Thread by @CatrionaGolden

Long summary of reopening schools docs from 3/02.

5 docs total
➡️ Letter to Principals
➡️ App1 -Framework for return
➡️ App2 -HSPC Guidance
➡️ App3 -Additions to COVID response plan needed
➡️ App4 -COVID response plan doc

All here:

#edchatie
#1

into.ie/2021/02/03/gui…

Letter to Principals:

➡️ 2 phases and dates confirmed again.
Special schools - 11th - 50%
Special classes - 22nd - 100%

➡️Circular to follow on staffing, parental leave etc (the parts people want info on 🙈)

➡️ Dicussions ongoing for further reopening

#2

Appendix 1: Framework for return

This is the meat of it, most of the new stuff is in here.

3 main areas
➡️ Risk mitigation and public health advice
➡️ Interim model incl flexible staffing
➡️ Sequencing and timeline

#3

App 1 :Mitigation

➡️ Covid response plans to be updated, as per App 3
➡️ Specific guidance will be issued (not yet) for special schools/classes on control measures
➡️ No changes for new variant

#4

App 1: Public Health

➡️ 5% of national school population back won't impact community transmission
➡️ Phased reopening for all AEN to continue during Feb
➡️ School positivity low pre xmas
➡️ Public health messages will tell people to stay home to protect schools

#5

App 1: Info for Parents

➡️ Videos for parents on recognising symptoms
➡️ Parents to complete a declaration form before return
➡️ Schools to tell parents not to congregate

#6

App 1: School Planning and compliance

➡️ Schools to review covid plan
➡️ If more PPE funding needed contact DES
➡️ LWR available to listen to concerns
➡️ Info notes to follow on staffing and measures (repeated)

#7

App 1: Vaccinations

No change, still talking with Dept of Health asking the to consider staff working with SEN asap

#8

App 1 : Testing and Tracing

➡️ Enhanced schools pubkic health teams
➡️ Contact tracing in schools
➡️ Close contact testing resumed
➡️ Principal can tell schools team about case but no need to as public health will tell PH schools team
➡️ Serial testing not recommended

#9

App 1: PPE

➡️ Surgical masks provided for all staff
➡️ Contact DES if increased funding needed
➡️ Video on how to wear masks/visors

#10

App 1: Flexible work and Childcare
➡️ Flexible arrangements temporary only for this phase. Not precedent for high risk staff for full reopening
➡️ Increased flexibility for parental leave
➡️ Details to follow
➡️ Childcare available as essential workers

#11

App 1: Ventilation

➡️ "Updated Guidance" on ventilation.
➡️ Links to ventilation guidance from 30th November
➡️ Open windows fully when not in the room, partially in the room. (if you have windows....)

#12

App 1: Other Supports

Inspectorate, NEPS and NCSE available

Obligatory mention of wellbeing.

#13

App 1 : Special Schools

➡️ All staff to return on 11th unless on approved leave or covered under new circular (to follow)
➡️ May reduce attendance up to 50%. Alternate days
➡️ Transport normal
➡️ Schools contact bus office to tell them what children attending which days

#14

App 1: Special Schls cont

➡️ Parents notify schools 3 days in advance if not using transport. Grants available
➡️ Parent can keep child home, remote provision from staff working remotely. Child marked present.
➡️Staff providing remote provision for alternate days off

#15

App 1: Special Schls cont

➡️ Sub for those on flexible arrangements
➡️ Priority from supply panel for special schools, guidance to follow
➡️ If "issue" arises site can temporarily be closed WITH PERMISSION of PH and DES
➡️ Inspectors available to advise

#16

App 1: Phase 2 Special Classes & schools

➡️ All special classes including EI to reopen on 22nd. Schools to plan and liaise with parents until then
➡️ Flexibility for remote working (circular to follow)
➡️ Parents can keep child home
➡️ Subs for flexible working

#17

App 1: Phase 2 cont

Important differences in wording here

➡️ Schools SHOULD put mainstream SNA in special class and sub for mainstream
➡️ Schools MAY put mainstream teacher in special class and sub for mainstream
➡️ School may use full premises as required

#18

App 1: Phase 2 cont

➡️ Enhanced cleaning should "resume"
➡️ Pupils in Special class should be encouraged to return fully.
➡️ Closure only with permission for "issues"
➡️ Inspectors available for advice

#19

Appendix 2: Summary of Public Health Advice

Nothing new in this doc that I can see. But can be read fully in link in first tweet.

#20

Appendix 3 : required additions to covid response plan

➡️ Return to work form for staff
➡️ Tell staff and pupils to staf home with symtoms
➡️ Don't store hand sanitiser near heat or flame
➡️ Add ventilation guidance from Nov
➡️ Checklists
➡️ Clean vending machines 👀

#21

Appendix 4 : Full COVID response plan doc.

All additions are in Appendix 3 but if you're a masochist and want to read it anyway, work away

#22

The end