Covid-19 Risk Assessment for Schools June 2020

Plan – Prepare Building

*Reference on Risk Assessment

Action / Comment

By Whom

Notes relating to action

1

Ensure that all health and safety compliance checks have been undertaken before opening (e.g. fire alarm, emergency lighting, water hygiene, lifts, etc.)

Check fire alarms

EKE

Alarms recently serviced / overhauled during Lockdown

Check emergency lighting

MB

Legionella to be up to date and all systems to be run

MB / AD / PR

2

Ventilation and AC systems working optimately; (ventilation system should be kept on continuously, with lower ventilation rates when people are absent).

Spaces well ventilated using natural ventilation (opening windows) or ventilation units.

Class teacher

Where poss use rooms with air con and open windows /doors

3

COVID-19 posters/ signage displayed (packs provided by GCC).

Posters / signage to be printed / ordered for all classes, entrances and lobby

Building access rules clearly communicated through signage on entrances.

PR

Posters printed, JJ to order additional signage

4

Modify school reception / early years entrance to maintain social distancing (e.g. provide screens or floor markings).

Reception to be taped off to allow for distancing at the hatch when the reception window is opened.  Only one adult at a time to enter the reception area.

Hand sanitiser provided at all entrances.

Visitors do not sign in with the same pen or touch screen devices in reception.

PR

Visitors by appointment only.

Parents wait outside until reception is clear

5

Consider one-way system if possible for circulation around the building.

A one way system is not appropriate as all class groups will have a timetable and corridors divided with a clearly marked arrow system

AD / PR / VB / MS

6

Stairways to be up or down only

As detailed above, this is not possible so we will use an arrow system on stairways.  In the first instance, if numbers are low, then only ground floor classrooms will be used.

AD / PR / VB / MS

7

Put down floor markings along the middle of two-way corridors/stairs to keep groups apart and ‘keep left’ signs.

Display arrow markings in corridors to indicate ‘keep left’

AD / PR / VB / MS

8

In areas where queues may form, put down floor markings to indicate distancing.

Distancing marks at 2m to be displayed at all entrance / exit points.

Floor markings outside school to indicate distancing rules (if queuing during peak times).

SMT

9

Can separate doors be used for in and out of the building (to avoid crossing paths).

Separate exit and entrance points will be used: High Street end, blue middle door and exterior classroom doors where possible.  Staff on duty outside school to monitor protection measures.  Rooms accessed directly from outside where possible.

Entry points to school controlled (including deliveries). 

Parents’ drop-off and pick-up protocols to minimise contact.

SMT

Initial 6 classrooms allocated on basis of access /egress. Key workers / vulnerable to enter as normal 8.30-9.00 through foyer

Parents given specific times.

Entrance of 2x groups of Y6 High street and Tredworth Road to minimise contact.

Window for 4 groups

9 to 9.15  9.15 to 9.30

10

Identify doors that can be propped open (to limit use of door handles and aid ventilation) taking account of fire safety and safeguarding.  Seek advice from SHE if necessary.

Doors propped open, where safe to do so to limit use of door handles. Ensure closed when premises unoccupied.

Fire Risk Assessment will be changed to allow for propped doors and identified fire wardens to remove props in event of an alarm evacuation.

AD / PR

Staff briefing re fire safety on

1/06 /20 and 3/06/20

AD/PR Fire wardens, VB/MS admin/attendance registers

11

Identify rooms that can be accessed directly from outside (to avoid shared use of corridors).

Group bases, where possible, will be chosen for exit / egress points directly from the playground.  Other rooms will be proximal to the three entrance points described above.

SMT

See above

12

Organise classrooms for maintaining space between seats and desks.

10 tables will be arranged to ensure 2m distance, where possible.  Pupils will use the same desk each day.  Unused tables and additional surface content will be removed to hall.

Tissues provided for each individual desk and bins for tissues provided and are emptied throughout the day.

AD/PR/MS/VB

No loose paper

One book per child

Exclusive resources/ stationary

13

Arrange sleep rooms to space out the cots and beds.

N/A

14

Inspect classrooms and remove unnecessary items.

Unused furniture and additional surface content will be removed to hall.

AD/PR/MS/VB

15

Remove soft furnishings, soft toys and toys that are hard to clean.

Soft furnishings (cushions etc), soft toys and toys that are hard to clean will be removed.

AD/PR/MS

16

In toilets middle cubicle/ sink/ urinal of 3 to be taken out of use.

Toilets will be used on a one in, one out basis, monitored by staff.  Scheduled toilet breaks in place as well as use as necessary.  Social distance queuing system will be used.

All staff

17

Put up laminated picture signs in toilets and classrooms in front of sinks showing handwashing.

Sufficient handwashing facilities are available.

Signs to be printed and laminated and displayed in front of all useable sinks.

Frequent hand washing encouraged for adults and pupils (following guidance on hand cleaning).

