Health, Safety and Wellbeing Guidance

Core I Consider I ComplexPreparing your school for full opening from September 2020

This replaces the earlier document Preparing your school for wider opening from 1 June 2020Version 6

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Health, Safety and Wellbeing Service

Introduction

The Health, Safety and Wellbeing Service can support schools with health, safety and wellbeing advice during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Government advice is being updated often and therefore all government guidance is not reproduced here but is available from https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/guidance-for-schools-coronavirus-covid-19#overarching-guidance-for-educational-settings

Staffordshire Schools should also note the communications from Assistant Director for Education Strategy and Improvement and the SCC Transport team.

This document is version 6 in a series of guidance support document issues since March 2020, this version now includes information for the full opening of schools in Sept 2020. A version control section can be found at the end of the document.

NOTESome schools will have remained open during the period of lockdown and others will have been closed, therefore the implementation of this guidance may vary depending upon the status of each school.

1. Preparing premises and school sites for wider opening

Numerous premises checks are required in schools throughout the year. Premises checks include:

- statutory checks and thorough examinations such as water system safety testing, emergency lighting and lifting equipment checks.

- management checks such as inspections of work equipment (ladders), school curriculum equipment (PE equipment) and premises features (fire doors/playgrounds)

Schools supported by the HSW Service can see the Covid-19 Essential Premises Checklist here: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Coronavirus-HSW-Service-Support/Premises-and-procedures.aspx

Or review the Audit and Evaluation Checklist here: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Health-and-Safety/Audit-and-Evaluation/1.-Premises-or-Team-Evaluation.aspx

For all schools, where inspection and checks have continued during the lockdown or partial closures, schools are advised to continue with these once wider opening commences.

Schools who have NOT continued with statutory checks may have further work to do in re-commissioning plant and equipment prior to wider opening OR may have to discontinue use of items/equipment until they can be inspected and checked. Schools are advised to refer

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to their property services provider for information on what might be required if statutory checks are not taking place. In addition to the Government Guidance linked above, the Dept for Education Guidance Managing school premises during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Updated 7 July 2020 contains advice on premises requirements and checks for schools which must be in place.

Ventilation arrangements

Where possible, all spaces should be well ventilated using natural ventilation (opening windows) or ventilation units. Prop doors open, where safe to do so (bearing in mind fire safety and safeguarding), to limit use of door handles and aid ventilation. Please also see an additional section on Fire Doors in Section 16 below. Where windows cannot open due to mechanical failure seek support for your property service to arrange repairs. Where mechanical ventilation is in place this should be checked to ensure it is in working order.

Outdoor spaces

When considering outside spaces for curriculum activities or for exercise and breaks, grounds and locations must be suitably checked for defects and any hazards removed. Schools will already have visual checks of outside areas in place alongside more regular recorded checks, these should continue, and any other areas brought into use added to the checking procedures. Consideration should be given within the setting risk assessment on management of these activities (use by groups), and the cleaning of contact points. Some shared equipment may need to be taken out of use if this cannot take place.Outdoor equipment / toys should not be used unless the school is able to ensure that it is appropriately cleaned between groups of children and young people using it, and that multiple groups do not use it simultaneously. Fixed outdoor play equipment must also be inspected and checked in line with the guidance on the SLN https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Health-and-Safety/Procedures/Equipment/Fixed-Outdoor-Play-Equipment/Fixed-Outdoor-Play-Equipment.aspx

2. Returning to school

2.1 Who may not attend school?Any member of staff, pupil or member of the school community who is unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature or a loss of or change in normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia) should not attend school.Additionally, anyone who has someone in their household who has coronavirus symptoms must not attend.

2.2. Who can now attend school?All pupils and staff are now permitted to return to school from September. It is recommended that individual risk assessments are in place for any person – staff or pupil -

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who may be at increased risk and this may include those who were previously shielding, are pregnant or those in a risk group. (See 5. Risk Assessment below).

Part of any risk assessment will be the communication between school leaders and those staff and pupils (and their families) around how risks are managed within school. If people with significant risk factors are concerned about returning, the government recommends discussions around concerns and the measures the school is putting in place to reduce risks to reassure and give confidence that appropriate controls are in place. School leaders should try as far as practically possible to accommodate additional measures for staff where appropriate.

People who live with those who have comparatively increased risk from coronavirus (COVID-19) – see 2.2.3. can attend the workplace.

Individual risk assessments may be required for the groups below:

2.2.1. Those who were previously shielding Shielding advice – children and young people Shielding advice will pause on August 1st. Therefore, most children and young people who were previously advised to shield, or who live with someone who was shielding can return to school. However, there may be some children and young people under the care of a clinician who are still advised not to attend and should continue to be supported at home with remote education.

If there is a rise in the transmission of disease locally, children and young people may be advised to shield during the period of the increased transmission and may not attend school at this time.

Shielding advice – staff Government advice remains that those who can work from home should still do so. Staff who are clinically vulnerable and staff who were designated as extremely clinically vulnerable and were advised to shield are now advised they can return to work (from 1st Aug) as long as they are able to maintain social distancing (2m, or 1m with risk mitigation where 2m is not viable).Government advice states that flexibility in how staff are deployed is required to enable staff to work remotely, or in roles where social distancing can be maintained. Staff who live with those who are clinically vulnerable or extremely clinically vulnerable can return to work.

2.2.2. Pregnant staff Staff who are pregnant should still follow the government guidance on clinically vulnerable people https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

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2.2.3. Staff who may otherwise be at increased risk from coronavirus (COVID-19)Some people with particular characteristics may be at comparatively increased risk from coronavirus (COVID-19). These groups may include:

older males; have a high body mass index (BMI); have health conditions such as diabetes; are from some Black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME*) backgrounds - staff member or

family / household members.

3. Wellbeing

The Wellbeing for Education Return programme starting in September – will support staff working in schools and colleges to respond to the additional pressures some children and young people may be feeling as a direct result of the pandemic, as well as to any emotional response they or their teachers may still be experiencing from bereavement, stress, trauma or anxiety over the past months.

3.1 Staff health and wellbeingGoverning bodies/boards and senior leaders must take positive steps to manage the wellbeing of all staff, including the headteacher and senior leaders themselves. Any working practices including flexible working practices/timetabling/start and finish timings must promote good work-life balance and support the wellbeing of teachers and leaders.Workload should be carefully managed and schools should assess whether staff who are working from home due to health conditions or have individual risk assessments are able to support colleagues or manage remote education, while others focus on face-to-face provision.

For schools supported by the HSW Service, information on mental health and staff wellbeing is available on the MindKind pages of the SLN: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Mindkind/MindKind.aspx and headteachers/school leaders are encouraged to provide some time for staff to see this information if they so wish.

A personal Wellbeing Action Plan on the SLN MindKind website is designed for colleagues to use to help them manage their own wellbeing. It's a personalised, practical tool to help identify what keeps you well, what causes you to become unwell and how to look after your mental health, both at work and at home. https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Mindkind/Looking-after-yourself/Looking-after-yourself.aspx

School leaders are asked to review their Team Stress Risk Assessment with staff groups and any individual stress risk assessments as soon as possible in the Autumn term.

