Resource Bundle - Covid ar Scoil 2021 - 2022 by Irish Primary Principals’ Network

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LATEST ADDITIONS The following sections are the latest additions to this Resource Bundle: 'HSE live Covid-19 Principal school line' (01) 240 8785 Please direct all queries during office hours to Friday to the Leadership Support team via the normal helplines – by email to info@ippn.ie and by phone to 021 482 40 70 February 23 2022 Section 6 6.12 6.13

Staff Related COVID 19 Measures Information Note TC 0002/2022 - Changes to Special Leave with Pay from 7th February 2022 for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools Information Note 0003/2022 - Updated Covid-19 Guidance to Schools following the midterm break 2022 February 02 2022

Section 5 5.23

Updates from DE and others from 1st December 2021 Updated information from DE regarding Children and COVID-19 January 19 2022

Section 5 5.19 5.20 Section 5 5.19 5.20

Updates from DE and others from 1st December 2021 Isolation quick guide for parents and guardians of children older than 3 months and up to 13 years of age – Updated on 18th January 2022 Isolation quick guide - Adults and children from their 13th birthday age – Updated on 18th January 2022 Updates from DE and others from 1st December 2021 Isolation quick guide for parents and guardians of children older than 3 months and up to 13 years of age – Updated on 18th January 2022 Isolation quick guide - Adults and children from their 13th birthday age – Updated on 18th January 2022

5.21

National Interim Guidelines for Public Health management of COVID-19 cases and contact

5.22

HSE changes advice on Antigen Test Reporting

Section 6 6.11

Staff Related COVID 19 Measures Information Note TC 0001/2022 - Updated Working and Leave Arrangements from January 2022 for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 1.2 1.3

CONTENTS OF THIS LIVE RESOURCE BUNDLE ....................................................................................................... 1 HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE BUNDLE? ............................................................................................................. 1 THE SCHOOL LEADER’S ROLE ........................................................................................................................... 1

CHECKLIST FOR SEPTEMBER 2021 ............................................................................................................... 2 2.1 CHECKLIST FOR SCHOOL LEADERS REGARDING THE RETURN TO SCHOOL - SEP 2021 ................................................... 2 2.1.1 Actions for School Leaders and BoM: ................................................................................................... 2 2.1.2 Actions regarding Parents: ................................................................................................................... 3 2.1.3 Actions regarding Pupils: ..................................................................................................................... 4 2.1.4 Actions regarding Staff: ....................................................................................................................... 4 2.1.5 Temporary Changes to Circulars during Covid 19 via Information Notes ............................................ 5 2.1.6 Actions regarding PPE: ......................................................................................................................... 6 2.1.7 Useful contact numbers: ...................................................................................................................... 6

COVID RELATED CURRICULAR DOCUMENTS ............................................................................................... 7 3.1 CURRICULUM GUIDANCE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2021 – 2022 ............................................................................ 7 3.2 SUPPORTING THE WELLBEING OF SCHOOL COMMUNITIES: GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS .................................................. 7 3.3 WELLBEING RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS ............................................................................................................... 7 3.3.1 For Parents ........................................................................................................................................... 7 3.3.2 For Staff ................................................................................................................................................ 8 3.3.3 For Pupils .............................................................................................................................................. 8 3.4 CIRCULAR 45/21 - COVID LEARNING AND SUPPORT SCHEME (CLASS) .................................................................... 8 3.4.1 Key Messages ....................................................................................................................................... 8 3.4.2 Documents ........................................................................................................................................... 8

