Scoil Eoin Covid-19 Response Plan 26th February 2021
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Scoil Eoin
Covid-19 Response Plan
26th February 2021
______________________________________________________________________________
Introduction
This Covid-19 Response Plan is designed to outline measures to be put in place to prevent the
spread of Covid-19 in Scoil Eoin. The Covid-19 Response Plan details the policies and practices
necessary for a school to meet the Government’s ‘Return to Work Safely Protocol’, the
Department of Education and Skills plan for school reopening and to prevent the spread of
Covid-19 in the school environment. The plan incorporates current advice about measures to
reduce the spread of Covid-19 in the community issued by the National Public Health Emergency
Team (NPHET).
The response plan will support the sustainable reopening of our school where the overriding
objective is to protect the health of staff and pupils while promoting the educational and
development needs of the children in the school.
In line with the Return to Work Safely Protocols, the key to a safe and continued return to work,
and re-opening of our schools requires strong communication and a shared collaborative
approach between the Board of management, staff, pupils and parents.
The assistance and cooperation of all staff, pupils, parents/guardians, contractors and visitors is
critical to the success of the plan. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information
provided in this document.
This document aims to provide details of:
1. COVID-19 Policy Statement
2. Planning and Preparing for Return to School
3. Procedure for Returning to Work (RTW)
4. Return to work safely and Lead Worker Representative(s)
5. Safety Statement and Risk Assessment
6. General advice to prevent the spread of the virus
7. Managing the risk of spread of Covid-19
8. Control Measures
9. Dealing with a suspected case of Covid-19
10. Staff Duties
11. Covid related absence management
12. Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme
The assistance and cooperation of all staff, pupils, parents/guardians, contractors and visitors is
critical to the success of the plan.
-1-Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this document.
However, should errors or omissions be identified, please notify us so that appropriate
measures can be taken to rectify same.
Note: The plan is a live working document and may be reviewed and amended to take into
account new guidance from www.Gov.ie www.dbei.ie www.hse.ie, www.hpsc.ie, www.hsa.ie;
www.education.ie;
1. Scoil Eoin COVID-19 Policy
This COVID-19 policy outlines our commitment as a school to implement the plan and help
prevent the spread of the virus. The policy will be signed and dated by the Principal and
Chairperson of the Board of Management and brought to the attention of staff, pupils, parents
and others.
COVID 19 Policy Statement
Scoil Eoin is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all our staff and a safe
learning environment for all our pupils. To ensure that, we have developed the following COVID-
19 Response Plan. The BOM and all school staff are responsible for the implementation of this
plan and a combined effort will help contain the spread of the virus. We will:
continue to monitor our COVID-19 response and amend this plan in consultation with
our staff
provide up to date information to our staff and pupils on the Public Health advice
issued by the HSE and Gov.ie
display information on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and correct hand-
washing techniques
agree with staff, a worker representative who is easily identifiable to carry out the
role outlined in this plan in relation to summer provision
inform all staff and pupils of essential hygiene and respiratory etiquette and physical
distancing requirements
adapt the school to facilitate physical distancing as appropriate in line with the
guidance and direction of the Department of Education and Skills
keep a contact log to help with contact tracing
ensure staff and pupils engage with the induction / familiarisation briefing provided by
the Department of Education and Skills
implement the agreed procedures to be followed in the event of someone showing
symptoms of COVID-19 while at school
provide instructions for staff and pupils to follow if they develop signs and symptoms
of COVID-19 during school time
implement cleaning in line with Department of Education and Skills advice
All school staff will be consulted on an ongoing basis and feedback is encouraged
on any concerns, issues or suggestions.
This can be done through the Lead Worker Representative(s) _________________
Signed: _________ Date: ___________
-2-2. Planning and Preparing for Return to School
The Board of Management aims to facilitate the resumption of school-based teaching and
learning and the return to the workplace of staff. The return to the work must be done safely
and in strict adherence to the advice and instructions of public health authorities and the
Government. Details for the reopening of the school facility and the applicable controls are
outlined in this document. Procedures have been discussed with the Covid 19 team and will be
put in place prior to our opening date of Thursday 27th of August.
a. School Buildings
Before re-opening of our school, the following items have been checked by the principal and
caretaker.
The water system is in full working order following the low usage period
Maintenance work has been completed to repair any items that were not working
Heating and lighting are in full working order
Bin collection has resumed
Network tests have been completed to ensure that teaching and learning can
recommence
A full clean was completed prior to staff returning to work
Access to the school building /contact log
Access to the school facility will be in line with agreed school procedures.
Arrangement for necessary visitors such as contractors and parents/guardians with be restricted
to essential purposes and limited to those who have obtained prior approval from the Principal.
The prompt identification and isolation of potentially infectious individuals is a crucial
step in restricting the spread of the virus and protecting the health and safety of the
individuals themselves and other staff, contractors and visitors at the workplace.
A detailed sign in/sign out log of visitors entering the school facilities will be
maintained by our secretary Bernadette in the form of a log book (Appendix 3). Staff
absences will be recorded on Esinet. Children’s attendance and punctuality will be
recorded on Databiz.
b. Signage
We will display signage outlining the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and to support good hand
and respiratory hygiene. Some posters will be accessed from the Health Protection and Surveillance
Centre (HPSC) website: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/posters/
Schools. They will be displayed in prominent areas around the school such as office, corridors,
staffroom area, classrooms and toilets.
-3-3. Procedure for Returning to Work (RTW)
Update Feb 26th
A RTW form should be completed and returned to the school before returning to work. Schools
should request staff (verbally or in writing) to confirm that the details in the pre-return to work
form remain unchanged following subsequent periods of closure such as school holidays.
In order to return to the workplace, staff must complete a Return to Work (RTW) form, which is
available electronically or from the Principal. A hard copy is attached also at Appendix 1. A RTW
form should only be completed at least 3 days prior to any proposed date of return to the
workplace. The form has been emailed by Gail Fox to all staff to be returned by August 19th.