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3.2 Pupil Wellbeing The government has provided a wide range of information and links on pupil wellbeing in their guidance. This has been added to further – details here - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools#pupil-wellbeing-and-support

Government guidance also includes information for schools in planning likely mental health, pastoral or wider wellbeing support for children returning to school (for example, bereavement support). COVID-19: guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing

Information from the SCC Education Psychology Service for schools is on the COVID-19 section of the Staffordshire Connects Local Offer: https://www.staffordshireconnects.info/kb5/staffordshire/directory/site.page?id=OkBI3Lx7hTQ Where a child or young person has an individual risk assessment, has special education needs, disability or has an EHC plan, an assessment of their wellbeing must form part of that plan.

4. Testing for Covid-19

Anyone in the community who develops Covid -19 symptoms should be tested.Priority access to testing is available to all essential workers and their households. This includes anyone involved in education, childcare or social work - including both public and voluntary sector workers, as well as foster carers. Essential workers, and those who live with them, can book tests directly online - see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested#essential-workers

Education, childcare and children’s social care settings, as employers, can obtain a log in to a secure online employer referral portal, through which they can upload a full list of names of self-isolating essential workers that need a test. See Employer Referral on this link - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested#employer-referral

4.1 Symptoms and actions to takeIf a person has symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, medical advice is to immediately self-isolate at home for at least 10 days from when symptoms started. Anyone in the school community who has these symptoms should advise school and arrange to be tested. (see Testing above). If a person tests negative, other members of their household can stop self-isolating. If they feel well and no longer have symptoms similar to coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, they can stop self-isolating. They could still have another virus, such as a cold or flu - in which case it is still best to avoid contact with other people until they are better.If they test positive, they should follow the Coronavirus (COVID-19): Stay at home guidance

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for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection. Additionally, any person whose household member tests positive for Covid-19 must also isolate for 14 days.

Test and trace serviceTesting is now available for both adults and children and the government Testing and Tracing service is running https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works For further information see the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/ or contact NHS 119.

When someone tests positive in the school community - or has visited school - the Test and Trace Service will be requesting information from the school about the contacts that person may have had and the school’s arrangements for risk control. For this reason, it is important that schools retain records of pupil groups/mixing and the contacts staff have with pupil groups and retain for at least 21 days.

4.3 What will happen if you have an outbreak in your school - information on Local Outbreak Control PlansThe Local Outbreak Control plans can be found on the SCC Website - https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Coronavirus/Information-for-providers/Health-and-safety-advice-for-schools/Local-Outbreak-Control-Plans.aspx

SLN - https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Coronavirus-HSW-Service-Support/Covid-19-workplace-guidance/Local-Outbreak-Control-Plans.aspx

If you have an outbreak you will be contacted by either Public Health England (PHE) or the local Authority Outbreak Control Team.

Settings are advised to report outbreaks e.g. where they have 2 or more confirmed/suspected cases within 14 days (linked to staff or pupils) to Public Health England and the Local Authority Outbreak Management Team. If they have a single case, they are also encouraged to report this to the Local Authority Outbreak Management Team for early advice and support.

Please report by emailing the council C19LocalOutbreakControl@staffordshire.gov.uk The Education and Early Years LA Outbreak control team can be contacted on C19LOC.education@staffordshire.gov.uk

PHE West Midlands have prepared advice and a resource pack for schools along with template letters to use should an outbreak occur. These can be found on the SLN / SCC website links above. PHE and/or the Local Outbreak Control team will work with schools and advise how to use these if required.

See section 8. below for actions to take if someone in school becomes unwell.

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4.4 Home Testing Kits supplied to schools As part of a government initiative schools will receive directly an initial supply of Covid-19 home test kits. Email notifications will be sent two days before delivery. Guidance on replenishment of kits will be published shortly. Once available, a stock of kits should be maintained.

Schools should only offer a home test kit to individuals who have developed symptoms while at school or college (or to their parent or carer if the child is under 18) in the exceptional circumstance that you believe they may have barriers to accessing a test elsewhere, and that giving them a home test kit directly will therefore significantly increase the likelihood of them getting tested.

Any school who issues a home testing kit should also inform the Education and Early Years LA Outbreak control team on C19LOC.education@staffordshire.gov.uk

4.5 Temperature checkingTemperature checking does not form part of the government guidance and only covers one of the symptoms. If you choose to undertake temperature checks, ensure you have a clear policy on this, and it is done with the consent of parents. Good hygiene arrangements must be in place. The thermometer used must be of the non-contact type and must be recalibrated in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Risk Assessments

5.1 General school and premises risk assessmentAll schools created a Covid-19 risk assessment as part of plans for wider opening, these risk assessments must now be reviewed as part of the further planning for September.

We originally advised that schools create one risk assessment for Covid-19 rather than updating and reviewing all school risk assessments, and we would still advise that this is the case.

From September, any existing risk assessments where control measures may need to be changed or updated as a result of the risks of COVID-19 must also be reviewed. An example may be playground risk assessments or Fire Risk Assessment.

The example template Risk Assessment has been updated - see the SLN: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Coronavirus-HSW-Service-Support/Covid-19-workplace-guidance/Covid-19-workplace-guidance.aspx

OR visit the Staffordshire Website to view the example template Risk Assessment: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Coronavirus/Information-for-providers/Health-and-safety-advice-for-schools/Health-and-safety-advice-for-schools.aspx

The risk assessment must be adapted to ensure it is suitable and sufficient for the school and include the areas of risk specific to the school’s premises/activities. Risk assessments

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should be developed with involvement from staff groups and the identified control measures must be communicated to staff, pupils and parents as appropriate.

Key risk assessment steps are: identify any activity or situations might cause transmission of the virus; think about who could be at risk; decide how likely it is that someone could be exposed; act to remove the activity or situation, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk.

5.2 Individual Risk Assessments An individual risk assessment will be required for any member of the school community for whom Covid-19 may present a higher risk. This may include staff, pupils, or governors or member of senior or wider leadership teams if there is a MAT and anyone in section 2. above. Review of any current risk assessments for staff or individual pupils may also need to take place prior to September.

Guidance on carrying out an Individual Risk Assessment for COVID-19 is available on the SLN: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Coronavirus-HSW-Service-Support/Covid-19-workplace-guidance/Covid-19-workplace-guidance.aspx

OR on the Staffordshire Website: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Coronavirus/Information-for-providers/Health-and-safety-advice-for-schools/Health-and-safety-advice-for-schools.aspx

Example Individual Risk Assessments have been developed to assist schools in developing these assessments for staff. These can also be found on the pages linked above.

5.2.1 Children and young people with SEND and education, health and care (EHC) plansGuidance for settings supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disability SEND and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans includes reviewing and updating the individual risk assessment in place for those pupils. Guidance is clear that any return to school/setting of pupils with an EHC plan or SEND should be informed by their risk assessment, the needs of the pupils and the ability of the school to support their needs.

In September where a risk assessment is still required, Special schools and other settings should ensure that risk assessments for pupils are kept up to date and reflect any changes in circumstances, including a change in the Covid-19 threat level. Risk assessments are also recommended to continue when a child or young person remains at home, to ensure they are still receiving the support they need.

