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St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 1
Reopening of St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School – from 1st June, 2020
Tuesday 26th May, 2020
Dear Parents,
Following a lengthy planning process and discussions with the Governing Body and Local Authority, I am writing to inform you of the plan for St
Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School reopening from 1st June. As you will appreciate, there has been much to consider in planning for the reopening,
as we are a small school with limits on building size and staffing capacity. We are also waiting for the Government announcement on Thursday
28th May, as to whether the ‘five tests’ have been met, which will decide if schools will definitely be reopening from next week.
From 1st June, we will continue to be open for children of key worker and vulnerable children in EYFS, Year 1 and Year 2, where parents advised
us of their eligibility prior to the closure of the school. We have been open for these children since schools closed on 20th March and we will
continue to offer provision for children who meet these criteria.
For the first phase of our reopening, we will also be offering school places for children in Early Years Foundation Stage only at this stage.
Following an extensive review of our space, staffing and overall capacity, we are unable to take children back in Year 1 for the time being. I
realise that this may be a disappointment to some parents, but we will be reviewing the plans on a regular basis, so there may be an
opportunity to welcome back some Year 1 pupils at a later date.
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 2
Arrangements for reopening:
1. Children must not come to school if they (or anyone in their household) are showing any symptoms of COVID-19.
2. Children in EYFS may attend on Monday/ Tuesday and Thursday/Friday. The start and end timings to the school day will be slightly
different to what it would usually be and you will be informed separately as to the times your child is requested to attend school.
3. Children of key workers in EYFS may attend every day if parents wish.
4. There is an option for parents to choose some or all of these days. However, we would ask that once you have chosen your required
days, that these are kept the same and not changed once we start back next week.
5. There will be a staggered drop off and pick up system, including a one way system for parents to follow. Parents need to drop their
child with their assigned ‘Bubble group’ adult and then exit the school premises.
6. Siblings should not come to the school to drop off/pick up unless there is no alternative. Only one parent should accompany their child
to school.
7. Children will be in ‘Bubble groups’ which will be the same group of children with the same adult. The learning will be planned by the
class teachers and delivered by staff in the Bubble groups.
8. We will be open for all key worker children in EYFS, Year 1 and Year 2 only on a Wednesday to allow us time to ‘reset’ the environment
and ensure we are ready for the remainder of the week. Children of key workers in EYFS will be in the same Bubble group for the day
(as they are for the remainder of the week) with their assigned adult. They will not be mixing with key worker children in Years 1 and 2
to minimise cross contamination
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 3
9. Children will be provided with a packed lunch from our catering company. They will eat their lunches in their Bubble groups in the hall
(or outside if the weather allows). The catering company is not supplying drinks, so children must have their own water bottle in
school.
10. The children will have a daily playtime and lunchtime break as usual and this will be in their Bubble group.
11. The children will be wearing school uniform and will need their PE kit in school. We will not be able to lend PE kit or plimsolls
There is a comprehensive Risk Assessment to view below this letter, which details the control measures we will be implementing in school.
Please look at this carefully as there is a lot of information contained in the document.
The decision as to whether to send your child into school remains with you as parents. There will be no fines issued for non attendance at
school during this half term, as per DfE guidance.
However, parents should be mindful that there is no guarantee that decisions can be changed later on in the term. In line with government
and health and safety guidelines, we need to ensure that we keep the Bubble groups the same and we cannot allow for additional children to
join them.
If parents decide once the arrangements have started that they would actually prefer for their child not to be in school, then we will respect
this decision, but the children will not be able to return to school at a later date.
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 4
Parents of children in EYFS who have indicated that their child will definitely be returning:
If you have requested for your child to return to school, you will receive a separate communication from us, which will detail which Bubble
group your child is in, and who their assigned adult is. You will also be informed as to the start / finish time for your child. If you do not arrive
at the allocated time for drop off in the morning, then your child will not be able to come to school on that day.
Parents of children in EYFS who indicated that they were undecided or initially stated ‘no’ to their child returning to school:
If, after reading this letter and the associated Risk Assessment, you decide that you would definitely like your child to return to school, it is
imperative that you respond in writing to Mrs Peachey at [email protected] by the end of the day on Friday 29th May. Requests made
after this time will not be accepted.
Mrs Tuttle will be planning the EYFS learning for all children, both in school and at home. The home learning for Year 1 and Year 2 will
continue to be planned by Ms Genyigit and Miss Mutch. Children from Year 1 and Year 2 who are attending school under the key worker
criterion will complete the learning in school.
