolation of potentially infectious individuals is a crucial step in restricting the spread of the virus and protecting the health and safety of the individuals themselves and other staff, contractors and visitors at the workplace. A detailed sign in/sign out log of those entering the school facilities will be maintained. The school will maintain a log of staff and pupil contacts.
The Data Protection Commission has provided guidance on the data protection implications of the return to work protocols. This advice can be found here:
https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/news-media/data-protection-implications-return-work-safely-protocol
All school records and data at CBS Primary Mitchelstown will be maintained and processed in compliance with the GDPR and the Data Protection Acts. The responsibility for compliance with the legislation rests with the school in our role as data controller.
5) Control Measures - To prevent Introduction and Spread of COVID-19 in Schools
One of the key messages to manage the risks of COVID-19 is to do everything practical to avoid the introduction of COVID-19 into the school. If infection is not introduced it cannot be spread. The risk of spreading the infection once introduced exists in all interpersonal interactions; student-student, teacher-teacher and teacher-student and must be managed in all settings.
A range of essential control measures have been implemented to reduce the risk of the spread of Covid-19 virus and to protect the safety, health and welfare of staff, pupils, parents and visitors as far as possible within the school. The control measures shall continue to be reviewed and updated as required on an ongoing basis.
It is critical that staff, pupils, parents and visitors are aware of, and adhere to, the control measures outlined and that they fully cooperate with all health and safety requirements.
Staff will note that they have a legal obligation under Section 13 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to comply with health and safety requirements and to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves, their colleagues and other parties within the workplace.
Minimisation of the Risk of Introduction of COVID-19 into CBS Primary Mitchelstown:
We will promote awareness of COVID-19 symptoms;
·Saff and pupils that have symptoms will be advised not to attend school, to phone their doctor and to follow HSE guidance on self-isolation;
·Staff and pupils will be advised not to attend school if they have been identified by the HSE as a contact for person with COVID-19 and to follow the HSE advice on restriction of movement;
·Staff and pupils that develop symptoms at school will be advised to bring this to the attention of the Principal promptly;
·Staff and pupils will be made aware of the protocol for managing a suspected case of COVID-19 in school ;
·Everyone entering the school building will perform hand hygiene with a hand sanitiser;
·Visitors to the school during the day will be by prior arrangement and will be received at a specific contact point;
·Physical distancing (of 2m) will be maintained between staff and visitors where possible.
5.1) Know the Symptoms of COVID-19
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 it is important to know and recognise the symptoms.
They are:
High temperature
Cough
Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
Loss of smell, of taste or distortion of taste
5.2) Respiratory Hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and safely into a nearby bin.
By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and Covid-19.
5.3) Hand Hygiene
Staff and pupils will be made aware that hand hygiene is important as well as when and how to wash their hands.
At CBS Primary Mitchelstown we will promote good hygiene and display posters throughout the schools on how to wash your hands. HSE guidelines on handwashing will be foillowed:
https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/how-to-wash-your-hands.html
Hand hygiene can be achieved by hand washing or use of a hand sanitiser (when hands look clean).
Use of hand hygiene facilities including wash hand basins needs to be managed so as to avoid congregation of people waiting to use wash hand basins and hand sanitisers.
There is a requirement for access to hand washing facilities after activities that are likely to soil hands, for example playing outside or certain sporting activities as hand sanitiser does not work on dirty hands.
Hand sanitiser dispensers will be deployed at exit and entry points of our school and classrooms and care will be taken to clean up any hand sanitiser spills to prevent risks of falls.
Warm water is preferable to hot or cold water for hand washing and will be provided where possible, in instances where this is not possible a soap that emulsifies easily in cold water will be used.
Wash hand basins, running water, liquid soap and hand drying facilities will be provided in all toilets, kitchens and any food preparation areas.
At CBS Primary Mitchelstown washing facilities will be maintained in good condition and supplies of soap and towels will be topped up regularly to encourage everyone to use them.