The needs and views of the young person, their parents/carers, social workers (if appropriate) and school staff and other professionals may all need to be involved in reviewing the risk assessment (and EHC plan) for a the child or young person in order to

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decide the most appropriate support for them and where this support is best provided (for example home learning or a blended approach to learning might be deemed as more appropriate in the short term based on a risk assessment).

Please see the guidance on Updating risk assessments in the SEND Guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance

5.3 Risk Assessment - communication and consultation Any communications regarding risk assessment and procedures to be followed around Covid -19 must be communicated to all staff, pupils, parents and other stakeholders as appropriate. This may mean signage is required in other languages, using pictures/symbols and other age, language or disability appropriate communications.

Schools should consider publishing a copy of their Covid-19 Risk Assessment on the school website. Govt guidance for other businesses requires employers with over 50 staff to do this as part of their guidance to those businesses, so schools should consider this is they have large staff groups.

There is no requirement to provide risk assessments to parents for specific activities that take place in school, but a summary document regarding what actions the school have taken around risk assessments may be appropriate in this situation.

Headteacher and school leaders are also reminded that where trade union representation is in place in school, school leaders should discuss the plans for reopening with trades union representatives and that they may wish to carry out a health and safety inspection prior to the school being reopened.

6. System of controls and protective measures

As part of a framework of protective measures schools are asked to minimise the number of contacts a pupil has in the school day from September. A system of controls is included in government guidance that all schools are asked to include in their risk control measures from September. They are grouped into “prevention” actions and “response to any infection”.

This was updated in the government guidance published on Aug 28th 2020. Please see the next page.

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Prevention

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These are all considered below in more detail.

7. Prevention

Actions 1-5 must be in place at all times

Action 1 Ensuring that those who have coronavirus symptoms (or family contacts who do) do not attend school

Schools must ensure that all members of the school community are aware that no-one should attend the school if they feel unwell with Covid-19 symptoms. If staff or pupils report any symptoms of coronavirus in themselves or other family members, or they have tested positive for the virus they must not attend. See also section 8. What happens if someone becomes unwell at an educational or childcare setting?

Action 2 Where recommended the use of face-coverings in schoolsSee section 9 below.

Action 3Clean hands thoroughly more often than usual

Hand washing is one of the key risk control measures for Covid -19 so the school must put in place adequate hand washing facilities and hand washing routines following the available guidance. Ensure that all adults and children frequently wash their hands with soap and water often for 20 seconds and dry thoroughly.

Children and young people will require supervision and reminders of frequency of hand washing regularly. Where the numbers of washing facilities such as sinks are not sufficient or near enough to rooms or classrooms, consider the use of additional portable hand washing stations or provide hand sanitiser in classrooms and other learning environments, including outside.

Also note that hand sanitiser should not be used on dirty hands and the exclusive use of hand sanitiser should be discouraged - use soap and water after 5 uses of sanitiser. It is recommended that hand sanitiser stations are available at all main entrance and exit points.

Action 4 Robust respiratory hygiene (catch it, bin it, kill it)

Adopt the “catch it kill it bin it” approach as part of everyday routines in school. Younger pupils or those with complex needs may need to be supported with this – include this in individual risk assessments if necessary. Ensure there are sufficient bins, ideally with pedal operation around the school. Effectively dispose of rubbish.

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Action 5 Enhanced cleaning

As part of the effective infection protection and control measures an enhanced cleaning schedule using standard cleaning products should be implemented.

Frequently touched surfaces

As part of this enhanced cleaning schedule, schools must regularly clean frequently touched surfaces and rooms and shared areas used by different groups. This is more important as group sizes change from the summer term and more pupils and staff return to school in the Autumn.

Frequently touched surfaces may include (but are not limited to) the following:

door handles/touch plates sinks and toilets light switches handrails and bannisters tabletops/chairs electronic devices (such as phones, laptops and a computers)

When cleaning, use the usual products, like detergents and bleach, as these will be very effective at getting rid of the virus on frequently touched surfaces.

Resources for teaching and learning

Where different groups (bubbles) are using the same resources or equipment these can be shared within the group, but enhanced cleaning of these must take place between use by groups/bubbles. This includes cleaning of outside play equipment, toys, books, games and classroom resources. Guidance states that Sports, Art and Science equipment must be cleaned frequently and meticulously between groups and bubbles. Where the number of resources in use can accommodate this, using them in rotation, and isolating them after use for 48 hours (or 72 hours for plastics) could be considered.Government guidance does allow resources to be taken home, so handwashing and effective cleaning must be emphasised where this takes place.

Dining halls/halls/gyms and other shared space

Where groups are sharing dining halls/halls/gyms etc in rotation, government guidance suggest that there should be time allowed for cleaning surfaces in between groups. Social distancing should still be maintained where possible between pupils and staff and between older pupils where possible.

Office workstations/laptops/computer use

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Consider any arrangements you might need to make about the use of workstations/laptops and computers including hand hygiene considerations if equipment is shared. Enhanced cleaning must be in place in all areas where space and equipment are shared.

Classrooms

Classroom and other learning spaces should be subject to enhanced cleaning, especially if used for differing groups through the day. Again, if possible social distancing should be in place between staff and pupils, and between pupils if there is the ability to do so.

Toilets

The use of toilets by children and staff will need to be considered to maintain social distancing and hand hygiene. Different pupil groups may share toilets, but these must be cleaned regularly and hand hygiene after using the toilet must be encouraged. Consider the use of paper towels and suitable dispensers and foot operated bins, non-touch soap dispensers. Consider if toilets can be provided with seats with lids that can be closed before flushing? If so, provide signage in cubicles requesting lids be closed before flushing.

Staff only areas

The safe use of meeting rooms/staff rooms must be considered and communicated to staff Agree a maximum number of occupants for each room and provide signage and where possible use tape or remove seating that should not be used to ensure distancing.

Provide hand sanitiser in meeting/staff rooms and cleaning materials.

Holding meetings outdoors or in well-ventilated rooms. Encourage staff to bring their own food which does not require any preparation or heating in communal facilities, if you provide communal facilities such as a microwave, ensure effective cleaning after each use.

Remove all communal tea towels, shared equipment and cutlery and provide paper towels.

Personal belongings

Where possible staff and pupils should bring their own belongings to school each day and take them home at night-time, lockers can be used during the day for security. Handwashing after handling bags and belongings should be encouraged and sharing of equipment actively discouraged.

Contract cleaning and catering

Schools must review the cleaning regimes required with any contract cleaning or catering companies and if they are directly employed direct their work to meet increased cleaning

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requirements AND review and risk assessment or COSHH assessments as required. (see COSHH)

Further information on cleaning

For those schools supported by the HSW Service cleaning guidance and information on cleaning and disinfection can be found on the SLN page here:

https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Health-and-Safety/Procedures/Health/Diarrhoea-and-Vomiting/Community-outbreaks-of-Diarrhoea-and-Vomiting-DV.aspx

Infection control information including a film for staff to watch is also available on the SLN: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Health-and-Safety/Procedures/Health/Communicable-Diseases/Communicable-Diseases-and-Infection-Control.aspx

Following a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19), schools should follow the cleaning regimes and guidance in the government COVID-19: cleaning of non-healthcare settings guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings

Action 6. Must be properly considered and measures applied which suit the school circumstances.