I hope this letter is clear and explains the process that we are following at this time to ensure the safe reopening of St Giles’. However, please
do contact me if you have any further questions.
Kind Regards,
Headteacher Mr D Pioli – Chair of Governors for St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 5
Please find attached a ‘protective measures’ risk assessment for St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant school that has been prepared in
response to the Government’s phased return plans.
It should be used alongside the government guidance below:
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
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-
opening-from-1-june-2020/opening-schools-for-more-children-and-young-people-initial-planning-framework-for-schools-
in-england
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19/guidance-to-educational-
settings-about-covid-19 - DfE and PHE (2020) ‘COVID-19: guidance for educational settings’
https://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/ - The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR)
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/659/contents/made - The Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities -
Public Health England (PHE) (2017) ‘Health protection in schools and other childcare facilities’
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 6
Risk
rating
prior
to
action
H/M/L
Recommended controls/Mitigation and Protective Measures In place?
Yes/No
By whom? Monitoring
Deadline
Risk rating
following action
H/M/L
Awareness of
and adherence
to policies and
procedures
H Health and Safety Policy has been updated in light of the
COVID-19 advice
All staff, pupils and volunteers are aware of all relevant policies
and procedures including, but not limited to, the following:
- Health and Safety Policy
- Infection Control Policy
- First Aid Policy
- Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy including
COVID-19 amendment
All staff have regard to all relevant guidance and legislation
including, but not limited to, the following:
- The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous
Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013
- The Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010
- Public Health England (PHE) (2017) ‘Health protection
in schools and other childcare facilities’
Policies being reviewed and updated – 19.5.20 Awaiting some updates from Surrey Email sent 19.5.20
NA/EM/CP Staff to confirm in writing to NA
29.5.20 29.5.20
L
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 7
- DfE and PHE (2020) ‘COVID-19: guidance for
educational settings’
The relevant staff receive any necessary training that helps
minimise the spread of infection, e.g. infection control training.
The school keeps up-to-date with advice issued by, but not
limited to, the following:
- DfE; NHS; Department of Health and Social Care; PHE
Staff are made aware of the school’s infection control
procedures in relation to coronavirus via email
Parents are made aware of the school’s infection control procedures in relation to coronavirus via letter and school website– they are informed that they must not send their child to school if the child develops coronavirus symptoms or if another household member develops coronavirus symptoms. In both these circumstances the parents/carers should call the school to inform the school of this and that they will be following the national Stay at Home guidance.
Pupils are made aware of the school’s infection control
procedures in relation to coronavirus and are informed that
they must tell a member of staff if they begin to feel unwell;
The Staff and Volunteer Confidentiality Policy and Pupil Confidentiality Policy are followed at all times – this includes withholding the names of staff, volunteers and pupils with either confirmed or suspected cases of coronavirus.
Letter and information to be sent Government decision on whether the five tests have been met will be announced on 28.5.20
NA
27.5.20
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 8
Implementing
social distancing
H Small class groups, are organised as described in the ‘class or group sizes’ in DfE guidelines;
Classrooms and other learning environments are organised to maintain space between seats and desks where possible;
The timetable is revised to implement where possible,:
o Plan for lessons or activities which limit movement between areas;
o Maximum number of lessons or classroom activities which could take place outdoors
o Assemblies in ‘bubble groups’
o Break times (including lunch) are staggered so that all children are not moving around the school at the same time
o Drop-off and collection times are staggered
o Parents’ drop-off and pick-up protocols are planned so that they minimise adult to adult contact through a ‘one way traffic system’
o Small groups of children are together throughout the day and avoid mixing with larger groups of children;
o No whole school assemblies
o Parents will leave school premises immediately once they have dropped off / picked up their child
Plan in place to show the timetable for the day
NA/CP/EM Risk assessment and plan for day to be shared with parents by 27.5.20 Details to be included in letter on 27.5.20
M
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 9
Unnecessary items are removed from classrooms and other learning environments where there is space to store it elsewhere
Soft furnishings, soft toys and toys that are hard to clean (such as those with intricate parts) are removed
Cohorts are kept together where possible and children and young people are in the same small groups at all times each day, and different groups are not mixed during the day, or on subsequent days;
The same teacher(s) and other staff are assigned to each group and, as far as possible, these stay the same during the day and on subsequent days
Children and young people use the same classroom or area of a setting throughout the day, with a thorough cleaning of the rooms at the end of the day. Children are seated at the same desk with their own pencil case / own