Hands cleaned on arrival at school, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coughing.

Adults and pupils are encouraged not to touch their mouth, eyes and nose.

18

Position clocks with second hand or timers near sinks to teach pupils to wash for 20 seconds.

Timers will be used to increase concept of 20 seconds

19

Make arrangements with cleaners for additional cleaning and agree additional hours to allow for this.

No additional cleaning as all class groups will have wipe down materials for operational time, cleaning staff have reduced areas to concentrate on so will concentrate on key areas such as toilets.

Sanitising spray and paper towels to be provided in classrooms for use by members of staff.

Thorough cleaning of rooms at the end of the day.

Shared materials and surfaces cleaned and disinfected frequently (e.g. toys, books, desks, chairs, doors, sinks, toilets, light switches, bannisters, etc.).

Toys and play equipment appropriately cleaned between groups of pupils using it, and not shared with multiple groups.

Equipment used in practical lessons cleaned thoroughly between groups.

Outdoor equipment appropriately cleaned between groups of pupils;  Multiple groups do not use outdoor equipment simultaneously.

PR/ AD

All staff

All staff to clean down surfaces 3x per day

All equipment including any play / sports will be exclusive to specific groups

20

A COVID-19 message to display on screens when locked.

School will download free COVID 19 message for display on screens

21

Swimming pools and sports centres remain closed (pending changes in government restrictions).

N/A

22

Outdoor tennis courts may open in a way compliant with social distancing restrictions.  Specific risk assessment is required to determine preventative measures.

N/A

Plan – Prepare Employees, Parents and Pupils

*Reference on Risk Assessment

Action / Comment

By Whom

Notes relating to action

23

Involve employees in plans to return to school and listen to any suggestions on preventative measures that can be taken.

Email all staff 19/5/20 to outline initial process, contact isolated / shielded staff and inform that following initial enquiries with parents / carers re numbers, an outline plan will be forwarded on 25/5/20.

Staff will be invited to discuss concerns / issues and suggestions.

Any plan will consider limiting factors primarily health related

AD

Staff contacted 25/05/20

24

Vulnerable employees and pupils (‘clinically vulnerable’ to coronavirus) identified and told not to attend school if shielding.

SMT

Plan to be shared all staff and parents 27/05/20

25

Consider personal risk factors: age, obesity, pregnancy, existing health conditions and ethnicity.

Any prospective pupils in the above categories to have Risk Assessment.

DSL / SENCo

26

Where necessary individual risk assessments for employees and pupils at special risk (take account of medical advice).

Any prospective employees or pupils in the above categories to have Risk Assessment.

DSL / SENCo

Any staff with underlying condition isolating continue

27

Review EHCPs where required.

EHCPs to be reviewed, where appropriate, re medical, emotional / learning

SENCo / DSL

All appropriate staff meet SENCO to determine existing or new needs

28

Regular communications that those who have coronavirus symptoms, or who have someone in their household who does, are not to attend school.

Staff induction (8am – 9:30 on 1^st June) – information and guidance on what to do if you have symptoms including access testing and nearest site will be shared.

Information on symptoms and testing will also be shared with parents of all pupils attending and reiterated with any parent of child or staff member who presents with new symptoms.

Should employees have close hands-on contact they should monitor themselves for symptoms of possible COVID-19 over the following 14 days.

AD / COG / DSL

Group 1 staff 8.30 June 1

Group 2 staff 8.30 June 3

29

Information shared about testing available for those with symptoms.

AD / COG / DSL

See above

30

Remote education is continuing as much as possible to limit numbers attending school.

Remote education will be planned for and continue to give non-attending pupils access to work online.  Key staff will manage this in year groups. 

Pupils may be able to receive virtual lessons through Teams in the near future.

All staff

Year group leads

Curriculum Team

Identified staff in year groups continue to provide, monitor and contact re work

31

Assess how many employees are needed in school and identify those that can remain working from home.

Staffing plan for teachers and support staff on the basis of prospective numbers produced and shared with staff initially on 25/5/20 and finalise on 28/5/20

SMT

32

Employees shielding at home manage online work, whilst those in school only teach.

Staff will be identified to manage online work

AD/PR

Staff contacted on21/05/20

33

Returning to school will be for groups on a priority basis – Year 6

The plan is currently based around Year 6 returning on 1^st June.

Groups formed and communicated to staff and parents by 27/05/20

34

If shortage of teachers, allocate teaching assistants to lead a group, working under the direction of a teacher.

Any teacher shortage will be filled by HLTA in the first instance.

AD/PR/VB

35

Reviewing timetables to decide which lessons or activities will be delivered on what days.

Year 6 team to design weekly / daily tasks alongside AH

Avoid sharing books and other materials.

No books or work handed in on paper. Use electronic submission or if paper put in quarantine (e.g. for 3 days).