Minimising contacts between people and maintain social distancing wherever possible

The overarching principle is to reduce the number of contacts between children and staff. This will depend upon pupils’ ability to distance, the school layout and the feasibility of keeping groups separate whilst delivering a broad curriculum.

For September onwards, keeping consistent groups is important, but schools may change their emphasis from the summer term and increase group sizes. Schools must also consider that in the event of someone in the group becoming ill and testing positive for Covid-19 the whole group may have to isolate as part of the test and trace process.

The government guidance recognises that keeping 2 metres distance may not be possible in primary school settings, in some settings due to space and with pupils with complex needs. In this case staff should avoid close face to face contact and minimise time within 1 metre of anyone. The risk will also be reduced with smaller groups. Older pupils may be able to and should be encouraged to social distance.

Principles to apply:

Groups may be any size and may need to be year group size. Groups should be kept apart from other groups.

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Large gatherings and assemblies, collective worship should be kept to the groups/bubbles.

Within the groups older children should be encouraged to keep distance with their peers, not touch each other or staff.

Schools must aim to limit interaction, sharing of rooms, social spaces between groups where capacity allows.

Indicate maximum capacity and use floor markings to indicate waiting spaces. Timetabling must consider keeping groups apart and how to minimise movement of

groups around the school. Groups may mix for specialist teaching, wrap around care and school transport. (see

13. School Transport) Whilst movement and passing in the corridor is low risk, schools should avoid

creating busy areas of movement around access and exit doors etc. Consider staggering start and end of the day, lunch and break times. Ensure drop off and pick up arrangements are set to minimise gatherings and

communicate this to parents. Manage visits to site by parents / groups – encourage appointment only meetings

which can be manged using social distancing.

Staff - minimising contacts between people

The number of groups a member of staff supports will influence the number of people who should isolate if an outbreak occurs. However, in many schools, staff moving between pupil groups will be a requirement to be able to deliver the broad curriculum required. Staff may operate across year groups and classes and where staff move between these groups, they should try to keep 2 metres away from other staff and pupils.

Schools should plan the shared spaces used by staff to support social distancing and the use of staff rooms must be minimised. Staff must have breaks or reasonable length throughout the day.

Principles to apply in classrooms for staff: Staff keeping 2 metres away in secondary schools at the front of the class. Maintain distance from colleagues. Re arrange desks and classes to support social distancing – seating pupils facing

forwards, side by side, removing unnecessary equipment and furniture.

Peripatetic teachers and supply staff, specialists and therapists Are able to move between schools Must ensure they minimise contact and maintain distance from other staff Support for pupils with SEND from clinicians and other specialists should continue as

normal.

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Other staff groups

For support staff, non-teaching staff, site-based contractors (catering and cleaning) and governors, arrangements will need to be in place to maintain the risk control measures principles of infection control in school.

Consideration should be given to having different arrangements for staff groups i.e. office-based staff and teaching staff and avoid interaction if possible. Alongside advice to schools the more general Govt guidance Working safely during COVID-19 in offices and contact centres https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/offices-and-contact-centres provides more information on this. Consider any arrangements you might need to make about the use of workstations/laptops and computers both from the need for social distancing for staff and pupils (office areas/ICT rooms).

Where staff carry out more than one role in school leaders must have clear systems of controls in place across all the risk control measures and be aware that staff working across groups may affect the risk of transmission and could impact on any isolation requirements if there is an outbreak in school.

Restrictive physical intervention/behaviour management

Transmission may occur during actions taken with behaviour management. Where possible, actions taken for behaviour management will not involve touching a pupil. It is advised that behaviour management plans be reviewed prior to pupils returning to school. Hand washing and respiratory hygiene as well as enhanced cleaning will also support risk controls.

Link to SLN page https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Health-and-Safety/Procedures/Management/Restrictive-Physical-Intervention/Restrictive-Physical-Intervention.aspx

Other people in school

Cleaning and Catering contracts

Headteachers and school leaders must discuss with their cleaning and catering contractors their new arrangements for managing the risk of Covid-19. Cleaning contractors will have new enhanced cleaning regimes, and this may be alongside other cleaning being done by school staff – thy must be able to maintain distance between themselves and pupils and other adults in the school setting.

Visitors, parental contact and non-essential visits to site

Schools should consider carefully which visitors may access their site and if these visits are necessary.

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As far as possible contact with visitors, parental meetings and attendance by colleagues not school based should be undertaken remotely, by phone or video call.

A record must be kept of all visitors (including professional visitors/support services personnel/contractors) to school sites as this may be required for test and trace. These should be retained for 21 days.

Where visitors/parents must enter the school premises arrangements must be in place to manage social distancing and good hygiene. Multi-use signing in sheets/pens should not be used, waiting areas must be managed and clear directions and signage must be in place.

Consideration should be given to staggering times when parents arrive and depart the school site from drop off and pick up for younger pupils, and schools must clearly communicate these arrangements.

School Reception

Consider the risk of operating a school reception area and avoid this where possible by using remote communication and signage, use of telephone meetings or where someone must access the site communication on site by radio or phone. Consider reception sneeze screens if they are appropriate.

Shared workplaces

Where schools are sharing a site or building with another organisation – such as a library/nursery, premises managers will need to agree safe working arrangements for minimising contact and maintaining social distancing which minimise risks for school staff and pupils and others across the site.

Other employers working on the site should share their COVID-19 workplace risk assessment with your setting so that you can co-operate and co-ordinate arrangements.

Action 7See PPE section 10

Actions 8 – 10. Response to any infectionMUST be followed in every case where they are relevant.

When there is an outbreak a school must respond as follows:

Engage with the NHS Test and Trace process Manage confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) amongst the school community Contain any outbreak by following local health protection team advice

8. What happens if someone becomes unwell at an educational or childcare setting?

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If staff, young people or children become unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature or a loss of, or change in normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia) they must be sent home and advised to follow the COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection guidance.

If a child or staff member is awaiting collection/waiting to go home, they should be moved, if possible, to a room where they can be isolated behind a closed door. Depending on the age of the child and with appropriate adult supervision if required. Ideally, a window should be opened for ventilation. If it is not possible to isolate them, move them to an area which is at least 2 metres away socially distant from other people.If they need to go to the bathroom while waiting to be collected, they should use a separate bathroom if possible. The bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected using standard cleaning products before being used by anyone else.When supervising pupils that are taken ill with symptoms of Covid -19 who need direct personal care until they return home staff should follow the PPE guidance.

Staff 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 which refers to cleaning following a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19).

If a member of staff has helped someone who was unwell with symptoms of Covid -19 they do not need to go home unless they develop symptoms themselves (and in which case, a test is available) or the person subsequently tests positive (see ‘What happens if there is a confirmed case of coronavirus in a setting?’ below) or they have been requested to do so by Test and Trace. See section 4.