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 10
resources
Mixing within education setting is minimised by: o accessing rooms directly from outside where
possible; o keeping groups apart as they move through the
setting where spaces are accessed by corridors (eg staggered entry into the hall)
o staggering lunch breaks and playtimes o Children clean their hands beforehand and enter in
the groups they are already in or children are brought their lunch in their classrooms
o The number of children using the toilet at any one time is limited. Each ‘bubble group’ will have access to their own toilets
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 11
The hall will only be in use for staggered lunchtime and there will be cleaning between use by different groups
The use of staff room and office is staggered to limit occupancy. There will be one assigned Admin team member in the school office each day
Hygiene practice
H The COVID-19: cleaning of non-healthcare settings guidance is followed
Sufficient handwashing facilities are available. Hand sanitisers are provided in all classrooms and other learning environments. We also have two hand sanitiser ‘stations’ located outdoors. We also have antibacterial (with alcohol) wipes and sprays for surfaces
Surfaces that children and young people are touching, such as toys, books, desks, chairs, doors, sinks, toilets, light switches, bannisters are cleaned more regularly than normal with antibacterial wipes and spray
Door handles are sprayed wiped down at frequent intervals throughout the day
All adults and children are told to:
o frequently wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and dry thoroughly;
o clean their hands on arrival at school, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coughing;
o are encouraged not to touch their mouth, eyes and nose
Yes All staff Ongoing throughout the day
L/M
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
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o use a tissue or elbow to cough or sneeze and use bins for tissue waste (‘catch it, bin it, kill it’)
Help is available for children and young people who have trouble cleaning their hands independently
Young children are encouraged to learn and practise these habits through games, songs and repetition and adult role modelling
Bins for tissues are emptied throughout the day
School has provided all pupils with their own new pencil case and associated resources including their own small white board. Therefore, the use of shared resources such as stationery and other equipment is limited. Equipment is disinfected where this is not possible
Play equipment is cleaned between uses and not used simultaneously by different groups
The amount of shared resources that are taken and brought in from home is limited
All spaces are well ventilated using natural ventilation (opening windows) or ventilation units where possible
Doors are propped open, where safe to do so (bearing in mind fire safety and safeguarding), to limit use of door handles and aid ventilation
Posters are displayed throughout the school reminding pupils
to wash their hands, e.g. before entering and leaving the school
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 13
Pupils wash their hands with soap/ sanitiser before and after
break times and lunchtimes for no less than 20 seconds
Additional alcohol-based sanitiser (that contains no less than
60 percent alcohol) is provided for use where social distancing
cannot be adhered to
Infection control procedures are adhered to as much as
possible in accordance with the DfE and PHE’s guidance
Sufficient amounts of soap (or hand sanitiser where
applicable), clean water, paper towels and waste disposal bins
are supplied in all toilets and kitchen areas
Bar soap is not used, in line with the Infection Control Policy –
liquid soap dispensers are installed and used instead
Pupils are supervised by staff when washing their hands to
ensure it is done correctly, where necessary
Pupils do not share cutlery, cups or food – food served at school
is a packed lunch in disposable containers
Any utensils are thoroughly cleaned before and after use in a
dishwasher
Cleaners are employed by the school to carry out daily,
thorough cleaning that follows national guidance and is
compliant with the COSHH Policy and the Health and Safety
Policy (Solo Cleaning company)
The SBM arranges enhanced cleaning to be undertaken where required – advice about enhanced cleaning protocols is
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 14
sought from the local health team. Schools short of cleaning product supplies, should email [email protected]
PPE (Protective, Personal Equipment)
H School has a large amount of masks and gloves in school which are easily accessible
Staff have their own personal pack of PPE including sanitising spray, masks and gloves should this be required
In place CP lead Constant monitoring of stock and purchase new as required
L
Ill Health
H Staff are informed of the symptoms of possible coronavirus
infection, e.g. a cough, difficulty in breathing, high temperature
and/or loss of taste or smell and are kept up-to-date with
national guidance about the signs, symptoms and transmission
of coronavirus
Any pupil who displays signs of being unwell is immediately
referred to the designated member of staff
Staff act in line with the Infection Control Policy and ensure
that any unwell pupils are moved to an empty room whilst they
wait for their parent to collect them
Pupils displaying symptoms of coronavirus do not come in to
contact with other pupils and as few staff as possible, whilst
still ensuring the pupil is safe
The relevant member of staff calls for emergency assistance
immediately if the pupil’s symptoms worsen
Awaiting Surrey Infection control policy
NA/CP lead Ongoing monitoring Detail to parents about this in letter
M
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 15
The parents of an unwell pupil are informed as soon as possible
of the situation by a relevant member of staff.