On receipt of the completed form the Principal will provide: details of the Induction Training for
completion by staff prior to the return to the workplace and details of any additional health and
safety measures in place in the school to facilitate the staff member’s return to the school
facility.
Note: Induction Training for staff will be developed by the Department in consultation with
stakeholders and made available for all schools and staff.
At Risk (extremely vulnerable):
Parents of children at risk are asked to make contact with the school to alert us to the children
who are at risk. For children who are at risk in terms of their health, online learning will be made
available when a doctor’s note is made available to state that the child is at risk and can not
return to school.
The advice for this group is available from the HSE. Staff who are in this group should self-
declare on the Return to Work form if they believe that they are at very high risk.
Current public health guidelines have identified groups who are defined as being at very high
risk. The HSE has set out these groups, which include people who:
are over 70 years of age - even if you're fit and well
have had an organ transplant
are undergoing active chemotherapy for cancer
are having radical radiotherapy for lung cancer
have cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma
who are at any stage of treatment
are having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer
are having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system,
such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors
have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still
taking immunosuppression drugs
severe respiratory conditions including cystic fibrosis, severe asthma, pulmonary
fibrosis, lung fibrosis, interstitial lung disease and severe COPD
have a condition that means you have a very high risk of getting infections (such as
SCID, homozygous sickle cell)
are taking medicine that makes you much more likely to get infections (such as high
doses of steroids or immunosuppression therapies)
-4- have a serious heart condition and you are pregnant
The advice for this group is available from the HSE. Staff who are in this group should self-
declare on the Return to Work form if they believe that they are at very high risk. Details of the
leave arrangements that will apply will be updated by the Department of Education and Skills.
If the Board/Principal is unsure whether or not staff fall into the very high-risk category, advice
will be sought from the Occupational Health Service.
4. Lead Worker Representative
*Updated February 26th 2021
During the interim phase of reopening from March 1st to March 15th the LWR a pupil with
suspected symptoms with be brought to the back of the classroom and a call will be made home
by the office.
Responsibility for the development and implementation of the Covid-19 Response Plan and the
associated control measures lies primarily with the Board of Management and the School
Leadership. The Return to Work Safely protocol provides for an agreed procedure between
management and staff to appoint a Lead Worker Representative to carry out a specific role.
All school staff will be consulted on an ongoing basis and feedback is encouraged on any
concerns, issues or suggestions. This can be done through the Lead Worker Representative(s).
The role of the worker representative) is to ensure that Covid-19 measures are adhered to in the
workplace as follows
Work collaboratively with the employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable,
the safety, health and welfare of employees in relation to COVID-19.
Promote good hygiene practices such as washing hands regularly and maintaining good
respiratory etiquette along with maintaining social distancing in accordance with
public health advice.
Assist with the implementation of measures to suppress COVID-19 in the workplace.
Monitor adherence to measures put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Consult with colleagues on matters relating to COVID-19 in the workplace.
Make representations on behalf of their colleagues on matters relating to COVID-19 in
the workplace.
If a staff member has any concerns or observations in relation to the Covid-19 Response Plan
and control measures or the adherence to such control measures by staff, parents/guardians,
contractors or visitors, he/she should contact the lead worker(s) who will engage with the
Principal/BOM.
Name(s) of Lead Worker representative: Contact
details
Susan McGuinness (Teacher) (085) 7122193
-5-Catherine Gleeson (SNA) (085) 7071613
All staff, parents/guardians, contractors and visitors have a responsibility both as individuals and
collectively to have due regard for their own health and safety and that of others and to assist
with the implementation of the Covid-19 Response Plan and associated control measures.
5. Safety Statement and Risk Assessment
COVID-19 represents a hazard in the context of health and safety in the school environment. A
template risk assessment to identify the control measures required to mitigate the risk of
COVID-19 in school settings is attached at Appendix 2.
We will review our emergency procedures involving, fire safety, first aid, accidents and
dangerous occurrences to consider any new risks that arise due to the school’s COVID-19
Summer Provision Response Plan. Any changes to the schools’ existing emergency procedures
will be documented.
We will also review our existing risk assessments to consider any new risks that arise due to the
school’s COVID-19 Response Plan. Any changes to the school’s current risk assessments will also
be documented.
Fire drills and escape plans
The standard First Aid/Emergency procedure shall continue to apply in Scoil Eoin.
In an emergency or in case of a serious incident, call for an ambulance or the fire brigade on
112/999 Contact the principal or nearest first aider giving details of location and type of medical
incident.
On page 16 of the HPSC plan, advice is clear that moving on corridors / stairwells is very unlikely
to contribute significantly to the spread of infection if the children are not making physical
contact.
6. General advice to prevent the spread of the virus
Updated 26th February 2021
Infection Prevention Control Measures - To prevent Introduction and Spread of COVID-19 in
Schools
Advise staff and pupils to self-isolate or restrict their movements at home if they display
any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and contact their family doctor to arrange a test
Advise staff and pupils not to return to or attend school in the event of the following:
if they are identified by the HSE as a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19
if they live with someone who has symptoms of the virus
-6- If they have travelled outside of Ireland; in such instances staff are advised to consult
and follow latest Government advice in relation to foreign travel.
Advise staff and pupils to cooperate with any public health officials and the school for
contact tracing purposes and follow any public health advice in the event of a case or
outbreak in the school;
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 it is important to know and recognise the
symptoms. They are:
High temperature
Cough
Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
Loss of smell, of taste or distortion of taste
The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in a school is to minimise the risk of
introduction of the disease into the school setting in the first place.
We aim to achieve this through the following measures:
Promote awareness of COVID-19 and its symptoms amongst staff, pupils, parents and
visitors.
Advise staff and parents of pupils who have symptoms of COVID-19 or other acute
infectious diseases not to attend school, to phone their GP and follow the HSE
guidance on self-isolation.