Hot air dryers will be regularly maintained. There is no evidence that hand dryers are associated with increased risk of transmission of COVID-19.
Posters displaying hand washing techniques and promoting hand washing will be placed on walls adjacent to washing facilities at CBS Primary Mitchelstown.
Hand sanitiser is suitable for use for hand hygiene when hands are not visibly soiled (look clean).
Evidence of effectiveness is best for alcohol based hand rubs but non-alcohol based hand rubs may be used too.
When hand rubs/gels are being used in school care will be taken to ensure that pupils do not ingest them.
Young children will not have independent use of containers of alcohol gel.
Frequency of Hand Hygiene
At CBS Primary Mitchelstown Pupils and staff will perform hand hygiene:
· On arrival at school;
· Before eating or drinking;
· After using the toilet;
· After playing outdoors;
· When their hands are physically dirty;
· When they cough or sneeze.
5.4) Physical Distancing
Physical distancing can be usefully applied in primary and special school settings allowing for some flexibility when needed. It must be applied in a practical way to recognise that the learning environment cannot be dominated by a potentially counterproductive focus on this issue. Physical distancing will look different across the various ages and stages of learning. Care will be taken to avoid generating tension or potential conflict and some flexibility in the implementation of measures may be required at times.
It is also recognised that it is not always possible for staff to maintain physical distance from pupils and it is not appropriate that they would always be expected to do so where this could have a detrimental impact on the pupil i.e. if a child sustains an injury and requires first aid.
However, where possible staff will maintain a minimum of 1m distance and where possible 2m. They will also take measures to avoid close contact at face to face level such as remaining standing rather than sitting beside/crouching down.
Physical distancing falls into two categories:
· Increasing separation
· Decreasing interaction
Increasing separation
The guidance documents provided by the Department of Education on optimal school layout will be used by at CBS Primary Mitchelstown to increase separation to the greatest degree possible
To maintain physical distancing in the classroom, CBS Primary Mitchelstown will:
1. Reconfigure class spaces to maximise physical distancing
2. Utilise and reconfigure all available space in our school in order to maximise physical distancing
At CBS Primary Mitchelstown teacher’s desk will be at least 1m and where possible 2m away from pupil desks.
Decreasing interaction
In primary schools a distance of 1m will be maintained between desks or between individual pupils. It is recognised that younger children are unlikely to maintain physical distancing indoors. Therefore achieving this recommendation in the first four years of primary or special schools, is not a pre-requisite to reopening a primary or special school for all pupils.
Where possible work stations will be allocated consistently to the same staff and children rather than having spaces which are shared.
At CBS Primary Mitchelstown we hope risk of infection may be reduced by structuring pupils and their teachers into Class Bubbles (i.e. a class grouping which stays apart from other classes as much as possible) and discrete groups or “Pods” within those class bubbles, to the extent that this is practical.
Where class is divided into Pods, there will be at least (1m distance) between individual Pods within the Class Bubble and between individuals in the pod, whenever possible.
At CBS Primary Mitchelstown Perspex screens may be utilised, particularly in Support Rooms and where SNAs or teachers need to work in close proximity to individual children in mainstream.
Generally speaking the objective is to limit contact and sharing of common facilities between people in different Class Bubbles (and Pods within those Class Bubbles) as much as possible, rather than to avoid all contact between Pods, as the latter will not always be possible.
The aim of the system within the school is that class grouping mix only with their own class from arrival at school in the morning until departure at the end of the school day. The Pods within those Class Bubbles is an additional measures, to limit the extent of close contact within the Class Bubble.
Pod sizes will be kept as small as is likely to be reasonably practical in the specific classroom context.
To the greatest extent possible, pupils and teaching staff will consistently be in the same Class Bubbles although this will not be possible at all times, particularly in the context of Support Teachers.
Different Class Bubbles swill have separate breaks and meal times.
Sharing educational material between Pods will be avoided/minimised where possible.