8.1. What happens if there is a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in a setting? See information on Local Outbreak Control Plans: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Coronavirus/Information-for-providers/Health-and-safety-advice-for-schools/Local-Outbreak-Control-Plans.aspx

SLN - https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Coronavirus-HSW-Service-Support/Covid-19-workplace-guidance/Local-Outbreak-Control-Plans.aspx

(see also https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings )

When a child, young person or staff member develops symptoms compatible with coronavirus (COVID-19), they should be sent home and advised to self-isolate for 10 days and arrange to have a test to see if they have COVID-19. They can do this by visiting NHS.UK to arrange or contact NHS 119 by phone. Their household members should self-isolate for 14 days. All staff and students who are attending an education or childcare setting will have

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access to a test if they display symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) 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 their childcare or education setting should 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. (See 4. Above Test and Trace and Local Outbreak Control for more information and reporting requirements).

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.

8.2 Schools with residential provision Guidance on isolation for residential educational settings can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-isolation-for-residential-educational-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-isolation-for-residential-educational-settings

9. Face coverings

9.1 Face Coverings on Transport The government has given advice to the public on the wearing of face coverings on public transport and in confined spaces. Pupils (over the age of 11) who travel to school by public transport will be wearing face coverings as this is now required.

For dedicated school transport, in Staffordshire, parents are asked to provide children with face coverings to be worn during the journey. (See also communications from School Transport and seek advice from the County Council Transport Team if necessary).

Where pupils arrive at school wearing face coverings schools must ensure that an appropriate procedure is in place to remove these safely and communicate this to all pupils and staff. This procedure should include reminding all users not to touch the front of the face covering when using or removing it, and how to dispose of face-coverings in school or store them during the school day. It is advisable that the procedure also includes when pupils or staff can put their mask on, including how they do this safely at the end of the day. See the ‘How to wear a face-covering’ guidance leaflet from the HSW Service on the SLN:

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https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Coronavirus-HSW-Service-Support/Covid-19-workplace-guidance/Covid-19-workplace-guidance.aspx

9.2 Face-coverings in schoolsIn England, the government is not recommending the use of face coverings in schools generally because the system of controls already recommended in Govt guidance provides additional mitigating measures. From Sept 1st schools with pupils in Years 7 and above will now have the discretion to require face coverings in communal areas where social distancing cannot be safely managed, if they believe that it is right in their particular circumstances.Examples of circumstances where face coverings might be required by school leaders - in communal areas for both pupils and staff include:

where the layout of the setting makes it particularly difficult to maintain social distancing when staff and pupils are moving around the premises

where on top of hygiene measures and the system of controls already recommended, permitting the use of face coverings for staff, pupils or other visitors would provide additional confidence around the return to fill opening.

Government guidance also states - in primary schools where social distancing is not possible in indoor areas outside of classrooms between members of staff or visitors (for example, in staffrooms), head teachers will have the discretion to decide whether to ask staff or visitors to wear, or agree to them wearing face coverings in these circumstances. But children in primary school do not need to wear a face covering.

Used PPE and face coverings should not be put in a recycling bin, schools should provide extra bins for staff and pupils to throw away face coverings.

9.3 How to wear face-coveringsFace coverings must be worn correctly, and clear instructions should be provided to staff and pupils on how to put on, remove, store and dispose of face coverings to avoid inadvertently increasing the risks of transmission. Safe wearing of face coverings requires cleaning of hands before and after touching – including to remove or put them on. See the ‘How to wear a face-covering’ guidance leaflet from the HSW Service on the SLN: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Coronavirus-HSW-Service-Support/Covid-19-workplace-guidance/Covid-19-workplace-guidance.aspx

World Health Organisation advice on the wearing of fabric face masks is available in both video and poster formats. Schools may wish to use these as advice to both staff and pupils to ensure masks are worn and removed safely.

9.4 Face-coverings in the classroom Government guidelines state that on the basis of current evidence, in light of the mitigating measures education settings are taking, and the negative impact on communication, face

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coverings will not generally be necessary in the classroom even where social distancing is not possible. Face coverings can have a negative impact on learning and teaching and so their use in the classroom should be avoided.

9.5 Access to face coveringsWhere any pupil or staff member is struggling to access a face covering, or where they are unable to use their face covering due to having forgotten it or it having become soiled or unsafe, education settings should take steps to have a small contingency supply available to meet such needs. Public Health England has made available resources on how to make a simple face covering https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

9.6 Exemptions Some individuals are exempt from wearing face coverings, this is covered in the link above in 9.5. For example, people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability, or if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expression to communicate. Government advice states that the same exemptions will apply in education settings, and teachers and other staff are expected to be sensitive to those needs. Those who have an age, health or disability reason to not wear a face covering should not be routinely asked to provide any written evidence of this. No-one should be excluded from education on the grounds that they are not wearing a face covering.

9.7 Face-coverings where local restrictions apply - lockdown areasSchools should take additional precautionary measures in areas where the transmission of the virus is high. These areas are defined as areas of national government intervention (lockdown areas).

In these local lockdown areas, in education settings where Year 7 and above are educated, face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils when moving around, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain. As in the general approach, it will not usually be necessary to wear face coverings in the classroom, where protective measures already mean the risks are lower, and they may inhibit teaching and learning.

Face-coverings in Middle Schools in lockdown areasWhen schools are in areas defined as areas of government intervention (lockdown areas), schools where Year 7 and above are educated, face coverings must be worn by adults and pupils when moving around. In a Middle School, this would apply to some pupils and not others (those in lower year groups), therefore headteachers and school leaders may decide that face-coverings should be worn by all pupils in school during the intervention period.

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In the event of new local restrictions being imposed, schools will need to communicate quickly and clearly to staff, parents, pupils and learners that the new arrangements require the use of face coverings in certain circumstances.

10. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

10.1 Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Guidance states that PPE is only needed in a very small number of cases in school:

where an individual child, young person or other learner becomes ill with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms and only then if a distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained.

where a child, young person or learner already has routine intimate care needs that involves the use of PPE, in which case the same PPE should continue to be used as defined by their care plan.

Any PPE provided must have a CE mark on the item or the packaging and should be purchased in line with risk assessment needs. Home-made face coverings are not a safe alternative to the provision of Personal Protective Equipment.

10.2 PPE to be worn when caring for someone (pupil or staff) with symptoms of COVID-19If direct contact (within 2 metres) is required until they return home (for example if a pupil becomes unwell with symptoms of coronavirus while in school and needs direct personal care) then the following PPE is recommended:

a fluid-resistant surgical face mask disposable gloves disposable apron

If a risk assessment determines that there is a risk of splashing to the eyes, for example from coughing, spitting, or vomiting, then eye protection should also be worn.

10.3 How to wear PPEStaff required to wear PPE for specific tasks/activities must be fully aware of the appropriate way PPE must be worn, including the correct way to put on and remove.