Advise staff and parents of pupils who have been identified by the HSE as contact of a
person with COVID- 19 not to attend schools and to follow the HSE advice on
restriction of movement.
Ensure that staff and pupils know what to do if they develop symptoms at school.
Everyone entering the school building should be required to perform hand hygiene
with hand sanitiser.
Visitors to school during the day should be by prior arrangement and should be
received at a specific contact point
Staff, pupils and visitors should at all times adhere to the up to date advice and instructions of
the public health authorities in relation to protecting oneself and others against the risk posed
by the Covid-19 virus.
Updated advice from the HSE is available on its website – https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/
The Department of Education and Skills will ensure all updated advice is circulated to schools
and the government of Ireland website
https://www.gov.ie/returntoschool Scoil Eoin will arrange for this advice to be circulated to
staff, pupils and visitors in a timely manner.
Making Contact with Teachers (Parents):
Arrangement for necessary visitors such as parents/guardians with be restricted to essential
purposes and limited to those who have obtained prior approval from the Principal. We ask that
no parent enter the school building.
-7-Teachers will not be available in the yard at drop off or collection times. All correspondence will
be by phone or email. If a parent approaches a teacher they must be told to ring the office to
make an appointment
All parents are welcome to phone and email the school to get in contact with the Principal and
teachers. We will make every effort to reply to you in an efficient manner.
Contact number and email address for Scoil Eoin
Phone number: 01-8323281 email address:info@scoileoinns.com
Families who have been away:
All families who have traveled to countries that are not on the green list must quarantine on
their return. Families who returned on Wednesday 12th of August must quarantine for two
weeks before their return to school. Any families traveling after this date -to countries that are
not on the green list- must not return to school and must quarantine at home for two weeks.
Face Coverings:
All parents/guardians must wear a mask/ visor on entry to the school grounds. Parents
without a face covering won’t be permitted.
Return to school:
Here are our Return to school dates which will be shared with parents August 25th
Children will sanitise their hands upon entering the school. Gail and Aileen will stand at the
pedestrian gate. Niall will stand at side of school. SET and HSCL teachers will stand at all entry
doors guiding the children to their classrooms. Teachers will remain in their classrooms to
receive their children. SNAs will either stand in the corridors or at their classroom doors. See
table below.
-8-Return to school dates:
Thursday 27th of August
Junior Infants (half), 1st, 3rd and 6th classes ONLY
Friday 28th of August
Junior Infants (half ),Senior Infants, 2nd, 4th and 5th classes ONLY
Monday 31st of August
ALL CLASSES
Staggered start and finish times:
Note: Late comers - we are looking into a process to deal with latecomers.
Class Start time Finish time Door for Personnel SNAs location in
entry and manning doors in morning and
exit morning and afternoon
afternoon
Junior Infants A 8.50 11.00 until Fri Staff door Blathin Katie (corridor)
11th Ruth
12 until Fri 18th (Michelle-front of
1.30 thereafter school)
Junior Infant B 8.50 11.00 until Fri Staff Door Blathin Katie (corridor)
11th Ruth
12 until Fri 18th (Michelle-front of
1.30 thereafter school)
Senior Infants 8.50-9.05 1.30 Staff door Blathin Charlotte (at
Ruth classroom door)
First Class 8.50-9.05 2.00 (until Fri Staff door Ruth Janet (at classroom
11th2.20 from Blathin door)
Mon 14th)
Second Class 8.50-9.05 2.20 Main door Susan Anna (at classroom
door)
Third Class 9.05-9.20 2.20 Main door Susan
Fourth Class 9.05-9.20 2.30 Staff door Blaithin Roz and Catherine
Ruth at staff door
awaiting children to
bring to their
classroom
Fifth Class 9.05-9.20 2.30 Side door Cora Dolores awaiting
children to bring to
their classroom
Sixth Class 9.05-9.20 2.30 Side Door Cora Elaine awaiting
children to bring to
their classroom
-9-Junior Infants - Return to school dates:
Thursday 27th of August
Junior Infants – Group A
Friday 28th of August
Junior Infants – Group B
Monday 31st of August
ALL JUNIOR INFANTS see times below
SET and HSCL teachers need to be available to settle in the Junior Infants for the first few weeks.
Class Start Time Finish Time Date
Junior Infants 9.30 11 Thursday August
Group A 27th
Junior Infants 9.30 11 Friday August
Group B 28th
Junior Infants All 8.50 11 Mon Sept 31stto
groups Fri Sept 12th
Junior Infants All 8.50 12 Monday Sept
groups 14thto 19th
Junior Infants All 8.50 1.30 From Monday
groups 21st
7. Managing the risk of spread of Covid-19
Wash your hands frequently
Regular hand washing with soap and water is effective for the removal of COVID-19. This will
done at regular intervals throughout the day. We will follow the HSE guidelines on hand
washing and how to wash our hands: https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/how-to-wash-your-
hands.html
*Updated February 16th 2021
Hand Hygiene
There is a requirement for access to hand washing facilities after activities that are likely to soil
hands, for example playing outside or certain sporting activities as hand sanitiser does not work
on dirty hands
Alcohol-based sanitiser must not be stored or used near heat or naked flame
Hand Hygiene and Hand Sanitisers
Hand hygiene can also be achieved by the use of a hand sanitisers (when hands are clean).
This will occur for all staff members and children on entry into the school in the mornings and
- 10 -upon exiting in the evenings. Inside the classroom, hand washing will be recommended, where
necessary. Outside the classroom, hand sanitiser will be used.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Children will be reminded not to touch their face. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up
viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth.
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing is recommended to reduce the spread of infection in the workplace.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Good respiratory hygiene practices will be followed. This means covering your mouth and nose
with a tissue or your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue
immediately.
By following good respiratory hygiene, we protect the people around us from viruses such as
cold, flu and Covid-19.