Year 6 team and AH

Y6 team to attend SMT meeting 27/05/20

One book per pupil , no worksheets, or additional paper

36

Smaller class groups identified (split in half, with no more than 15 pupils per small group to one teacher and, if needed, a teaching assistant).

Small groups of no more than 10 children identified and parents informed of groups.  Class groups kept together throughout the day and do not mix with other groups.

Groups use the same classroom or area of a setting throughout the day.

Groups do not mix to play sports or games together.

The same teacher(s) and other staff are assigned to each group and, as far as possible, these stay the same.

Y6 team and SENCo

As above other than those Y6 pupils who have attended as Keyworker children or vulnerable form own group

“ teacher per group on a 2 day on 2 day off rota with Friday as a planning / resourcing day

37

For early years’ settings, the employees to child ratios within Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) will determine groups of pupils.

N/A

38

Identify and plan lessons that could take place outdoors.

Timetabled outdoor sessions and learning opportunities will be planned

PR / AH / RA

39

Use the timetable to reduce movement around the school or building.

Timetables will be devised for each group to ensure staggered start and end times, breaks (including lunch), toilet breaks etc. to reduce movement and interactions in corridors and around school.

School start times staggered so class groups arrive at different times.

Packed lunches only eaten outside if possible.

The occupancy of staff rooms and offices limited.

Encourage use of phones to communicate between different parts of school to reduce movement around school and in reception office.

SMT

40

Planning break times (including lunch), so that all pupils are not moving around the school at the same time.

SMT

Packed lunch only with FSM pupils being given packed lunch by parent/ carer as we have now gone to voucher system

No more than 2 adults at any time in staff room , no social gatherings.

2M to be observed in admin block

41

Communicate to parents on the preventative measures being taken (e.g. post risk assessment on school website).

Post risk assessment on school website.

LM

Post May 27

42

Parents informed only one parent to accompany child to school.

A return to school document will be provided for all parents who have indicated their children will be attending school.  This will be signposted on the school website and all children attending will be given a paper copy.

Parents will be informed of start and end times (staggered) and information regarding social distancing will be given

AD / LM

May 27

43

Parents and pupils encouraged to walk or cycle where possible.

44

Staggered drop-off and collection times planned and communicated to parents.

45

Made clear to parents that they cannot gather at entrance gates or doors.

46

Encourage parents to phone school and make telephone appointments if they wish to discuss their child (to avoid face to face meetings).

47

Discourage parents and pupils from bringing in toys and other play items from home.

No toys , books ,stationary

48

Communications to parents (and young people) includes advice on transport.

49

Daily briefing to pupils on school rules and measures with reminders before leaving rooms.

All teachers will have a script to read daily to pupils regarding protective measures.

Adults and pupils encouraged to use a tissue or elbow to cough or sneeze and use bins for tissue waste (‘catch it, bin it, kill it’)

Bins for tissues provided and are emptied throughout the day.

All Staff

Script written with DFE guidance and school routines and expectations.

Reinforced daily

Tissues per table

Double bag waste

50

Review behaviour policies to consider how pupils not following distancing rules will be managed.

Strategies for dealing with consistent breaches of new behaviour protocols will be shared at staff meetings.

Members of staff are on duty at breaks to ensure compliance with rules.

AD/PR

“Kind” return.  All staff to display appropriate “Kind” behaviours at all times

51

Employees fully briefed about the plans and protective measures identified in the risk assessment.

Risk assessment shared with all staff at induction and daily briefings.

Procedures should someone become unwell whilst attending school.

Staff providing close hands-on contact with pupils need to increase their level of self-protection, such as minimising close contact and having more frequent hand-washing and other hygiene measures, and regular cleaning of surfaces.

If a pupil becomes unwell with symptoms of coronavirus while in their setting and needs direct personal care until they can return home.

However, PPE packs are being provided by GCC for all schools.

AD/PR/VB

Arriving 27/28/05

52

Regular (daily) staff briefings.

Daily briefings will take place prior to pupil arrival.

AD/PR

53

Keeping in touch with off-site workers on their working arrangements including their welfare, mental and physical health and personal security.

Email and phone communication regularly with employees encouraged to keep in touch

AD

54

Communication with contractors and suppliers that will need to prepare to support plans for opening (e.g. cleaning, catering, food supplies, hygiene suppliers).

Catering will not be required initially.

In house cleaning – communication will be provided through regular briefings.

AD

55

Liaison with transport providers to cater for any changes to start and finish times and confirm protective measures during journeys.

N/A

56

Communication with others (e.g. extended school provision, lettings, regular visitors, etc.)

N/A

57

Limit visitors by exception (e.g. for priority contractors, emergencies etc.).

School Business Manager to manager expectations of visiting contractors

Non-essential visits will be discouraged

SBM

58

Keep parent appointments / external meetings on a ‘virtual platform.’

Microsoft Teams will be used when available to meet with parents and phone consultations carried out.

All staff