Mirror Online, UK: Sunday, June 7, 2020 – The government has said it wants to get all children back into education as soon as the scientific advice allows.
The plan at the moment is that from this week, early years, school and further education settings may be able to welcome back more children.
And with that in mind, the government has issued a strict six point plan to follow for schools, colleges and childcare settings to prevent the spread of coronavirus when the time comes for them to reopen their doors.
1. Carry out a risk assessment
The assessment should directly address risks associated with coronavirus so that sensible measures can be put in place to minimise those risks for children, young people and staff.
2. No kids with a coronavirus link can return
Education settings will have to make sure that children and young people do not attend if they or a member of their household has symptoms of coronavirus.
3. Promote regular hand washing
Sites must promote regular hand washing for 20 seconds with running water and soap or use of sanitiser and ensure good respiratory hygiene by promoting the catch it, bin it, kill it approach.
4. Clean more frequently
This will get rid of the virus on frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, handrails, tabletops, play equipment and toys.
5. Cut class sizes
Minimising contact through smaller classes or group sizes and altering the environment as much as possible, such as changing the layout of classrooms, will help stop the spread.
6. Reduce mixing between groups
Altering timetables or staggering break times will cut interactions. The government has also proposed the idea of introducing staggered drop-off and collection times.