Staff members who moving from class bubble to class bubble will be limited as much as possible.
Additional measures to decrease interaction include:
Limiting interaction on arrival and departure and in hallways and other shared areas.
Social physical contact (hand to hand greetings, hugs) will be discouraged.
Where pupils need to move about within the classroom to perform activities (access to a shared resource) it will be organized to the greatest degree possible to minimize congregation at the shared resource.
Staff and pupils will avoid sharing of personal items.
Encourage pupils to avoid behaviours that involve hand to mouth contact (putting pens/pencils in the mouth).
Where teaching and learning involves use of keyboards or tablets, the contact surface of the device will be cleaned regularly and hand hygiene encouraged.
Physical Distancing outside of the classroom and within the school
School drop off/collection
Arrangements for dropping off/collecting pupils will be arranged to encourage physical distancing of 2m where possible.
From Monday, 31st August –
Arrivals-
- 5th & 6th classes 8.50am - 9.00am
- 3rd & 4th classes 9.00am - 9.10am
- 1st & 2nd classes 9.10am - 9.20am
Departures –
- 5th & 6th classes – 2.20pm
- 3rd & 4th Classes – 2.30pm
- 1st & 2nd classes – 2.40pm
Walking/cycling to school will be encouraged as much as possible.
Arrangements will be made to maintain a distance of 2m between parents and guardians and between parents and guardians and school staff.
At CBS Primary Mitchelstown the aim of any arrangements is to avoid congregation of people at the school gates where physical distancing may not be respected.
Additional access points will be used to reduce congestion.
On arrival at to CBS Primary pupils will head straight to their small group designated learning classroom.
Staff
A distance of 2m is recommended for physical distancing by staff. This is particularly relevant to distancing between adults when they are not engaged in teaching such as the staff room and arriving to work.
If 2m cannot be maintained in staff groups, as much as distance as is possible and updated guidance on face covering will be observed.
Physical distancing will be observed between staff members within the staff room through the use of staggered breaks etc.
Staff meetings will be held remotely or in small groups or in large spaces to facilitate physical distancing.
At CBS Primary Mitchelstown we have a no hand shaking policy.
We will minimise gathering of school staff at the beginning or end of the school day.
Staff can rotate between areas/classes but this will be minimized where possible.
At CBS Primary Mitchelstown physical distancing is applied in canteen facilities.
Corridors
Briefly passing someone in a hall is very unlikely to contribute significantly to the spread of infection if people do not have physical contact and avoid informal group discussions.
Yard/Supervision
The risk of transmission from contact with outside surfaces or play areas is low.
Play time/outdoor activities will be staggered to minimise crowding at the entrance and exits.
It is not possible to maintain physical distancing when pupils in primary or special schools play together outdoors, but in so far as practical we will keep to consistent groups.
Break times and outdoor access will be staggered.
Children will be encouraged to perform hand hygiene before and after outdoor activities.
Equipment sharing will be minimised and shared equipment cleaned between uses by different people.
5.5) Use of PPE in CBS Primary
The updated advice from the HPSC to the Department of Education has recommended that face coverings will be worn by staff members where it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres from other staff, parents, essential visitors or pupils. The Department has accepted this recommendation. Accordingly, it is now a requirement for face coverings to be worn by staff members where it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres from other staff, parents, essential visitors or pupils.
PPE will also need to be used at certain work activities or work areas. These might include roles such as:
· Performing intimate care
· Where a suspected case of COVID-19 is identified while the school is in operation
· Where staff are particularly vulnerable to infection but are not in the list of those categorised as people in very high risk groups, or may be living with people who are in a very high risk category
· Administering first aid
· Parent Teacher meetings
Where staff provide healthcare to children with medical needs in the school environment they will apply standard precautions as per usual practice.
Reception Area
Perspex will be used in reception areas where it is not possible for staff to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres from other staff or students.