Face masks must:

cover both nose and mouth not be allowed to dangle around the neck not be touched once put on, except when carefully removed before disposal be changed when they become moist or damaged be worn once and then discarded - hands must be cleaned after disposal

The government have not created specific guidance on the appropriate way to put on and remove PPE for schools, however, the guidance and films for care settings provide

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appropriate information for schools to use when using PPE for care needs. See the following:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-personal-protective-equipment-use-for-non-aerosol-generating-procedures

A guidance poster is also available and should be printed off as required: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877658/Quick_guide_to_donning_doffing_standard_PPE_health_and_social_care_poster__.pdf

Some PPE such as eye protection can be reusable with suitable cleaning and disinfection. Please refer to the relevant guidance:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877533/Routine_decontamination_of_reusable_noninvasive_equipment.pdf

Headteachers and senior leaders must ensure that they monitor the putting on/removing and wearing of PPE as required by local risk assessments.

Further guidance on PPE on the SLN https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Coronavirus-HSW-Service-Support/Covid-19-workplace-guidance/Covid-19-workplace-guidance.aspx or the SCC webpages https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Coronavirus/Information-for-providers/Health-and-safety-advice-for-schools/Health-and-safety-advice-for-schools.aspx

10.4 Supply / provision of PPE

Headteachers and senior leaders must ensure that where local risk assessments identify the need for PPE, that there is adequate provision. It is important that schools make arrangements for the regular ordering and provision of PPE to maintain supplies to meet needs. Please refer to the PPE Exchange for help in finding a supplier https://www.ppeexchange.co.uk/

Details of suppliers used by Staffordshire County Council during the Covid-19 situation can also be seen on the SLN and the Staffordshire website – please see links below. If in the future you identify a shortfall and need support please contact the county council HSW Service on shss@staffordshire.gov.uk and we will, where possible, support short term needs that are in line with current government guidance.

11. First aid

First Aid Provision A review of the school’s Assessment of First Aid Provision may be required prior to the Autumn term to ensure schools have sufficient numbers of first aiders in school with the pupil groups in place. First Aid assessment must include the provisions required for EYFS.

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See information about this on the SLN: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Health-and-Safety/Procedures/Health/First-Aid-Policy/First-Aid-Policy.aspx

First Aiders should be informed of the following key controls if treating a person with symptoms of Covid-19:

Wash/sanitise hands before and after treating a person - follow handwashing guidelines https://www.gov.uk/government/news/public-information-campaign-focuses-on-handwashing).

Wear PPE as required in 9.2 above. When performing CPR phone an ambulance and use compression only CPR until the

ambulance arrives. Use a cloth or towel to cover the casualty’s mouth and nose while still permitting breathing

First Aid rooms and First Aid Kits must be provided with the required PPE for First Aiders to access as needed.

12. Medication

Those schools supported by the HSW service can view the SLN Medication page https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Health-and-Safety/Procedures/Health/Drugs-and-Medications/Drugs-and-Medications-in-Schools-and-Nurseries.aspx

Schools should continue to administer medication as required and follow their usual procedures, maintaining social distancing where possible. Where an increased risk is identified then this should be reviewed on a risk assessment basis. Assess PPE requirements (if any) for staff administering medication. PPE requirements should be maintained where this was already in use.The following government guidance also gives further information on PPE required where pupils have complex medical needs - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care-settings-including-the-use-of-personal-protective-equipment-ppe#effective-infection-protection-and-control

Ensure that medical rooms and any adjacent toilet facilities are subject to the enhanced cleaning regimes in place and that surfaces are cleaned often during the day when rooms are in use. Ensure and encourage handwashing for all staff and pupils using these areas.

13. Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH)

The use of any substances and chemicals used in school must be risk assessed. This should include any additional cleaning substances used in school during this period. Please see

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https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Health-and-Safety/Procedures/Hazardous-Substances/Hazardous-Substances.aspx

13.1 Cleaning and catering staff – COSHH AssessmentsIncreased cleaning will be taking place during this period and school cleaners, contractors and catering staff must have a COSHH assessment in place for any cleaning substances/ substances hazardous to health in use.

13.2 -Staff use of substances - COSHH AssessmentsAny new substances brought to site must be risk assessed, this requires a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to be obtained and a risk assessment of the use of the substance to be carried out, NOTE an SDS is not a COSHH assessment. Staff will also be undertaking some cleaning (e.g. their own workspaces for example) so a COSHH assessment for substances used should be in place and communication of the control measures in a COSHH assessment must be given to all staff using the substances.

13.3 Hand Sanitiser COSHH Assessment An example hand sanitiser risk assessment is available. Schools supported by the HSW Service can view this on the https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Coronavirus-HSW-Service-Support/Covid-19-workplace-guidance/Covid-19-workplace-guidance.aspx or it can be viewed on the Staffordshire website: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Coronavirus/Information-for-providers/Health-and-safety-advice-for-schools/Health-and-safety-advice-for-schools.aspx

13.4 Bringing substances into school from home Individual staff may also wish to bring substances to school to clean their personal belongings. In this situation, if school leaders permit these substances to be brought to site, all good practice and usual arrangements must apply, and permission granted for their use once a COSHH assessment has taken place. Some pupils may wish to have their own hand sanitiser with them for personal use. This may be beneficial for pupils with allergies etc. Your settings policy on this should be considered and clearly communicated to parents. Pupils should be self-sufficient in being able to use and apply these safely.

14. School Transport and Government Travel Guidance for Educational settings.

Please see section 9. for information on face-coverings on school transport. Government guidance on school transport is available here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transport-to-school-and-other-places-of-education-autumn-term-2020/transport-to-school-and-other-places-of-education-autumn-term-2020#part-b-guidance-for-dedicated-transport-to-schools-and-other-places-of-education-for-autumn-term-2020 .

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools#transport

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Schools should refer to this guidance, the links above and any guidance from the School Transport team or transport provider on how this will be managed.

15. PE/Sport / outdoor games and extracurricular sports

Sports whose national governing bodies have developed guidance under the principles of the government’s guidance and been approved by the government are permitted.

Schools must only provide team sports from the list available in the document ‘Return to recreational team sport framework’: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/return-to-recreational-team-sport-framework

Schools can arrange and timetable PE and sports whilst following the system of controls they have in place. Principles to follow:

Keep pupils in small consistent groups Equipment used must be thoroughly cleaned between groups Avoid contact sports Prioritise outdoor sports Where sports take place inside, use large indoor spaces maximising distance between

people and scrupulous attention to cleaning and hygiene is required External facilities can be used, and government guidance on transport must be

followed if transport is used.

Schools should refer to the following guidance on Phased return of sport and recreation: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation

Also refer to guidance from:

Sport England for grassroot sport https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/coronavirus

Association for Physical Education https://www.afpe.org.uk/physical-education/wp-content/uploads/COVID-19-Interpreting-the-Government-Guidance-in-a-PESSPA-Context-FINAL.pdf

Youth Sport Trust https://www.youthsporttrust.org/coronavirus-support-schools Swim England on school swimming and water safety lessons available at returning to

pools guidance documents https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/pool-return-guidance-documents/

15.1 External sports coaches External coaches can be used to deliver curriculum PE/Sport where it is safe to do so within the school’s protective measures and should consider how the external provider will deliver their activities safely. Risk assessments should also be provided by external providers for

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school to make these decisions. See also section below on Wrap around care and before and after school clubs

16. Wrap around care and extracurricular provision

Breakfast clubs and after school provision can resume from September. Schools are asked to keep their groups and bubbles together as much as possible, if this cannot be done to use smaller consistent groups.