HSE AND OTHER COVID-19 DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................... 9 4.1 HSE LETTER TO SCHOOLS 30TH AUGUST 2021 .................................................................................................... 9 4.2 HSE POSTER FOR PARENTS RE CLOSE CONTACT ADVICE ........................................................................................ 9 4.3 ADVICE FROM THE HSE COVID-19 HEALTH PROTECTION SCHOOLS’ PROGRAMME ................................................... 9 4.4 CURRENT MOST EFFICIENT MEANS OF REACHING HSE TO REPORT A COVID-19 CASE (09SEP21) ............................... 11 4.4.1 Principal Helpline ............................................................................................................................... 11 4.4.2 Public Health Regional Offices ........................................................................................................... 11 4.5 CLOSE CONTACTS OF A POSITIVE CASE – STAY IN SCHOOL OR SEND HOME ............................................................. 12 4.6 HSE / HPSC QUICK ISOLATION GUIDE FOR PARENTS / GUARDIANS ...................................................................... 12 4.7 TEMPLATE LETTER FOR PARENTS / GUARDIANS / STAFF ...................................................................................... 13 4.8 HSE / DE FAQS FOR SCHOOL LEADERS RE COVID-19 14TH SEPTEMBER 2021 ...................................................... 13 4.9 UPDATE ON CO2 MONITOR ROLL-OUT DELAYS................................................................................................. 13 4.10 COVID-19 CAPITATION FUNDING FOR TERM 1 – 2021/22 SCHOOL YEAR ............................................................ 14 4.11 STATEMENT FROM DR TONY HOLOHAN, CMO, RE CHANGES TO COVID-19 MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOLS 22ND SEP 21 ... 14 4.12 STATEMENT FROM MINISTER FOR HEALTH RE CHANGES TO COVID-19 MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOLS 22ND SEP 21 .......... 14 4.13 PRESS RELEASE FROM HSE RE CHANGES TO COVID-19 MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOLS................................................ 15 4.14 UPDATE FROM GOVERNMENT AND HSE RE CONTACT TRACING FOR CHILDREN U.13 ................................................ 16 4.15 FAQS ON 4.14 ABOVE FROM GOVERNMENT AND HSE....................................................................................... 16 4.16 HSPC GUIDANCE FOR COVID-19 CONTACT TRACING FOR CHILDREN (>3 MONTHS TO UNDER 13 YEARS OF AGE) ......... 17 4.17 FAQS FOR PARENTS ABOUT THE CHANGES TO CONTACT TRACING AND TESTING FOR U13S ....................................... 17 4.18 INFORMATION NOTE REGARDING PUBLIC HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND CLASSES................... 17 4.19 ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANTIGEN TESTING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS ............................................................................ 17 4.19.1 Who will be tested? ....................................................................................................................... 17 4.19.2 How will parents receive the Antigen Tests? ................................................................................. 18 4.19.3 Do families have to participate in Antigen Testing? ...................................................................... 18 4.19.4 Do children who test positive for COVID-19 have to remain out of school? .................................. 18 4.19.5 How will these details be communicated to parents? ................................................................... 18 4.19.6 When will Antigen Testing commence in schools? ........................................................................ 18 4.20 TEMPLATES FOR INFORMING PARENTS OF A COVID CASE IN THE POD / CLASS / SCHOOL............................................ 18 4.21 ANTIGEN TESTING GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS AND PRINCIPALS ............................................................................. 19 Covid ar Scoil 21 - 22

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4.22 4.23 4.24 5

UPDATED HPSC QUICK ISOLATION GUIDE FOR PARENTS..................................................................................... 19 RETURN TO SCHOOL GUIDANCE FROM HSE PUBLIC HEALTH ................................................................................. 20 HSE FLOW CHARTS FOR ASYMPTOMATIC AND SYMPTOMATIC CONTACTS OF COVID-19 .......................................... 20

