COVID 19 - Return to school

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all children returning to school on March 8^th?

What are you doing to prepare the school for reopening?

We have completed audits and Risk Assessments to ensure that we are doing the maximum to safeguard the health and safety of the staff and children.
Hand-sanitisers and soap are available all around the school.
Non-essential furniture has been removed or covered up from classrooms to ensure that they are clutter-free.
Tables and desks have been moved as far apart as the room allows.
Signage has been placed around the school with specific instructions/guidelines to staff.
The playground has been cordoned into sections which to allow the children to play in their bubble.
Tape has been placed to mark out lines and spaces in the playground to ensure social distancing.
Different exits/entrances have been allocated to different classes to ensure safety.
Parents will not be allowed in the building or playground in order to keep each bubble separate.

Will the teachers enforce social distancing between children?

The concept of social distancing is familiar to children. We have taken steps to make it part of their environment so that they have no need for close contact.
The classrooms have been organised to facilitate social distancing. At playtime children will be encouraged to play non-contact games. The teachers will be understanding if the children, particularly the younger ones, are unclear of the expectations.

How will the children move around the building?

Children will move around the specified areas in their bubble, following the 2-metre rule. They will be sent to the toilet one at a time, emphasising good hand hygiene. Toilets will be disinfected several times during the day.

What happens if there is a confirmed case of Coronavirus in the school.

If a child develops COVID-19 symptoms, they will be sent home and advised to self-isolate 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. Their fellow household members should self-isolate for 10 days. 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 bubble or class will be sent home and advised to self-isolate for 10 days. The other household members of that bubble or class do not need to self-isolate unless the child they live with from that bubble subsequently develops symptoms.

What steps have been taken to ensure the children will settle back in school in a seamless and relaxed manner?

A considerable part of work will be spent on social and emotional skills, resilience building and pastoral care.
The Headteacher will write to all parents to appraise them of the arrangements for the return to school.
Careful monitoring of the well-being of the children will be foremost in the teachers’ minds and if they feel a child needs intervention they will inform the Senior Leadership Team.

Is there any support for parents in helping their children transition back into school?

Pastoral care at Menorah Primary is paramount. Mrs Joseph (Assistant Head & SEND) has had an email address set up specifically for this purpose for parents and children who need support. Her email is pastoralcare@menorahprimary.org.uk
The PTA in conjunction with Mrs Menczer will be organising a programme from trained experts to further support.

Why can’t teachers teach other year groups to alleviate the staffing shortages?

Staff will be deployed into different classes when necessary without crossing bubbles.