Good hygiene practices and washing your hands properly and regularly can help stop the spread
of the virus. It is, therefore, crucial that all staff adhere to this advice and adopt the following
practices as strictly as possible.
Do
Wash your hands properly and often
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and
sneeze
Put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Do Not
Touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Share objects that touch your mouth – for example, bottles, cups, cutlery, etc.
Visors
Visors/masks will be available to all staff members to use in the case where a 2 metre distance
can’t be maintained.
Staff should wear visors/masks when attending to a child on a one to one basis i.e a
workstation, first aid and one to one intimate care.
Face coverings must be cleaned daily by staff.
Medical Grade Masks
Schools must provide medical grade masks in the EN16483 category to all SNAs and teachers in
special schools and special classes and those staff by necessity that need to be in close and
continued proximity with pupils with intimate care needs including School Bus Escorts.
*Updated February 16th 2021
Ventilation – new section February 26th 2021
- 11 -The Department has published guidance setting out the practical steps for good ventilation in
accordance with public health advice ‘Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation
Practices in Schools’ The guidance sets out an overall approach for schools that windows should
be open as fully as possible when classrooms are not in use (e.g. during break-times or lunch-
times (assuming not in use) and also at the end of each school day) and partially open when
classrooms are in use. The guidance provides that good ventilation can be achieved in
classrooms without causing discomfort, particularly during cold weather.
Staff pods
There will be a Junior school staff pod and a Senior school staff pod. This will reduce the number
of staff that will come into contact with each other.
Junior School Pod
Teachers SNAs
Niamh Katie
Kiera Charlotte
Eimear Janet
Aoife Anna
Alex Michelle (Abacus SNA)
Ruth/Blathin(SET Junior and Senior Infants)
Aileen (SET 1stand 2ndclass)
Gail
Michelle (HSCL)
- 12 -Senior School Pod
Teachers SNAs
Peter Roz
Eimear Catherine
Laura Dolores
Aine Elaine
Cora (SET 3rdand 4th) Jakki
Susan (SET 5thand 6th)
Each class will be their own “bubble” and will not mix with any other class either in the
school building or in the yard. However, the teachers from each class band and one SEN
and or HSCL teacher will manage the two bubbles from the given class band, for
example: Ms McCormack, Ms O’Driscoll and Ms McGuinness (SEN) will be the teachers
for the 5th and 6th class band grouping. They will all be in contact with both 5th and 6th
classes for staffing reasons but again the children should never mix.
Outer Bubbles (SEN /HSCL) will be in class bands for teaching purposes and for
supervision purposes within the school building in so far as possible. Where we cannot
source a sub for sickness or EPV days the other adults from the outer bubble will have to
teach the class in turn.
Within each class from 3rd to 6th, the children will be physically distanced by 1 metre
where possible and between individuals in the pod where possible. Where it is not
possible to physically distance them by 1 metre they will be divided into pods, with a
minimum distance of 1 metre being maintained between pods. As much physical
distancing as possible is imperative to prevent the spread of the virus.
From infants to 2nd class the children do not have to socially distance, however, where
possible, the table that they sit at will be their pod and it is preferable that there is 1
metre between each of the pods to prevent the spread.
PODS: Children will remain in the same POD within each bubble for the foreseeable
future. The classes will be divided out equally into PODS.
Teachers will have to organise their own classrooms and PODS according to the Scoil
Eoin Covid 19 Response plan.
SNA’s will work in the class bubbles with the children they are assigned to. It will not
always be possible for SNA’s to remain in one bubble as some will be shared.
Hand sanitiser will be available at all entry points and in all class and SET rooms.
Yard time for Children
Staggered breaks to facilitate the children staying in their bubble at break time.
Junior School
10:25am – 10:30am: Morning snack
10:30am – 10:40am: Little break (This is the break time for teachers in the 'Junior Teacher Pod'
who are not on duty).
10:40am – 10:50am: 'Junior SNA Pod' break plus teacher who was on yard duty.
12:00pm – 12:10pm: Lunch
12:10pm – 12:40pm: Big yard (This is the break time for teachers in the 'Junior Teacher Pod' who
are not on duty).
12:40pm – 1:10pm: 'Junior SNA Pod' break.
- 13 -The 'Junior Teacher Pod' use Staffroom 1 (current staffroom). There will be 7 teachers in here
for their break together (the 7th teacher will be on yard).
The 'Junior SNA Pod' also use Staffroom 1 for their break plus the teacher from the 'Junior
Teacher Pod' who was on Yard duty. (5 people will be in here).
Tables will be set up to ensure that 2m social distancing guidelines are adhered
to. A maximum number of staff will be permitted in the staffroom (6)
Senior School
10:45am – 10:50am: Morning snack
10:50am – 11:00am: Little break (This is the break time for teachers in the 'Senior Teacher Pod'
who are not on duty).
11:00am – 11:10am: 'Senior SNA Pod' break plus teacher who was on yard duty.
12:30pm – 12:40pm: Lunch
12:45pm – 1:15pm: Big yard (This is the break time for teachers in the 'Senior Teacher Pod' who
are not on duty).
1:15pm – 1:45pm:'Senior SNA Pod' break.
As with the Junior School supervision, Yard Supervision is carried out on a rota system like we
have always used using the teachers from the 'Senior Teacher Pod'(See Pod information above).
There will be 2 yard rotas in operation.
SNAs in the 'Senior SNA Pod' do yard duty as normal and take their break after the yard as
normal.
The yard remains sectioned off into 4 large zones, one for each Senior class.
The 'Senior Teacher Pod' use Staffroom (the library). There will be 6 teachers in here for their
break together (the 7th teacher will be on yard).
The 'Senior SNA Pod' also use Staffroom 2 for their break plus the teacher from the 'Senior
Teacher Pod’ who was on Yard duty. (5 people will be in here).