HSW Service have produced a short summary guide for before and after school provision – run by schools (not private organisations) which can be found on the SLN: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/secure/Schools/Health-and-Safety/Coronavirus-HSW-Service-Support/Covid-19-workplace-guidance/Covid-19-workplace-guidance.aspx

16.1 Wrap around care provided by other providers Schools should also be aware of the guidance for protective measures for out of school settings (Updated 20 August 2020) which is aimed for summer holiday childcare has now been extended to extend its applicability into the autumn school term.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protective-measures-for-holiday-or-after-school-clubs-and-other-out-of-school-settings-for-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/protective-measures-for-out-of-school-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

This guidance asks providers to:

keep children in small groups of no more than 15 children with the same children each time wherever possible (do not mix groups unless absolutely necessary) and at least one staff member

multiple groups of 15 plus staff can use the same shared space, if that is necessary, with distancing between the groups.

Where it is possible to do so, providers should also try to work with parents, the schools or early years settings which children attend to ensure, as far as possible, children can be kept in a group with other children from the same bubble they are in during the school day.

16.2 External Sports coaches providing after school provision / care / clubsGovernment guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protective-measures-for-holiday-or-after-school-clubs-and-other-out-of-school-settings-for-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/protective-measures-for-out-of-school-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak#who-can-attend-your-out-of-school-setting states that particular care should be taken to observe social distancing in the case of a sports setting because of the way in which people breathe more heavily and more rapidly during exercise.

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The group sizes guidance above will also apply to external sports coaches providing after school clubs etc.

17. Contractors

The information below applies to work being out by contractors, however, where schools have this work carried out by in-house staff, the principles below must also be considered and applied where required.

17.1 Cleaning contractorsSchool leaders should discuss with cleaning contractors how they will be operating, managing and using work equipment and how they will carry out infection control, hand hygiene and social distancing during their work and in work areas. The hazard exchange process should assist to record both the contractor and school arrangements. During this process schools should discuss how cleaning contractors will review their risk assessments and COSHH assessments in light of Covid -19 and this should be included in the hazard exchange process. (see also Cleaning and COSHH).

Schools should also discuss with cleaners what type of cleaning will also be carried out by others (such as school staff) during the day and ensure that all those carrying out cleaning duties are aware of who has responsibility for each type of cleaning to ensure that all enhanced and essential cleaning is completed. Cleaning must form part of the premises monitoring process.

Schools must ask any cleaning supplier to adhere to any school procedures and discuss any additional measures requested by their catering contractor.

Note that the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Service advice (pre Covid-19) is that school staff should not be using contractor owned equipment and visa-versa due to the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations. If cleaning equipment is being shared between school staff and contractors, then this should be stopped. If this cannot be avoided in the short term, then enhanced cleaning of equipment between the two groups must take place.

17.2 Catering contractorsIn addition to the above measures (in Cleaning) catering operations can continue and must follow the government guidance in place for food business. During this process schools should discuss how catering contractors will review their risk assessments and COSHH assessments and this should also be conducted via a hazard exchange process. (see also Cleaning and COSHH).

How pupils interact with catering staff and catering processes such as payment, the use of utensils and crockery, seating areas, queuing for food and the disposal of packaging etc must be considered as part of the risk assessment process for Covid -19. Schools must ask any catering supplier to adhere to any school procedures and discuss any additional measures requested by their catering contractor.

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17.3 Premises and maintenance Contractors (Water system safety, fire extinguisher, fire alarms etc) To ensure your site can continue to operate safely, contractors may need to be working on your school site. Contractors must be made aware of the school’s risk control arrangements and how to access and move around the site.

You must ensure that your contractor arrangements are updated and ensure that a hazard exchange process takes place and contractors highlight to you how they will manage the risk of Covid-19 for their own work and for your school community. If you are permitting contractors to use site facilities such as toilet / rest areas, consider how you will maintain both social distancing and effective hygiene arrangements. Additional provision for toilets and handwashing may need to be arranged by contractors for works which will continue for a longer period.

17.4 Planned building and construction work It is recommended that Headteachers and school leaders revisit planning for any projects or building works which were suspended during lockdown, are in progress or scheduled to start. Review the hazard exchange process any site arrangements you have previously discussed in the context of government and public health guidance and the presence of staff and pupils on site. How will contractors receive deliveries, control risk to themselves and other and how will they communicate with you? Especially review the permission you have given contractors to site facilities such as toilet / rest areas and if so, how you will maintain both social distancing and hygiene arrangements.

18. Lettings

Schools should consider carefully whether Lettings will be appropriate at this time and consider the arrangements they wish to have in place to minimise the risk of exposure to Covid-19 virus. Lettings of internal rooms and facilities should be discouraged. Where lettings are using outside areas for sporting activities the risk of interaction with school premises such as touchpoints on gates/doors should be assessed. This information should be included in any risk assessments you have in place.

If you continue with Lettings, please ensure that you:

follow the guidance in Health and Safety for Lettings; carry out and record your hazard exchange process; consider enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures after a letting, and; discuss and record how those letting your premises will manage the risk of Covid-19

for themselves and for your school community.

19. Fire, security, accident reporting and emergency procedures

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19.1 EmergenciesIn an emergency, for example, an accident or fire, people do not have to follow social distance measures stay 2m apart if it would be unsafe to do so.

The fire and emergency arrangements for school must remain in place. Where there is a change of use of classroom areas, or routes around school, Headteachers and school leaders MUST take account of this is in any review of Fire Evacuation procedures and communicate to all staff and pupils who might be affected. Consider additional signage and education about any changes.

19.2 Fire DrillsFire drills must take place at least once per year (termly where possible).Consideration must be given to how Fire Drills can be carried out safely, keeping to social distancing measures and minimising mixing and contact between groups. This may mean organising and managing drills differently such as group by group/slow motion walking drills/drills on different days etc.

Any personal evacuation plans (PEEPS) must be reviewed and implemented.

19.3 Fire Risk AssessmentFire Risk Assessments and supporting procedures must be review if social distancing arrangements result in any alterations to the building, layout or actions that could be impact on fire safety. Arrangements put in place must not impact negatively on fire safety arrangements.

19.4 Fire doors Fire doors form an integral part of fire safety precautions to prevent the spread of fire and smoke in a building. Wedging or propping doors open at any time should be avoided. Schools should consider installing hold back devices which activate door closures when the fire alarm is activated.Where schools are taking measures to increase air circulation and minimise touch points by propping open doors during the school day, the following arrangements must be in place:

Communication must take place with all staff and pupils regarding the actions to take with propped doors if the fire alarm is activated (doors should be closed as people evacuate and fire marshals should ensure doors are closed on their sweep of the building as they leave).

Procedures to ensure that doors are closed / returned to normal at the end of the school day and during the weekend or longer periods of no occupation. The responsibility for ensuring doors are closed must be clearly defined and communicated to all staff. This should be monitored to ensure this is happening.

