Salford City Council has published an overview of guidance for the full reopening of schools in September... "Schools will need to have a full time offer for all children. There should be no rota. This includes in-school nurseries" the Guidance intro states "Be prepared for any possible local lockdowns..."
As well as the expected advice on social distancing and hygiene, and calls for staff and pupils not to attend school if they have symptoms or a positive test result, there's some other guidelines too...
A possible 'outbreak' in a school is classed as "two or more confirmed cases within 14 days" or "an overall rise in sickness absence where coronavirus (COVID-19) is suspected". The local health protection team will advise them on what to do.
Meanwhile, it adds that "Any members of staff who have helped someone with symptoms and any pupils who have been in close contact with them do not need to go home to self-isolate unless they develop symptoms themselves (in which case, they should arrange a test) or if the symptomatic person subsequently tests positive or they have been requested to do so by NHS Test & Trace".
In PE, contact sports should be "avoided", while school choirs and ensembles are banned in the new normal school... "Singing, wind and brass playing should not take place in larger groups such as school choirs and ensembles, or school assemblies" states the Guidance, although singing in small groups and playing instruments could happen if the risk is reduced by social distancing, playing outside or in group sizes "no more than 15"...
In terms of actual exam classes, "The vast majority of pupils in year 10 and 11 are expected to continue to study their examination subjects" the Guidance states "This will support them towards their preferred route to further study.
"In exceptional circumstances, it may be in the best interests of a year 11 pupil to discontinue an examined subject because the school judges that, for example, they would achieve significantly better in their remaining subjects as a result, especially in GCSE English and mathematics" it adds "Parents and students to be consulted on any planned changes
"For Y10 early entry it may be in the best interests of the pupil to take their exams and assessments the following year when they are in year 11, if the curriculum can be adjusted to provide further teaching and study time in the summer term and academic year 2021 to 2022" it explains.
For teachers and staff there is little guidance on the wearing of face coverings, only stating that "in specific circumstances" and "where necessary, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)".
Now, UNISON North West has launched a campaign for school staff and pupils to have the option of a face covering, given the upsurge of virus cases in the North West, and has written to the Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, urging him to act...
"The whole of Greater Manchester and large swathes of Lancashire remain under local lockdown - the virus remains a real and present danger within our region" says UNISON North West schools organiser Keith Bradley.
"With cases rising and our national track and trace system delivering inadequate outcomes, parents and staff are understandably worried" he adds "In just a few weeks, school staff will put themselves at increased risk to support our children; they deserve the option to further protect themselves using a face covering if they want to.
"We all want schools to reopen in September but this has to be done with due regard to the safety of pupils, staff and the local community" he explains "This is more important in our region than anywhere else in the country.
"Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School was the first school in the country to make face coverings mandatory for both staff and students despite Government advice to the contrary" he concludes "It's no surprise, given the worrying statistics, that the first school to take this position comes from within our region. It's time for the Government to prioritise safety and make face coverings optional for all staff and pupils."
To read the full Salford City Council Guidance on Schools Reopening – click here
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