Tables will be set up to ensure that 2m social distancing guidelines are adhered to. A maximum
number of staff will be permitted in the staffroom (6)
Yard, supervision and breaks
*Please note updated Code of behaviour for recording incidents on the yard during Covid 19
(section 7)
Yard Supervision is carried out on a rota system like we have always used using the
teachers from the 'Junior Teacher Pod' (See Pod information above). Unfortunately
doing it this way will mean more yard duty for all teachers, but this is unavoidable.
SNAs in the Junior SNA Pod do yard duty as normal and take their break after the yard
as normal. There will no First Aid room for the moment. Teachers and SNAs will bring
some plasters/wipes with them to yard (see bumbag information below)
The yard will be sectioned off into 4 large zones. For example, Junior Infants play on
half of the area they would normally play in, Senior Infants play in the other half, 1st
class play in the basketball area and 2nd class play where 6th class played football last
year. Again these zones could be looked at in more detail and reassigned as we are lucky
to have a huge yard. Exact location of classes on yard will be shared before we reopen
- 14 - When dealing with children in the yard please maintain a 2 metre distance where
possible.
Masks must always be worn by the supervising teacher and SNAs on the yard.
When dealing with an incident/accident on yard mask/visor and gloves must always be
worn.
No visits to the toilet from the yard can take place, they must go to the toilet before
yard.
The teacher can administer basic first aid on the yard.
The First Aid station has been set in the link corridor nearest the yard for more serious
injuries.
If a child needs to be sent home contact the office.
If a child presents with symptoms of COVID 19 please follow the procedures for a
suspected case (see page 21).
Wet days
At small break teachers leave their door open with the neighbouring class and arrange breaks to
be taken. At big break the teachers rostered on yard duty will supervise indoors all classrooms
(junior school and senior school) Teachers must leave activities for their pupils to do as they
cannot move around the classroom. They may share activities within their pod in the classroom.
Staffroom Guidelines
Each staff member must bring in their own cutlery, plate and cups etc and bring it home
to be washed.
The dishwasher, toaster, microwave and fridge need to be wiped down after use
Staff members must wipe down the table/chair that they were using before the end of
lunchtime with the spray provided.
Tea/coffee will be purchased, and milk, sugar provided. Kettles and burco will be
available for hot water.
A cleaner will be available daily also to wipe down the staffrooms at the end of lunch
time.
Staff must make their own tea/coffee.
Food to be prepared and carried by staff and not shared.
If staff wishes to have their breakfast at school they must go to their allocated
staffroom.
If teachers wish to make themselves a hot drink they can make it in their relevant
staffroom and bring it back to their class providing it is in a travel mug with a secure lid
for safety. The lid must stay on this cup while the hot drink is in the mug.
There will be only one toilet in operation in the staff ladies/mens toilets and only person
allowed in the toilet at a time.
It is important that the adults do not mix outside their bubble on the school premises as
this will pose a risk to other bubbles.
- 15 -Bumbag
Staff members are advised to wear bumbags or some type of bag to carry the items below at all
times:
Washable mask for personal use
Disposable masks for children who present as sick
Gloves
Mini hand sanitiser
Plasters and antiseptic wipes for cuts
Pen
Whistle (teachers)
School Cleaning
As it is each person’s responsibility to prevent the spread of Covid 19, each staff member will be
asked to keep surfaces within their area clean. Each class will have disinfectant and paper towels
available.
Arrangements for more regular and thorough cleaning of areas and surfaces within the school
will be made.
Kathy has been employed for one hour a day (12-1) to clean all frequently touched
surfaces in all classrooms, corridors, staffrooms and toilets
Sharon and Lorraine will perform regular and thorough daily cleaning of communal
areas after school. All surfaces will be disinfected. Teachers are asked to leave all
surfaces as clutter free as possible each evening to allow for adequate cleaning.
All staff will have access to cleaning products and will be required to maintain
cleanliness of their own work area.
There will be regular collection of used waste disposal bags from offices and other
areas within the school facility.
See Appendix 5 for Cleaning Schedule.
Staff Meetings:
To adhere to social distancing, staff in the junior school and senior school will be required to
meet separately.
Meetings will take place in the hall and staff will be seated 2m apart, in line with social
distancing.
Visors/face masks may be worn.
Schools Meals Programme:
Support for the schools meals programme is important as we are a DEIS school. We will
continue to work with Glanmore in providing lunches for the children. Niall will continue to
distribute the school lunches. The teacher/SNA only, must give each child their lunch at the
beginning of each day to be stored in their schoolbag . They must bring home all their own
rubbish. The teacher must leave their basket outside their door to be collected by Niall before
10 a.m. Teachers should hand sanitise if helping children with their lunches.
- 16 -Movement of Staff:
It is recommended that all staff sanitise their hands before entering the building particularly
those who travel on public transport. Staff are not recommended to travel together to and from
work.
All staff entering a classroom must sanitise their hands. All staff returning to their base
classroom must sanitise their hands again.
Staff should limit their movements between schools. For some staff, this is not possible.
Special Education Teaching:
In keeping with our Special Education policy, SET support will be provided by a blended
approach of in-class support and withdrawal. The provision of support will be organised to
ensure our support teachers will work within the confines of a their class bands.
In class group support based on ability which requires mixing of Pods will not take place
in September and this will be reviewed
Where a support teacher is working alongside a class teacher in a classroom, both
teachers must be mindful of maintaining social distance from one another.
Where children receive support in one of the SET rooms, 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
SET teachers will communicate to parents via phone or email for the children on the
continuum
Children will sanitise their hands prior to entering the SET room and on their return to
class
Sharing items in the classroom:
Children will be provided clear plastic boxes for their books and a plastic box for their
pencils/colours. They will be asked not to share their belongings as a control measure. Children
in junior and senior infants will be provided with crayons. Resources that are used will be
cleaned at the end of each day e.g. Aistear toys, maths equipment and games. Teachers and
SNAs will disinfect toys and shared resources each as needed.
