Covid-19
Department of Education Covid-19 Response Plan for Schools August 2021
| covid_response_plan_for_primary_school_august_2021.docx |
| covid-19_policy_statement_redwood_ns.pdf |
Re-Opening of Redwood NS
We are delighted to welcome back all children to Redwood NS and to welcome for the first time our pupils in Junior Infants.
In line with government guidelines some changes have been made to the structure of the school day which are outlined below. Our aim is to re-open the school in an orderly safe manner, while reassuring the children and making them feel comfortable, safe and relaxed with their friends in the new school environment. This will be achieved by everyone working towards this common goal. If you have any worries or concerns that you would like to discuss please do not hesitate to get in touch - by phone 0909747186 or by email [email protected]
We look forward to what will hopefully be a safe and happy year ahead.
Kind regards,
Michelle
Changes to the school day
Arrival at school
Playground Zones:
Time: Morning
Class Group: Juniors - Second Class Group: Third-Sixth
Assembly Area: Court Assembly Area: Pitch
Time: Break
Class Group: Juniors - Second Class Group: Third-Sixth
Play Area: Pitch Play Area: Court
Time: Lunch
Class Group: Juniors - Second Class Group: Third-Sixth
Play Area: Court Play Area: Pitch
End of School Day
Collection of Children during the School Day
If a parent has to collect a child during the course of the school day, the following arrangements will apply
The HSE will inform any staff/parents who have come into close contact with a diagnosed case via the contact tracing process. The HSE will contact all relevant persons where a diagnosis of COVID-19 is made. The instructions of the HSE should be followed.
Children who should not attend school
If your child is in one of the following categories, they should not attend school –
Supporting the Learning of Children who cannot attend school
If a child is not able to attend school for an extended period of time, the class teacher (and/or the learning support teacher, where relevant) suggested activities to support the child’s learning at home will be shared with parents.
Impact of a Suspected or Confirmed Case of Covid-19 in a Class
If the school is notified that a person in your child’s class has a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19
Personal Equipment
Shared Equipment
By necessity, some classroom equipment needs to be shared including tablets, laptops and the equipment used for structured activities and play. Cleaning of such shared equipment with wipes or other cleaning products will take place at regular intervals to minimise the risk of the spread of infection.
Learning Support
Cleaning Routines
Caroline our cleaner does a wonderful job keeping the school spotless and has given the school a thorough clean for our safe return. She will be cleaning the school each evening after 2.30pm and maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for us all.
Teacher Absence and Substitution
In the event that a teacher is unable to attend school, every effort will be made to secure a substitute teacher for the class. If a substitute teacher is not available, it is not appropriate for the class to be divided into groups and accommodated in other classes. In such circumstances, it may not be possible for the class to attend on that day. If that is the case, as much notice as possible will be given to parents.
Wellbeing
These new procedures, cleaning regimes and increased separation from their friends may be quite daunting for children returning to school. Children’s wellbeing will be our top priority, we aim to make the children feel secure and happy and to keep the main focus of each day on fun and enjoyment of learning. We will endeavour to ease children’s anxieties through incorporating art, drama, storytime and music across the curriculum. We will also take learning outside where possible and make use of our beautiful natural environment. We will take short movement breaks outdoors during the day. We are in this together and as a school community we must take this opportunity to support each other through this time of change and uncertainty.
We are delighted to welcome back all children to Redwood NS and to welcome for the first time our pupils in Junior Infants.
In line with government guidelines some changes have been made to the structure of the school day which are outlined below. Our aim is to re-open the school in an orderly safe manner, while reassuring the children and making them feel comfortable, safe and relaxed with their friends in the new school environment. This will be achieved by everyone working towards this common goal. If you have any worries or concerns that you would like to discuss please do not hesitate to get in touch - by phone 0909747186 or by email [email protected]
We look forward to what will hopefully be a safe and happy year ahead.
Kind regards,
Michelle
Changes to the school day
- Staff will be wearing face shields and/or face masks during the day when 2m distancing is not possible
- Pupils from 3rd-6th will be seated 1m apart or in pods 1m away from other pods (Pods are small groups of children in the same classroom. Bubbles are the full classroom of children ie. The senior room or the junior room)
- Pupils in Junior infants- 2nd Class will operate in pods within their class bubble
- The school yard will be broken into two zones with different groups in each zone during break times
- Pupils are asked to have washed their hands prior to arriving at school, they will then sanitise their hands upon arrival. They will need to wash or sanitise their hands at various times throughout the day- arriving at school, before eating, after break, after using the bathroom
- Disposable hand towels, pedal bins and liquid soap will be provided in the bathrooms
- Hand sanitising stations will be provided throughout the school
- All pupils will have a storage box containing all their books and belongings beside their table, books will not be stored centrally
- Pupil’s copies and also any books purchased outside the book rental scheme must have plastic covers on them to ensure they are wipeable (these covers are available in Mr Price at a reasonable cost)
Arrival at school
- All classes should aim to arrive at the school 5-10 minutes prior to school starting at 8.50 (Please only drop off from 8.30 if absolutely necessary- ie. For work reasons- as we want to avoid children congregating unnecessarily in the mornings. Do not drop off children prior to a teacher being present.)