The Fire Risk Assessment must be amended to reflect that these arrangements are in place to support infection risk control during Covid-19.

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19.5 Security Any Security Alert/terrorism arrangements should be re visited and reviewed, so that staff and pupils know how these will operate during this time.

19.6 AccidentsAccidents should be reported and investigated in the normal way and reported using MyH&S.For those schools supported by the HSW Service, please report any diagnosed case of Covid-19 to the Health and Safety Duty Officer and if requested to do so record in MyH&S – this is in addition to any reporting via Public Health or the Local Outbreak team. If any staff members are confirmed as having contracted COVID-19 and it is considered that this may be linked to exposure at work this must be investigated and may be reportable to the HSE under the RIDDOR regulations.

20. Educational visits

Education visits overnight are still not advised. Day trips are permitted and schools should continue to risk assess educational visits as before and include appropriate Covid-19 risk control measures in their planning.

21. Uniform

Uniforms do not need to be cleaned any more often or differently than usual. There is no need for anything other than normal personal hygiene and washing of clothes following a day in a school. Schools may need to consider any control measures for the times where children are changing from uniforms to PE /sports kits – particularly where younger children need help with this and the need for space to socially distance especially for older children. Schools may wish to consider that pupils wear PE kit all day on those days.

22. Music, dance and drama - further guidance published

On the most recent update, Government guidance states that

There may be an additional risk of infection in environments where singing, chanting, playing wind or brass instruments, dance and drama takes place.

Additional mitigations, such as extended social distancing, were previously required for singing, and playing of wind and brass instruments given concerns that these were potentially higher risk activities.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has commissioned further scientific studies to be carried out to develop the scientific evidence on these activities, which has allowed the government to reconsider appropriate mitigations and further research is continuing.

However, these studies have also indicated that it is the cumulative aerosol transmission from both those performing in and attending events is likely to create

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risk. DCMS is continuing to develop a more detailed understanding of how to mitigate this potential aggregate risk, but in that context, organisations should follow the guidance in the Actions for Schools during the Coronavirus outbreak

Singing, wind and brass instrument playing can be undertaken in line with the information within and other guidance, in particular guidance provided by the DCMS for professionals and non-professionals, available at working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19): performing arts.

The Actions for School during the coronavirus outbreak document includes advice on:

Minimising contact between individuals by keeping groups separate (in bubbles), limiting group activity and numbers AND through maintaining the social distance between individuals.

Advice on background or accompanying music, use of microphones. Performances - whether indoor or outdoor, face-to-face performance in front of a

live audience can go ahead, schools advised to follow the latest advice in the DCMS performing arts guidance.

Schools can continue to engage peripatetic teachers during this period, including staff from music education hubs. Peripatetic teachers can move between schools but schools should consider how to minimise the number of visitors where possible.

Measures to take for music teaching in schools, including singing, and playing wind and brass instruments in groups and individual lessons and performance in groups.

Measures to take when handling equipment, instruments and music scores and scripts hygiene and advice on the sharing of these.

Arrangements around equipment suppliers, cleaning and hygiene of supplied equipment.

Specific safety measures for individual music lessons.

Schools must ensure that leaders and heads of music, drama and performing arts are aware of the guidance published by the government for the industry which might also b relevant: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts

23. Science curriculum / D&T Curriculum and Covid-19

CLEAPSS have published a number of guidance documents for schools returning in September around Covid-19 and the science curriculum and D&T curriculum. The key guide for Science is is GL343 - Guide to doing practical work during the COVID-19 Pandemic - see CLEAPSS: http://science.cleapss.org.uk

See also the D&T guidance from CLEAPSS - http://dt.cleapss.org.uk/Resource/GL344-Guidance-on-practical-work-during-the-COVID-19-pandemic-D-T.aspx and from DATA https://www.data.org.uk/news/guidance-on-the-re-opening-of-design-and-technology-departments/ (based on CLEAPPS guidance).

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Contact

Staffordshire County Council, Health, Safety and Wellbeing ServiceStaffordshire Place, Tipping Street, Stafford, ST16 2DH.

01785 355777 shss@staffordshire.gov.uk

Version Control section

Version 1 – May 2020Version 2 – 29th May 2020

Changes made to include new Guidance for secondary school provision from 15 June 2020 and Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening

Version 3 – 5th June 2020

Section 6. Edited to remove reference to hand dryers in after change in Government guidance. Section 9. Edit to 9.1 to give clarity on wording on face coverings.

New section 3.2 testing

Section 12.1. What happens if there is a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in a setting? And added links here to Local Outbreak Control Plan.

Version 4 – 8th July 2020

Whole document revised to take account of government guidance from 2.7.2020 for full opening of schools in Sept 2020 Section on Test and Trace/Local Outbreak Control added and whole PPE section revised.

Version 5 – Includes Govt updates between 30th July 2020 and 24th August 2020

Section 1 – Government advice on premises updated.2.2.3. added to give examples of people with particular characteristics who may be at comparatively increased risk from coronavirus.Section 3 – Wellbeing – details added about new Govt Wellbeing for Education Return programme starting in September 2020. 3.1 New Wellbeing Action Plan launched by the HSW Service. 4.1 Change to Government advice that people who display symptoms of coronavirus must now self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days.4.2 Added clarity on record keeping with reference to test and trace. 4.4 Information on Home Testing Kits.9.1 Section completely revised based on new Govt advice on face-coverings in schools from 1st Sept.14.1 External Sports providers updated to include changes Govt. guidance.15. Catering and Cleaning – additional information included in both sections to add further advice.17.2 Change in advice on Fire Drills – reminder to consider how to

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organise fire drills whilst maintaining social distancing. 19. Section on Wrap around care and extracurricular provision updated to include changes Govt. guidance.20. Section on Music and singing - updated to include changes Govt. guidance.

Version 6

Government updated guidance from 28th August

3.2 Pupil Wellbeing – new information added about government advice and initiatives.6. Prevention Model - changed the layout to reflect Government changes to the “prevention” model. Updated illustrative diagram.9. Face-coverings – new section created to separate from PPE and to include new government guidance:- 9.2 How to dispose of face-coverings added- 9.3 Inclusion of WHO guidance on how to wear face-coverings- 9.6 Added - Exemption from wearing face-coverings- 9.7 Added – Notes on Middle Schools 10. Personal protective equipment (PPE) – moved to new section.Sections 11 onwards renumbered.12. Medication – added link to guidance on when PPE required for pupils with complex needs.13. COSHH – slight wording change to add requirements for additional products now in school.15. PE / Sport / Outdoor Games / Extra Curricular Sport – changed to reflect government guidance updates.16. Wrap around care – added NEW sections - 16.1 Wrap around care provided by other providers- 16.2 External sports coaches providing after school provision/care/clubs17.1 Cleaning contractors – wording change for clarity19.4 NEW section added Fire Doors. Outlines role of fire doors and their importance as fire precaution measures. Guidance on where additional ventilation is needed in school, and doors are wedged open, clarification on the measures required to support this.

22. Music, Dance and Drama – whole section reworded due to government guidance changes23. NEW – Science and D&T curriculum advice.

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