UPDATES FROM DE AND OTHERS FROM 1ST DEC 2021 .............................................................................. 21 5.1 FACE COVERINGS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS........................................................................................................... 21 5.1.1 Requirement for Medical Certificate .................................................................................................. 21 5.1.2 Information for Parents ...................................................................................................................... 21 5.1.3 Pupils using school transport ............................................................................................................. 21 5.1.4 Mixed classes in single rooms ............................................................................................................ 21 5.1.5 Provision of face masks ...................................................................................................................... 21 5.2 LETTER FROM CMO TO PARENTS VIA SCHOOLS.................................................................................................. 22 5.3 FACE COVERING POSTER ............................................................................................................................... 22 5.4 TEMPLATE TEXT MESSAGE TO PARENTS / GUARDIANS .......................................................................................... 22 5.5 DE FAQS ON MASK-WEARING 6TH DECEMBER 2021 ........................................................................................ 23 5.6 NEPS ADVICE RE SUPPORTING MASK WEARING BY CHILDREN IN SCHOOL................................................................. 23 5.7 ROOM AIR CLEANER GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS .................................................................................................. 23 5.8 MINOR WORKS AND ENHANCEMENTS TO MINOR WORKS GRANT ........................................................................ 24 5.9 HEPA FILTERS Q&A - KEEPING CLASSROOM CLEAN AND AS VIRUS-FREE AS POSSIBLE .............................................. 24 5.10 COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN AGED 5-11 ........................................................... 26 5.11 CAPITATION FUNDING SUPPORTS FOR TERM 2 OF 2021/2022 SCHOOL YEAR ........................................................ 26 5.12 TEACHING COUNCIL CLARIFICATION RE DROICHEAD AND CLASS .......................................................................... 26 5.13 TEACHING COUNCIL UPDATE RE REGISTRATION OF 3RD AND 4TH YEAR STUDENT TEACHERS ......................................... 26 5.14 ISOLATION QUICK GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF CHILDREN OLDER THAN 3 MONTHS AND UP TO 13 YEARS OF AGE 28 5.15 ISOLATION QUICK GUIDE - ADULTS AND CHILDREN FROM THEIR 13TH BIRTHDAY ....................................................... 28 5.16 UPDATED COVID-19 CASES AND CLOSE CONTACT RULES FROM 14TH JANUARY 2022 ............................................. 28 5.17 ISOLATION QUICK GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF CHILDREN OLDER THAN 3 MONTHS AND UP TO 13 YEARS OF AGE – UPDATED ON 14TH JANUARY 2022............................................................................................................................ 28 5.18 ISOLATION QUICK GUIDE - ADULTS AND CHILDREN FROM THEIR 13TH BIRTHDAY AGE – UPDATED ON 14TH JANUARY 2022 28 5.19 ISOLATION QUICK GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF CHILDREN OLDER THAN 3 MONTHS AND UP TO 13 YEARS OF AGE – UPDATED ON 18TH JANUARY 2022............................................................................................................................ 29 5.20 ISOLATION QUICK GUIDE - ADULTS AND CHILDREN FROM THEIR 13TH BIRTHDAY AGE – UPDATED ON 18TH JANUARY 2022 29 5.21 NATIONAL INTERIM GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT OF COVID-19 CASES AND CONTACTS .................. 29 5.22 HSE CHANGES ADVICE ON ANTIGEN TEST REPORTING ........................................................................................ 29 5.23 UPDATED INFORMATION FROM DE REGARDING CHILDREN AND COVID-19 ........................................................... 29

STAFF RELATED COVID-19 MEASURES ...................................................................................................... 30 6.1 INFORMATION NOTES .................................................................................................................................. 30 6.2 CONFIRMATION OF RELEASE DAYS FOR DPS ..................................................................................................... 30 6.3 “BANKED HOURS” FOR 2021 – 2022 SCHOOL YEAR ......................................................................................... 31 6.4 CIRCULAR 50/2020 - COVID-19 OPERATIONAL SUPPORTS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR 2021/2022 ....................... 31 6.5 FURTHER MEASURES TO INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY OF SUBS – 23RD NOV 2021 .................................................... 31 6.6 REVISED INSPECTION ARRANGEMENTS FROM 25TH NOVEMBER 2021 .................................................................... 32 6.7 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0027/2021 – UPDATES ON CIRCULAR 42/21 ................................................................ 33 6.8 INFORMATION NOTE SD 0001/2022 - COVID-19: UPDATED ARRANGEMENTS FOR ALL RECOGNISED PRIMARY AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS – JANUARY 2022 ............................................................................................................................ 33 6.9 DE APPROVES THE BANKING OF HOURS UNTIL MID-TERM BREAK ........................................................................ 33 6.9.1 Banked Hours Form ............................................................................................................................ 34 6.10 UPDATE ON MASKS FOR STAFF IN SCHOOLS...................................................................................................... 34 6.11 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0001/2022 - UPDATED WORKING AND LEAVE ARRANGEMENTS FROM JANUARY 2022 FOR TEACHERS AND SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS EMPLOYED IN RECOGNISED PRIMARY AND POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS......................... 34 6.12 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0002/2022 - CHANGES TO SPECIAL LEAVE WITH PAY FROM 7TH FEBRUARY 2022 FOR TEACHERS AND SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS EMPLOYED IN RECOGNISED PRIMARY AND POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS ....................................... 35 6.13 INFORMATION NOTE 0003/2022 - UPDATED COVID-19 GUIDANCE TO SCHOOLS FOLLOWING THE MID-TERM BREAK 2022 35

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INTRODUCTION

1.1 CONTENTS OF THIS LIVE RESOURCE BUNDLE This Resource Bundle is a ‘one-stop shop’ for information in relation to keeping schools open in the COVID-19 2021/22 school year. It is the third in a series of Live Resource Bundles. It replaces the Live Resource Bundles “Returning to school in the Aftermath of COVID-19” and “Keeping the school safely open during COVID-19”, which are still available on the IPPN website. “Covid ar Scoil 21 – 22” contains the documents and templates relating to keeping the school open as safely as possible for pupils and staff from August 2021 forward. It will be updated as required and as indicated by expert advice on an on-going basis. Each section and sub-section of the Resource Bundle contains links to the relevant documents discussed in that section.