All soft toys and cushions to be removed from the classes
All resources and toys must be wipeable/cleanable and cleaned as required
Each class can use the Take Home box of books for now for reading for pleasure in class
A selection of library books can be chosen by the teacher and used within pods in the
class but must be quarantined for 72 hours on return to the library
Communal Phones:
Several options on using the school phone are currently being explored.
EPV Days
Currently substitute cover is not paid by the Department for EPV leave. For the year 2020/21 the
Department will provide substitute cover for the first day of EPV Leave taken by a teacher in the
school year. Carryover of EPV leave: Where it is not possible for a teacher to take their total EPV
Leave during the 2020/21 year, accumulated untaken EPV leave will be carried over to be taken
in the 2021/22 school year. The carryover will be subject to an individual teacher having a
maximum leave entitlement in the 2021/22 school year of 5 days. (see circular 0008/2020)
- 17 -8. Control Measures
Control Measures
A range of essential control measures have been implemented to reduce the risk of the spread
of Covid-19 virus and to protect the safety, health and welfare of staff, pupils,
parents/guardians and visitors as far as possible within the school .
These control measures are outlined in this document.
The control measures shall continue to be reviewed and updated as required on an ongoing
basis.
It is critical that staff, pupils, parents/guardians and visitors are aware of, and adhere to, the
control measures outlined and that they fully cooperate with all health and safety
requirements.
Staff, in particular, should note that they have a legal obligation under Section 13 of the
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to comply with health and safety
requirements and to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves, their
colleagues and other parties within the workplace.
The following control measures have been put in place:
1. Return to Work Form
Staff will be required to complete a RTW form at least 3 days prior to any return to
the school facility (see section 3 above). The purpose of the RTW form is to get
confirmation from staff that, to the best of his/her knowledge, he/she has no
symptoms of Covid-19 and is not self-isolating or cocooning or awaiting the results of a
Covid-19 test. The Return to Work form is in Appendix 3.
2. Induction Training
All staff will undertake and complete Covid-19 Induction Training prior to returning
to the school building. The aim of such training is to ensure that staff have full
knowledge and understanding of the following:
Latest up to-date advice and guidance on public health
Covid-19 symptoms
What to do if a staff member or pupil develops symptoms of Covid-19 while at school
Outline of the Covid-19 response plan
Staff will be kept fully informed of the control measures in place in the school and
their duties and responsibilities in preventing the spread of Covid-19 and with any
changes to the control measures or guidance available from the public health
authorities.
If a staff member is unsure about any aspect of the Covid-19 Response Plan, the
associated control measures, or his/her duties, he/she should immediately seek
guidance from the Principal. All Covid related guidelines and documents are located
- 18 -on our server S:\TeachersS Shared\Covid 19. All staff will also receive a physical Scoil
Eoin Covid 19 containing all relevant documents. This will be updated as needed.
Note: Induction Training for reopening schools in the new school year will be
developed by the Department in consultation with stakeholders and made
available for all schools and staff/
3. Induction Training for Return to School
The Department has prepared short induction training for schools operating the
summer provision this year. It is intended that this training will be updated and
become more comprehensive to cover all aspects of the return to school safely
protocols. The Induction training for the Summer Provision may be of interest in the
context of the kind of training which staff will need to undertake is available at the
following link.
https://www.education.ie/en/Parents/Services/summerprovision/summer-
education-programme- 2020.html#SchoolBased
4. Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette
It is crucial that all staff, pupils, parents/guardians, contractors and visitors are familiar
with, and adopt, good hand and respiratory hygiene practices.
Guidance documentation and Information posters will be available at various
locations within the school facility. Information posters will be prominently displayed
at appropriate locations within the school facility including offices, corridors,
staffroom area, classrooms and toilet areas. Such are intended to inform but also
remind everyone about the importance of hygiene in preventing the spread of Covid-
19 virus and protecting health and safety.
Handwashing facilities and/or hand sanitisers are available at multiple locations
within the school facility and are be available in each classroom. Teachers and
SNAs will explicitly teach children how to wash their hands
Staff will model good hand hygiene practices for children throughout the day
The children will wash their hands in accordance with HSE guidance. All teachers
were provided with a poster with these details to be displayed in each
classroom. Teachers will make use of the three sinks in the classroom.
Tissue paper for drying purposes will be provided by the school.
Teachers will factor hand washing into their timetables and give adequate time
to this practice.
5. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE will not be required to be worn within the school facility according to current
occupational and public health guidance. However, for a limited number of staff, PPE
will need to be used occasionally or constantly due to the nature of certain work
activities or work areas.
Such include roles where:
Performing intimate care
- 19 - Where a suspected case of Covid-19 is identified while the school is in operation
Appropriate PPE will be available for dealing with suspected COVID-19 cases,
intimate care needs and for first aid. This will be updated in line with advice from the
HPSC (Health Protection Surveillance Centre)
Where staff provide healthcare to children with medical needs in the school
environment, they should apply standard precautions as per usual practice.
The use of a face covering will conceal facial expression and can make
communication difficult and as such may not be practical in a school setting.
However, the wearing of a visor as an alternative to a facial covering may be
considered where there is a concern that physical distancing cannot be maintained,
there will be prolonged close contact and/or that exposure to fluid/respiratory
droplets is likely.
6. Wearing of Gloves
The use of disposable gloves in the school setting by pupils or staff is not
appropriate. It does not protect the wearer and may expose others to risk from
contaminated gloves. Routine use of disposable gloves is not a substitute for hand
hygiene.
7. Cleaning
Arrangements for more regular and thorough cleaning of areas and surfaces within
the school will be made.
Regular and thorough cleaning of communal areas and frequently touched surfaces
shall be conducted, in particular, toilets, lifts, door handles and kitchens. Cleaning
will be performed regularly and whenever facilities or surfaces are visibly dirty.