Face Coverings/Face Visors/Masks
Cloth face coverings act as a barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from travelling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the face covering coughs, sneezes, talks or raises their voice. Cloth face coverings are therefore intended to prevent transmission of the virus from the wearer (who may not know that they are infected) to those with whom they come into close contact.
In childcare and educational settings, the implementation of mandatory face-covering usage is challenging, as it is known that children will have a lower tolerance and ability to use the face covering properly, and use of face-coverings by teachers and staff caring for very young children may cause undue stress to the children.
It is not recommended that children attending primary school wear face-coverings.
It is now a requirement for face coverings to be worn by staff members where it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres from other staff, parents, essential visitors or pupils.
In certain situations the use of clear visors will be considered, for example staff interacting with pupils with hearing difficulties or learning difficulties.
Cloth face coverings will not be worn by any of the following groups:
· Primary school children
· Any person with difficulty breathing
· Any person who is unconscious or incapacitated
· Any person who is unable to remove the face-covering without assistance
· Any person who has special needs and who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing the face covering, for example persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, sensory concerns or tactile sensitivity.
All staff wearing face coverings will be reminded to not touch the face covering and to wash or sanitise their hands (using hand sanitiser) before putting on and after taking off the face covering.
Information will be provided on the proper use, removal, and washing of cloth face coverings
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/aac74c-guidance-on-safe-use-of-face-coverings/
At CBS Primary Mitchelstown additional disposable face coverings will be available for staff in case a back-up face covering is needed during the day.
Whilst staff may wish to utilize their own face covering on a day-to-day basis our school will have available a stock of additional disposable or multi-use face coverings, or if appropriate face visors, available for staff in case a back-up face covering is needed throughout the day or where required on an ongoing basis.
Wearing a face covering or mask does not negate the need to stay at home if symptomatic.
Gloves
The use of disposable gloves in the school by pupils or staff is not generally appropriate but may be necessary for cleaning, intimate care settings and when administering first aid. For this reason a stock of disposable gloves will be available for all staff.
Routine use does not protect the wearer and may expose others to risk from contaminated gloves.
Routine use of disposable gloves is not a substitute for hand hygiene.
Aprons
Aprons may also be appropriate in certain circumstances including for intimate care needs or for staff assigned to cleaning an area where a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 was present. These will be available for all staff.
6) Impact of COVID-19 on certain school activities
Choir/Music Performance
Choir practices/performances and music practices/performances involving wind instruments may pose a higher level of risk. These activities are therefore under review and have been ceased until further notice.
Sport Activities
Our School will refer to the HPSC guidance on Return to Sport.
Sporting activities at CBS Primary are therefore under review and have been ceased until further notice.
Shared Equipment
Toys
All toys will be cleaned on a regular basis for example weekly. This will remove dust and dirt that can harbour germs.
Toys that are visibly dirty or contaminated with blood or bodily fluids will be taken out of use immediately for cleaning or disposal.
If cloth or soft toys are used they will be machine washable.
Jigsaws, puzzles and toys that young pupils to those with special educational needs may be inclined to put into their mouths will be capable of being washed and disinfected.
All play equipment will be checked for signs of damage for example breaks or cracks. If they cannot be repaired or cleaned they will be discarded.
Clean toys and equipment will be stored in a clean container or clean cupboard. The manufacturer’s instructions will always be followed.
At this time soft modelling materials and play dough where used will be for individual use only.
Cleaning Procedure for Toys
· Wash the toy in warm soapy water, using a brush to get into crevices.
· Rinse the toy in clean water.
· Thoroughly dry the toy.
· Some hard plastic toys may be suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher.
· Toys that cannot be immersed in water that is electronic or wind up will be wiped with a damp cloth and dried.
· In some situations toys/equipment may need to be disinfected following cleaning for example: toys/equipment that pupils place in their mouths. Toys/equipment that have been soiled with blood or body fluids or toys where a case of COVID-19 has been identified.
· If disinfection is required: A chlorine releasing disinfectant will be used diluted to a concentration of 1,000ppm available chlorine. The item will be rinsed and dried thoroughly.