Where contact with a pupil’s parents cannot be made,
appropriate procedures are followed in accordance with those
outlined in governmental guidance and the Infection Control
Policy.
Unwell pupils who are waiting to go home are kept in an area
where they can be at least two metres away from others.
Areas used by unwell pupils who need to go home are
thoroughly cleaned once vacated.
If unwell pupils are waiting to go home, they are instructed to
use different toilets to the rest of the school to minimise the
spread of infection.
Parents are advised to contact 999 if their child becomes
seriously ill or their life is at risk
Any medication given to ease the unwell individual’s symptoms, e.g. paracetamol, is administered in accordance with the Administering Medications Policy
Spread of infection
H Spillages of bodily fluids, e.g. respiratory and nasal discharges,
are cleaned up immediately in line with the Infection Control
Policy and Cleaning in non-healthcare settings guidance
Yes All staff NA/ EM and CP to monitor each day
M
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 16
Pupils are instructed to cough or sneeze into their elbow and
use a tissue to cover their mouths where possible, disposing of
the tissue in waste disposal units
Pupils clean their hands after they have coughed or sneezed
Parents are informed via letter not to bring their children to
school or on the school premises if they show signs of being
unwell and believe they have been exposed to coronavirus
Children who have displayed symptoms of coronavirus must
self-isolate for 14 days before returning to school. Pupils queue
2 metres apart at entrances and exits to avoid risks of
transmission
Management of infectious diseases
H Staff are vigilant and report concerns about a pupil’s symptoms
to the designated member of staff
The school is consistent in its approach to the management of
suspected and confirmed cases of coronavirus
Social distancing measures are implemented as much as
possible
There are plans in place for the movement of children around
the school (as above)
The timetable is adapted to stagger play and lunch times (as
above)
The SBM monitors the cleaning standards of school cleaning contractors and discusses any additional measures required with regards to managing the spread of coronavirus
Yes NA/EM/CP Ongoing monitoring
M
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 17
Administering of First Aid
H Staff will wear gloves when administering simple first aid
procedures (cuts, bumps and grazes)
Hands will be washed using anti bacterial spray after the
administration of First Aid
First Aid incidents will be recorded in log book (as per usual
protocol)
Where possible, First Aid will be administered outside
Yes All staff NA/EM/CP to monitor procedure. Restock gloves if needed
M
Parental Engagement
H Parents are told their allocated drop off and collection times and the process for doing so, including protocols for minimising adult to adult contact (for example, which entrance to use and following the one way system)
Parents are told that they cannot gather at entrance gates or doors, or enter the site, unless they have a pre-arranged appointment, which should be conducted within the guidelines
Siblings or other relatives should not accompany parents at drop off / pick up unless there is no alternative
Yes NA Reminders to parents of protocols in weekly updates
L
Communication
H Children, young people, parents, carers or any visitors, such as
suppliers, are told not to enter the education or childcare
setting if they are displaying any symptoms of coronavirus
(following the COVID-19: guidance for households with
possible coronavirus infection
Area Schools Officer- Ann Panton
NA Ongoing L
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 18
The designated member of staff reports immediately to the
headteacher about any cases of suspected coronavirus, even if
they are unsure
The headteacher contacts the Area Schools Officer
immediately about any suspected cases of coronavirus, even if
they are unsure, and discusses if any further action needs to be
taken; there is also the option to call the Department of
Education Schools helpline
Schools contact their Area Schools Officer if there are any
specific recommendations for their school
Schools keep pupils and parents adequately updated about any changes to infection control procedures as necessary
There is early communication with contractors and suppliers that will need to prepare to support your plans for opening for example, cleaning, catering, food supplies, hygiene suppliers
Cleaning contractors or staff are briefed on the additional cleaning requirements and agree additional hours to allow for this
Partial school closure
H The school communicates with parents via letter/email
regarding any updates to school procedures which are affected
by the coronavirus pandemic
Letter to parents
NA 26.5.20 L
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 19
Pupils working from home are assigned work to complete to a
timeframe set by their teacher
The headteacher maintains their plan for pupils’ continued
education during partial school closure to ensure there is
minimal disruption to pupils’ learning – this includes their plan
to monitor pupils’ learning while not in school
The Behavioural Policy and Staff Code of Conduct are adhered
