Thread by @SafeEdForAll_UK

SIMPLE STEPS THAT HTs CAN DO

Yes we know the @educationgovuk guidance document is dire and has NO SCIENTIFIC basis.

Following the guidance will not be sufficient defence when a parent or staff member legally challenged your school risk assessment.

So, yep we get it no funding and no support from @educationgovuk means it’s difficult to do WHAT IS NECESSARY to prevent unnecessarily and knowingly exposing your staff, pupils and their families to increased risk of infection.

However, crafty @educationgovuk means it’s YOU not THEM that will face the initial legal action.

Whoever has conducted and signed a risk assessment that is found to breach H&S legislation IS LEGALLY LIABLE.

Basics!

Acknowledge, educate and alert your staff and pupils to the fact that #COVIDisAirborne

This isn’t new information and ignoring it won’t make it go away!

Conduct a robust risk assessment for EVERY SCHOOL ACTIVITY
-classroom learning
-lunch breaks
-toilet facilities
-assemblies
-PE
-transitioning around the building
-break times
-entering and exiting

For each of those activities the RISK identified is;
-aerosol transmission
-formite transmission

Then look at what scientifically recognised mitigations are available.
USE a multi-layered strategy

So for example, let’s look at assemblies.

A large number of unvaccinated people in a single space, talking, singing, whispering, shouting responses, etc.

Risk of aerosol transmission is mitigated by;
-reducing numbers to facilitate SD

-ensuring ventilation is adequate for space, density and duration
-ensuring ALL who are able wear a face mask
-not allowing singing, shouted responses “good morning” etc
-enduring no crowding/bottle necks on entrance and exit

Risk of formite transmission can be mitigated by;

-improved surface hygiene
-improved hand hygiene
-social distancing
-masking (so droplets aren’t expelled)

Assemblies can still be a participatory experience if use of technology such as teams/zoom is used.

No need for large indoor super spreader groupings at all.

None of the above requires @educationgovuk funding, what it does require is a school leader who UNDERSTANDS SCIENCE and is not prepared to continue unnecessarily and knowingly exposing staff, children and parents to increased risk of infection!