Art –
Pupils will be encouraged to have their own individual art and equipment supplies.
Electronics –
Shared electronic devices such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards will be cleaned between use and consideration could be given to the use of wipeable covers for electronics to facilitate cleaning.
Musical Equipment/Instruments
– Instruments will not be shared between pupils and if sharing is required, the instruments will be cleaned between uses.
Library Policy –
Where practical pupils will have their own books. Textbooks that are shared will be covered in a wipeable plastic covering that can be wiped with a suitable household cleaning agent between uses. Pupils will be encouraged to perform hand hygiene after using any shared item.
Shared Sports Equipment –
Minimise equipment sharing and clean shared equipment between uses by different people.
7) Hygiene and Cleaning in Schools
In CBS Primary Mitchelstown each school setting will be cleaned at least once per day. Additional cleaning if available will be focused on frequently touched surfaces – door handles, hand rails, chairs/arm rests, communal eating areas, sink and toilet facilities.
All staff will have access to cleaning products and will be required to maintain cleanliness of their own work area. Under no circumstances will these cleaning materials be removed from the building.
Staff will thoroughly clean and disinfect their work area before and after use each day.
There will be regular collection of used waste disposal bags from offices and other areas within the school facility.
Staff must use and clean their own equipment and utensils (cup, cutlery, plate etc.)
Cleaning/Disinfecting rooms where a pupil/staff member with suspected COVID-19 was present
The room will be cleaned as soon as practicably possible.
Once the room is vacated the room will not be reused until the room has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and all surfaces are dry.
Disinfection only works on things that are clean. When disinfection is required it is always as well as cleaning.
Person assigned to cleaning will avoid touching their face while they are cleaning and will wear household gloves and a plastic apron.
The environment and furniture will be cleaned using disposable cleaning cloths and a household detergent followed by disinfection with a chlorine based product (household bleach).
Special attention will be paid to frequently touched surfaces, the back of chairs, couches, door handles and any surfaces that are visibly soiled with body fluids.
Once the room has been cleaned and disinfected and all surfaces are dry, the room can be reused.
If a pupil or staff diagnosed with COVID-19 spent time in a communal area , play area or if they used the toilet or bathroom facilities, then the areas will be cleaned with household detergent followed by a disinfectant (as outlined in the HPSC interim health advice) as soon as is practically possible.
8) Dealing with a Suspected Case of COVID-19
Staff or pupils will not attend school if displaying any symptoms of COVID-19. The following outlines how CBS Primary Mitchelstown will deal with a suspected case that may arise in a school setting.
Two designated isolation area have be identified within the school building.
If a staff member/pupil displays symptoms of COVID-19 while at school the following are the procedures to be implemented:
· If the person with the suspected case is a pupil, the parents/guardians will be contacted immediately;
· We will Isolate the person and have a procedure in place to accompany the individual to the designated isolation area via the isolation route, keeping at least 2m away from the symptomatic person and also making sure that others maintain a distance of at least 2m from the symptomatic person at all times;
· If it is not possible to maintain a distance of 2m a staff member caring for a pupil will wear a face covering or mask. Gloves will not be used as the virus does not pass through skin;
· We will provide a mask for the person presenting with symptoms. He/she will wear the mask if in a common area with other people or while exiting the premises;
· We will assess whether the individual who is displaying symptoms can immediately be directed to go home/be brought home by parents who will call their doctor and continue self-isolation at home;
· We will facilitate the person presenting with symptoms remaining in isolation if they cannot immediately go home and facilitate them calling their doctor. The individual will avoid touching people, surfaces and objects. Advice will be given to the person presenting with symptoms to cover their mouth and nose with the disposable tissue provided when they cough or sneeze and put the tissue in the waste bag provided;
· If the person is well enough to go home, we will arrange for them to be transported home by a family member, as soon as possible and advise them to inform their general practitioner by phone of their symptoms. Public transport of any kind will not be used;
· If they are too unwell to go home or advice is required, contact 999 or 112 and inform them that the sick person is a Covid-19 suspect;
· We will carry out an assessment of the incident which will form part of determining follow-up actions and recovery;
· We will arrange for appropriate cleaning of the isolation area and work areas involved –
The HSE will inform any staff/parents who have come into close contact with a diagnosed case via the contact tracing process. The HSE will contact all relevant persons where a diagnosis of COVID-19 is made. The instructions of the HSE will be followed and staff and pupil confidentiality is essential at all times.