All staff will have access to cleaning products and will be required to maintain
cleanliness of their own work area. Under no circumstances should these cleaning
materials be removed from the building.
Staff should thoroughly clean and disinfect their work area before and after use each
day.
There will be regular collection of used waste disposal bags from offices and other
areas within the school facility.
Staff must use and clean their own equipment and utensils (cup, cutlery, plate etc.)
See Appendix 5 for Cleaning Schedule.
8. Access to the school building /contact log
Access to the school facility will be in line with agreed school procedures.
Arrangement for necessary visitors such as contractors and parents/guardians with be
restricted to essential purposes and limited to those who have obtained prior
approval from the Principal.
- 20 -The prompt identification and isolation of potentially infectious individuals is a
crucial step in restricting the spread of the virus and protecting the health and safety
of the individuals themselves and other staff, contractors and visitors at the
workplace. A detailed sign in/sign out log of those entering the school facilities should
be maintained. The school should maintain a log of staff and students contacts. In
addition see sign in/sign out contact log at Appendix 3.
9. First Aid/emergency procedure
The standard First Aid/Emergency procedure shall continue to apply in Scoil Eoin. In
an emergency or in case of a serious incident, call for an ambulance or the fire brigade
on 112/999 Contact the principal or nearest first aider giving details of location and
type of medical incident.
10. Lining Up
Pupils will line up in their bubbles maintaining a 1m distance in as far as is possible.
At yard time, children will line up in their bubble in their space on the yard
11. Entering and Exiting the Building
Children will enter the exit the building using designated doors as outlined in section 7
12. Social Distancing
Movement of students should be minimised.
Children will remain in class bubbles throughout the day, in their classroom and on
yard. Children from Senior Infants – 2nd class are in pods and will maintain a social
distance of 1 metre where possible.
Children from 3rd-6th class are in pods, pods are 1 metre apart and where possible
children within the pods are 1 metre apart.
Teachers’ desks and work area are 2 metre from the pupils.
All staff are required to maintain a 2 metre distance.
Movement throughout the corridors:
Everyone on the corridor will keep to the left.
Each bubbles will keep a distance from other bubbles.
If the way ahead is not clear, the class will wait for the area to clear, under the
direction of their teacher
Children are not permitted to go on messages around the school
Please use your phone for emergencies and/or ring. Use of phones to contact
parents/guardians is under review.
13. Staff Entering Bubbles
Staff should limit their visits to classrooms
Please use phone calls and texts
If giving a message to the class, please stand at the entrance without entering the
room
- 21 -14. Toilets
Toilet use will continue as normal within class bubbles
Children are reminded to use the toilets in their classrooms before entering the yard
as they are not allowed re enter the school from yard
Staff toilets are limited to one person.
15. Layout of classroom
Each child will sit at the same table each day.
Tables are social distanced so that each pod and children are 1m apart if possible.
Each child will have their own chair.
16. Books/copies and homework
All children will keep their books and copies in their own plastic box.
Children are allocated books from the Book Rental Scheme for the whole year.
Books, copies and worksheets will not be sent home for now, therefore no homework
will be given in September (this will be reviewed).
Instruct the children to empty their bag often at home to prevent clutter and risk if
infection.
A smaller box for pens, pencils etc has also been purchased for each child.
When tidying the classroom before home time, children will leave their chair down
and their box on the table.
Correction of pupils work is under review under the guidance of our inspector
Catherine Treacy
17. Curriculum Guidance
All staff have been directed to read the Department of Education and Skills Curriculum
Guidance for primary schools leaders and teachers.
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a0bff-reopening-our-primary-and-special-
schools/#additional-guidelines-and-procedures
The guidance is clear in relation to teaching and learning during the first term. Please see
below two important points taken from this document.
3.5 Revisiting and revising
The initial settling back period will be especially significant for revisiting and
consolidating and, in some cases, relearning curriculum content previously worked on
either prior to the school closure period or as part of distance learning. It will be
important to reinforce and consolidate pupils’ learning from their previous class.
Teachers might find it useful to work with the curriculum content, objectives and
learning outcomes for the previous class level for at least the month of September in
order to ensure that pupils are ready to commence new learning.
- 22 -3.6 Curriculum priorities
It will be necessary for schools to prioritise certain aspects of the curriculum when the
new term begins. Schools will need to re-orientate their work with the curriculum
especially during the initial weeks of the first term as they give greater time and
attention to areas such as Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE), Physical
Education (PE), Language and Mathematics. Gradually, as schools build comprehensive
pictures of where pupils are in their learning, they will work towards more ‘typical’
curriculum plans.
18. Ventilation:
Where possible of doors and windows should be encouraged to increase natural ventilation.
Please refer to 'Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools'
from the Department of Education and Skills'.
19. Uniforms
We ask that all uniforms are worn as normal.
20. Code of Behaviour
Teachers can no longer send children to other classes or the office in the event of
misbehaviour. The new code of behaviour needs to be adhered to as much as possible, in
the event of gross misbehaviour children will be sent home.
9. Dealing with a suspected case of Covid-19
Room 10 is our nominated Isolation Room. In the event of more than one pupil presenting with
Covid 19 symptoms there is ample space to accommodate a second suspected case in this room.
Pupils
Pupils should not attend school if they are displaying symptoms of Covid 19 or feeling generally
unwell. Staff members are required to manage a suspected case in line with the protocol and
training.
If a pupil displays symptoms (see below) of Covid 19 while in Scoil Eoin the following are the
procedures to be implemented:
New Cough
Shortness of breath
Breathing difficulties
Fever
Loss or change to sense of taste or smell
1. The teacher contacts LWR (Susan McGuinness) to vacate the isolation room.
2. The LWR (or Deputy LWR Catherine Gleeson) will notify parents/guardian of the suspected
case. At this point the LWR or Deputy LWR will notify management.