- Children will be given hand sanitiser to apply upon entry at the front gate
- They should then proceed to their zone of the yard bringing their schoolbag with them
- Parents are asked not to enter the school grounds unless by prior appointment
- Parents can communicate with teachers by email [email protected] or by calling the school 0909747186 (preferably call after school hours) or by text 0868834083
Playground Zones:
- Court
- Pitch
- Juniors - Second
- Third-Sixth
Time: Morning
Class Group: Juniors - Second Class Group: Third-Sixth
Assembly Area: Court Assembly Area: Pitch
Time: Break
Class Group: Juniors - Second Class Group: Third-Sixth
Play Area: Pitch Play Area: Court
Time: Lunch
Class Group: Juniors - Second Class Group: Third-Sixth
Play Area: Court Play Area: Pitch
End of School Day
- Infant classes can be collected at the school gate at 1.30pm
- The remaining classes will be slightly staggered when they leave at 2.30pm
- Please remain in your parking spot while children are still trying to make their way to their car to ensure the safety of all children leaving the school
Collection of Children during the School Day
If a parent has to collect a child during the course of the school day, the following arrangements will apply
- Email the school to say you will be picking up your child early, stating the reason and the time they will be collected
- When the parent arrives at the school, ring the doorbell to alert the teacher that you have arrived
- The child will be brought from their class to the parent by a member of staff
- The parent will be asked to sign the child out
- No adult should enter the school building, unless invited to do so
- Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately
- The child will be accompanied to the designated isolation area via the isolation route by a member of staff. The staff member will remain at least 2 metres away from the symptomatic child and will also make sure that others maintain a distance of at least 2 metres from the symptomatic child at all times
- A mask will be provided for the child presenting with symptoms.
- An assessment will be made as to whether the child who is displaying symptoms can immediately be brought home by parents and call their doctor and continue self-isolation at home
- The school will facilitate the child presenting with symptoms to remain in isolation, if they cannot immediately go home, and will assist them by calling their GP.
- The child presenting with symptoms should be advised to cover their mouth and nose with the disposable tissue provided when they cough or sneeze and to put the tissue in the waste bag provided
- If the child is well enough to go home, the school will arrange for them to be transported home by a family member, as soon as possible, and advise them to inform their GP by phone of their symptoms.
- If they are too unwell to go home or advice is required, the school will contact 999 or 112 and inform them that the sick child is a Covid-19 suspect.
- Arrangements will be made for appropriate cleaning of the isolation area and work areas involved.
The HSE will inform any staff/parents who have come into close contact with a diagnosed case via the contact tracing process. The HSE will contact all relevant persons where a diagnosis of COVID-19 is made. The instructions of the HSE should be followed.
Children who should not attend school
If your child is in one of the following categories, they should not attend school –
- Children who have been diagnosed with Covid-19
- Children who have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with Covid-19
- Children who have a suspected case of Covid-19 and the outcome of the test is pending
- Children who have been in contact with a person who has a suspected case of Covid-19 and the outcome of the test is pending
- Children with underlying health conditions who have been directed by a medical professional not to attend school
- Children who have returned home after travelling abroad and must self-isolate for a period of 14 days
- Children who are generally unwell
Children who have travelled from countries not on the green list should not attend school during the 14 day self-isolation period
Supporting the Learning of Children who cannot attend school
If a child is not able to attend school for an extended period of time, the class teacher (and/or the learning support teacher, where relevant) suggested activities to support the child’s learning at home will be shared with parents.
Impact of a Suspected or Confirmed Case of Covid-19 in a Class
If the school is notified that a person in your child’s class has a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19
- The parents of all children in the school will be notified
- Public health advice will be sought and followed
Personal Equipment
- Children will bring their own pens, pencils, colours, rubbers, etc., to school in their own pencil case to avoid the sharing of equipment.
- It is further requested that all items have the child’s name on them for ease of identification.
Shared Equipment
By necessity, some classroom equipment needs to be shared including tablets, laptops and the equipment used for structured activities and play. Cleaning of such shared equipment with wipes or other cleaning products will take place at regular intervals to minimise the risk of the spread of infection.
Learning Support
- Where children from 3rd to 6th Class receive support in the SET room(pre-fab), social distancing of 1 metre will be maintained between each child in the group.
- The tables and chairs in SET rooms will be wiped clean in between different groups attending
Cleaning Routines
Caroline our cleaner does a wonderful job keeping the school spotless and has given the school a thorough clean for our safe return. She will be cleaning the school each evening after 2.30pm and maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for us all.
Teacher Absence and Substitution
In the event that a teacher is unable to attend school, every effort will be made to secure a substitute teacher for the class. If a substitute teacher is not available, it is not appropriate for the class to be divided into groups and accommodated in other classes. In such circumstances, it may not be possible for the class to attend on that day. If that is the case, as much notice as possible will be given to parents.
Wellbeing
These new procedures, cleaning regimes and increased separation from their friends may be quite daunting for children returning to school. Children’s wellbeing will be our top priority, we aim to make the children feel secure and happy and to keep the main focus of each day on fun and enjoyment of learning. We will endeavour to ease children’s anxieties through incorporating art, drama, storytime and music across the curriculum. We will also take learning outside where possible and make use of our beautiful natural environment. We will take short movement breaks outdoors during the day. We are in this together and as a school community we must take this opportunity to support each other through this time of change and uncertainty.