COVID 19 - Return to school
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all children returning to school on March 8th?
- Yes
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.