- 23 -3. The teacher should wear a face covering.
4. The teacher provides a mask for the symptomatic pupil.
5. The symptomatic pupil collects their belongings (if the pupil is not in his/her classroom their
belongings will be sent to the isolation room).
6. A staff member will clean the affected area in the classroom.
7. The symptomatic pupil should be advised to avoid touching people, surfaces and objects.
8. If a staff member has helped someone with symptoms it is essential they avoid touching
their nose, mouth or eyes whilst caring for them and undertake hand hygiene.
9. The teacher must open the door to the teacher in their neighbouring classroom for
supervision.
10. The teacher accompanies the symptomatic pupil to the isolation room (Room 10.) The
teacher should ensure they are 2m away from the suspected case and the suspected case is
not within 2m of anyone else where possible.
11. The teacher and LWR will remain in the isolation room until the pupil is collected.
12. When the pupil is collected the parent/guardian will be advised to contact their GP.
13. The symptomatic pupil will be advised to continue wearing their face mask until they reach
home.
14. If the pupil is too unwell to go home or advice is required, 999 or 112 will be contacted and
informed that the symptomatic pupil is a COVID 19 suspect.
15. After the isolation space is vacated, it will be cleaned and contact surfaces disinfected.
16. The staff member assisting with the child does not need to go home unless they develop
symptoms themselves, or are later advised to by public health.
17. At this stage no further action by the school is required.
* The Home School Community Liaison (Michelle Maher) will communicate with the family
involved and provide work as appropriate.
Staff
Staff should not attend school if they are displaying symptoms' of Covid 19 or feeling generally
unwell.
If a staff member develops symptoms of Covid 19 at school they should notify the principal and
go home without delay. Contact their GP by telephone and follow HSE guidance on self-
isolation. https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/managing-coronavirus-at-home/self-
isolation.html
- 24 -Staff members are advised not to present for work if they have been identified by HSE as a
Contact of a person with COVID-19 and to follow the HSE advice on restriction of movement
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/managing-coronavirus-at-home/if-you-live-with-
someone-who-has-coronavirus.html
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 and staff confidentiality is
essential at all times.
The response to confirmed cases or outbreaks of Covid-19 in a school is the responsibility of
and will be led and managed by Public Health HSE. All decisions as to appropriate actions
following a confirmed case or outbreak will be made by their teams in the context of a full
Public Health Risk Assessment procedure according to the principles set out in the document
attached. Any actions to be taken by the school will be communicated directly by Public
Health HSE.
Schools are asked to note that they should not inform other parents or staff members that a
pupil or staff member has gone home due to their symptoms. Other pupils or staff do not
need to be removed from class, including siblings or other household members.
School management will be informed as and when such actions such as exclusion of children
or staff; partial or full closure, are deemed necessary on public health grounds. If the school is
not so informed, it has not been deemed necessary by Public Health.
If the school is contacted by public health about a confirmed case of Covid 19 in our school the
following need to be notified:
Aine Haeir Chairperson of the Board of Management
Diocesan offices Mgr. Dan O’Connor on 087 7425862 or Karen Brady education secretariat
on 089 2417825 or email karen.brady@dublindiocese.ie or by emailing Beatrice
at beatrice.reilly@dublindiocese.ie
The Department of Education and Skills by emailing Covid19_alert@education.gov.ie
Actions for Schools
According to the document 'Schools Pathways for Covid 19, the Public Health approach' we have
carried out the actions required for schools listed on page 7.
a brief description of the school (type, numbers of staff and students and special features)
pertaining to the schools
A list of staff and students with appropriate contact telephone numbers
Prepare a broad description of classrooms
An outline of the staff and students movements around the school, between lessons and
breaks
A list of ‘pods’ and ‘bubbles’ should be kept up to date
10. Staff Duties
Staff have a statutory obligation to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that
of their colleagues and other parties. In order to facilitate a safe return to work, these duties
include, but are not limited to, the following:
- 25 - Adhere to the School Covid-19 Response Plan and the control measures outlined. The
cooperation and assistance of all staff is essential to reduce the risk of spread of Covid-
19 and to protect health and safety as far as possible within the school. All staff have a
key role to play.
Coordinate and work with their colleagues to ensure that physical distancing is
maintained
Make themselves aware of the symptoms of Covid-19 and monitor their own wellbeing
Self-isolate at home and contact their GP promptly for further advice if they display any
symptoms of Covid-19
Not return or attend school if they have symptoms of Covid-19 under any
circumstances.
If they develop any symptoms of Covid-19 whilst within the school facility, they should
adhere to the procedure outlined above
Complete the RTW form before they return to work
Must inform the Principal if there are any other circumstances relating to Covid-19, not
included in the form, which may need to be disclosed to facilitate their safe return to
the workplace
Must complete Covid-19 Induction Training and any other training required prior to
their return to school
Must be aware of, and adhere to, good hygiene and respiratory etiquette practices
Keep informed of the updated advice of the public health authorities and comply with
same.
Staff Duties -new section February 26th 2021
Not to return to or attend school in the event of the following:
if they live with someone who has symptoms of the virus
If they have travelled outside of Ireland; in such instances staff are advised to consult
and follow latest Government advice in relation to foreign travel.
Cooperate with any public health personnel and their school for contact tracing purposes
and follow any public health advice given in the event of a case or outbreak in their
school
Undergo any COVID-19 testing that may be required in their school as part of mass or
serial testing as advised by Public Health
11. Covid related absence management
The management of a Covid-19 related absence will be managed in line with agreed procedures
with DES.
Special Covid-19 Leave:
An employee who has been HSE/medically diagnosed with Covid 19 or has been
recommended to self-isolate or restrict their movements can apply for special
leave with pay see Appendix 4 Circular 0049/2020
Remote work will take place in terms of providing teaching and learning from
home where the staff member is in the ‘at risk’ category as outlined by the DES
- 26 -You can also read