9) Special Educational Needs
Additional considerations for those with Special Educational Needs
For children with special educational needs (SEN) maintaining physical distancing in many instances will not be practical or appropriate to implement. The focus will therefore be on emphasising that parents/guardians will have a heightened awareness of signs, symptoms or changes in baseline which suggests illness/COVID-19 infection and where symptoms are present children will not attend school.
Similarly staff will be aware of their responsibility not to attend work if they develop signs or symptoms of respiratory illness.
Hand hygiene
Children who are unable to wash their hands by themselves will be assisted to clean their hands using soap and water or a hand sanitiser (if their hands are visibly clean) as outlined previously.
Equipment
Some children may have care needs (physical or behavioural) which requires the use of aids and appliances and/or medical equipment for example toileting aids, moving and handling equipment, respiratory equipment. Where cleaning of aids and appliances is carried out in the school it is recommended that a cleaning schedule is provided, detailing when and how the equipment is cleaned and the cleaning products to be used in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.
The following points can guide the development of such cleaning schedule:
· Equipment used to deliver care will be visibly clean;
· Care equipment will be cleaned in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. Cleaning is generally achieved using a general purpose detergent and warm water.
· Equipment that is used on different children must be cleaned and, if required, disinfected immediately after use and before use by another child e.g. toileting aids;
· If equipment is soiled with body fluids:
First clean thoroughly with detergent and water;
Then disinfect by wiping with a freshly prepared solution of disinfectant; Rinse with water and dry.
10) Staff Duties
Staff have a statutory obligation to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of their colleagues and other parties. The cooperation and assistance of all staff is essential to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 and to protect health and safety as far as possible within the school. All staff have a key role to play. In this regard and in order to facilitate a safe return to work, these duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
· Adhere to the School COVID-19 Response Plan and the control measures outlined.
· Complete the RTW form before they return to work.
· Must inform the principal if there are any other circumstances relating to COVID19, not included in the form, which may need to be disclosed to facilitate their safe return to the workplace.
· Must complete COVID-19 Induction Training and any other training required prior to their return to school.
· Must be aware of, and adhere to, good hygiene and respiratory etiquette practices.
· Coordinate and work with their colleagues to ensure that physical distancing is maintained.
· Make themselves aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 and monitor their own wellbeing.
· Self-isolate at home and contact their GP promptly for further advice if they display any symptoms of COVID-19.
· Not return to or attend school if they have symptoms of COVID-19 under any circumstances.
· If they develop any symptoms of COVID-19 whilst within the school facility, they will adhere to the procedure outlined above.
· Keep informed of the updated advice of the public health authorities and comply with same.
11) COVID-19 related Absence Management
The management of a COVID-19 related absence will be managed in line with agreed procedures with the Department of Education.
12) Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme
The Department recognises the need for school staff wellbeing and collective self-care. Support for school staff wellbeing will be provided by Department Support Services including the PDST and CSL, as well as by the HSE’s Health Promotion Team. An Occupational Health Strategy is in place as a supportive resource for staff in schools. The aim of the Occupational Health Strategy is to promote the health and wellbeing of employees in the workplace, with a strong focus on prevention. The Occupational Health Strategy comprises the Employee Assistance Service and the Occupational Health Service. The Employee Assistance Service (EAS) is provided by Spectrum.Life under the logo of ‘Wellbeing Together: Folláinne Le Chéile’.