to at all times, even while working remotely
The headteacher ensures all pupils have access to schoolwork
and the necessary reading materials at home
The headteacher works with the ICT Lead to ensure that all
technology used is accessible to all pupils – alternative
arrangements are put in place where required and hard copies
are distributed if needed
The school manages the use of parents’ and pupils’ contact
details in line with the Data Protection Policy and Records
Management Policy, e.g. collecting emails to send schoolwork
to pupils
The headteacher liaises with other schools to find pupils a
temporary place at a different school where their usual school
has to close
The headteacher accepts pupils from other schools where necessary and if possible, to help children access essential education during the coronavirus pandemic
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 20
Emergencies
H All pupils’ emergency contact details are up-to-date, including
alternative emergency contact details, where required
Pupils’ parents are contacted as soon as practicable in the
event of an emergency
Pupils’ alternative contacts are called where their primary
emergency contact cannot be contacted
The school has an up-to-date First Aid Policy in place which outlines the management of medical emergencies – medical emergencies are managed in line with this policy
Yes – in place on SIMS
Office team to ensure all contact details are up to date and amend SIMS if there are any changes immediately
CP to monitor and check this weekly
L
Travelling to and from school
L Parents, children and young people are encouraged to walk or cycle to their education setting where possible
Parking on the road will have consideration for social distancing guidelines once parents exit their vehicles
Parents only to bring their child to school
Advised in parent letter
NA 27.5.20 L
Visitors to school
H Where possible, meetings with visitors will take place outside unless there is a confidential need to be indoors
Visitors to school will be limited, apart from exceptional circumstances
Volunteers will not come into school to hear reading or do other activities with the children
Contractors will only be asked to come to school where it is deemed necessary or in an emergency
Yes
NA 27.5.20 L
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 21
Contractors will sign in to the Visitors book outside on the playground
They will carry out their assigned duties outside where possible or will only work in their designated area in the school building away from groups of children
Any work that needs to take place in a designated learning space, will be carried out during out of school hours.
In the event of a building emergency, school will close while the work is carried out
Any visitors will be asked to declare that they are not symptomatic and have not been in the past 14 days
Safeguarding H School will take a daily register for those pupils in school, with attendance recorded on our MIS system
Attendance will continue to be submitted to the DFE as required
Where pupils are not in school, school will contact those parents at least once a week
Class teachers will continue to complete their contact logs each week and submit to the Headteacher for monitoring. Where teachers have not heard from parents, a welfare check will be conducted (telephone, email or doorstep visit)
Food box deliveries will continue for identified pupils not in school – doorstep deliveries
In place NA Ongoing M
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 22
Where staff have concerns about a pupil, the usual school procedures will be followed (as per Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy)
Premises and site
H Review all building related systems including:
o Hot and cold water systems (including tanks, sinks, basins) o Gas safety o Fire safety o Kitchen equipment o Security including access control and alarm systems o Ventilation o Lighting – internal and external
See guidance
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-school-premises-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/managing-school-premises-which-are-partially-open-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak
Site walk – 21.5.20
CP and NA 1.6.20 L
Fire drills H There will be at least one fire drill each half term. There will be markers to indicate where children should line up in their bubble groups to ensure social distancing. These markers will also be used to line up on the playground after break times.
Agreed where children will be positioned in Bubble groups.
CP and NA 28.5.20 L
Critically vulnerable pupils
H As per DfE guidance, children who are in the ‘critically vulnerable’ category are advised not to attend school.
Yes – email and other contact
NA Ongoing L
St Giles’ C of E (A) Infant School School Reopening letter to Parents and Risk Assessment
May 2020
pg. 23
from parents
Exit and entry points to the school
H Bubble group 1 will enter through main door /exit via Thrive room external door
Bubble group 2 will enter through front door/exit via left hand side passage
Bubble group 3 will enter through front door /exit via right hand side passage
Yes – markers clearly indicate which direction to go in. children will be led by key adult from Bubble group.
NA and CP Ongoing L – no pupils are entering/exiting across same areas