Under the EAS, employees have a dedicated free-phone confidential helpline 1800 411 057 available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year providing advice on a range of issues such as wellbeing, legal, financial, mediation, management support etc. Where required, short-term counselling is available to employees and their families (over the age of 18 years and living at home). A bespoke wellbeing portal and app which offers access to podcasts and blogs on topics around wellbeing and mental health, family life, exercise and nutrition is also available. In addition online cognitive behavioural therapy is provided. As part of the services provided by Spectrum.Life a Mental Health Promotion Manager is available to develop and deliver evidence based mental health and wellbeing initiatives to reduce stigma and improve mental health literacy and to increase engagement with the service. They will also be providing a series of webinars and presentations to promote staff wellbeing in schools as schools reopen and during the upcoming school year.
Collaborative ApproachResponsibility for the development and implementation of the COVID-19 Response Plan and the associated control measures lies primarily with the Board of Management and school management.
Strong communication and a shared collaborative approach is key to protecting against the spread of COVID-19 in schools, and looking after the health, safety and wellbeing of staff and students. Adherence to the Return to Work Protocol will only be achieved if everyone has a shared responsibility in implementing the measures contained within the Protocol in their place of work.
If a staff member has any concerns or observations in relation to the COVID-19 Response Plan, control measures or the adherence to such measures by staff, students or others, they will contact the LWR who will engage with school management.
Role of the Lead Worker Representative in summary, the role of the LWR is to:
- Represent all staff in the workplace regardless of role, and be aware of specific issues that may arise in respect of different staff cohorts;
- Work collaboratively with school management to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of employees in relation to COVID-19;
- Keep up to date with the latest COVID-19 public health advice;
- In conjunction with school management, promote good hygiene practices such as washing hands regularly and maintaining good respiratory etiquette along with maintaining social distancing in accordance with public health advice;
- Assist school management with the implementation of measures to suppress COVID-19 in the workplace in line with the Return to Work Safely Protocol and current public health advice;
- In conjunction with school management, monitor adherence to measures put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19;
- Conduct regular reviews of safety measures;
- Report any issues of concern immediately to school management and keep records of such issues and actions taken to rectify them;
· Following any incident assess with the school management any follow up action that is required;
- Consult with colleagues on matters relating to COVID-19 in the workplace;
- Make representations to school management on behalf of their colleagues on matters relating to COVID-19 in the workplace.
What can a Lead Worker Representative Do?
The LWR may consult with, and make representations to, school management on any issue of concern in relation to COVID-19. These include issues in relation to:
· Cleaning protocols and their implementation
· Physical Distancing
· Implementation of one-way systems in the school to ensure social distancing including when entering and exiting the school
· Hand Hygiene facilities including their location and whether they are stocked and maintained
· Hand sanitising
· Staff awareness around hand hygiene in the school
· Respiratory hygiene
· Personal Protective Equipment
· At Risk Groups
· Visitors/Contractors
Deputy Lead Worker Representative/ Assistant Lead Worker Representative
In schools with less than 30 staff, a Deputy Lead Worker Representative will be appointed in addition to the LWR. The role of the Deputy LWR will be to deputise as LWR where the LWR is absent.
In schools with 30 or more staff and in all Special schools, an Assistant Lead Worker Representative will be appointed in addition to the LWR. The role of the Assistant LWR will be to:
· assist the LWR in their duties as set out above; and
· deputise as LWR where the LWR is absent
Procedure for dealing with issues that arise
Where an issue of concern is identified by the LWR (or is notified to the LWR by a staff member), the LWR will bring this to the attention of the Principal. Action points for addressing the issue will where possible be agreed between the LWR and the Principal. Staff will be informed of the outcome.
If agreement cannot be reached, the LWR may notify the Board of Management (Chairperson of the BoM in the first instance)/ Education and Training Board head office of the issue. Action points for addressing the issue will where possible be agreed between the LWR and the BoM/ETB head office. Staff will be informed of the outcome.