1.2 HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE BUNDLE? Clicking on the relevant section and sub-section you require information on in the Table of will take you directly to that content. The page before the Table of Contents, entitled “Latest Additions”, displays the latest information added to the Live Resource Bundle

1.3 THE SCHOOL LEADER’S ROLE It is important for all school leaders to realise and to put into practice the concept that keeping schools open as safely as possible is a whole school-community effort. The BoM, parents, school staff and children all have a role to play. It is the school leader’s role to co-ordinate this effort and monitor the preparations and plans that have been made in the spirit of community co-operation, to see that the plans are fully implemented and revised when necessary. Engaging all the partners at local school level will give them ownership of the process and motivate everyone to engage positively with keeping the school open as safely as possible. It is the BoM’s responsibility to implement the COVID-19 School Response Plan and Policy Statement. It is the principal’s responsibility to oversee that implementation as the day-to-day manager of the school. School leaders are advised by IPPN to engage with all the local partners and to delegate as many of the tasks as possible. One of the greatest challenges for any school leader is managing self. Self-care has never been more important as the school leader rises to the challenges of this school year. You, as a school leader will, as always, do your best. Things will not be perfect and when the challenges arise, both personally and professionally, reach out to colleagues and support services for the help needed to get through the difficult times.

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CHECKLIST FOR SEPTEMBER 2021

2.1 CHECKLIST FOR SCHOOL LEADERS REGARDING THE RETURN TO SCHOOL - SEP 2021 2.1.1

Actions for School Leaders and BoM: Review and adopt Version 4 of the COVID 19 Response Plan as School Policy - click here o 23rd August 2021 - Version 4 of the COVID 19 Response Plan has been altered in the following respects:  Section 5.1 includes updated common and uncommon symptoms of COVID-19  Section 5.5 reiterates the public health advice that children do not have to wear masks at school. Parents may, however, request that their children wear a mask Review the following documents o Letter from Deirdre Shanley to schools on 12th August 2021 – click here o Circular 42/2021 “Coronavirus (COVID-19): Arrangements for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in recognised Primary and Post Primary schools” o Updated Ventilation Guide May 2021 o The school’s risk assessment prior to return to school. (This was also completed in Sep 2020) and any changes should be included in the School Safety Statement Click here to download DES Risk Assessment Click here to download IPPN Risk Assessment o Advice from the Dept. of Foreign Affairs re travelling outside of Ireland – click here Review the school’s provision for: o Signage o Hand Sanitiser Stations o Isolation Room and Procedures o Visitor Log Review the school’s plans, in light of COVID dangers, for: o Arrangements of pupils – Bubbles and Pods o Movement of pupils and staff around the school o Playground safety and monitoring o Assembly and dismissal routines Cleaning: o Have school thoroughly cleaned before staff return o Provide cleaners with checklists, as per Response Plan o Ensure adequate supply of cleaning equipment and consumables CO2 Monitors: o Receive portable CO2 Monitors from Lennox Laboratories from 23rd August (As noted in letter from Deirdre Shanley)

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Funding: o Funding to support the school’s continuing implementation of COVID 19 safety precautions will continue to be supplied by the DE – new circular due in the next few weeks Staff Training: Staff Category 1 2 3 4 5 2.1.2

New Staff New Lead Worker Representative Staff in Special School / Class Settings Cleaning Staff Existing Staff (Refresh, if required)

Location Click here Click here Click here Click here Click here

Actions regarding Parents: Consider if you need to inform parents about the updated symptoms included in the altered Covid 19 Response Plan of August 23rd. This may be necessary if your school has already sent the August 18th version of the Covid 19 Response to parents via e-mail or website Ask parents to complete Return to Education Form in respect of children returning to school and after any absence from school The HSE Return to Education Facility Parental Declaration Form is available on all TextaParent accounts. The form can be sent to parents via SMS or email. All form submissions are reported back to your TextaParent account. Click here for details of how to send it to your parents The DE has clarified to IPPN that the use of the Return to Education Form is ~NOT Mandatory. School leaders and their BoMs are therefore free to decide whether or not to use it Information for Parents. Distribute, via e-mail, website etc.: o DE Posters for Parents re returning to school in September 2021, - click here o Video for parents of children in Junior Infants - https://youtu.be/UomH_vakjDI o Video for parents of children Senior Infants – RII - https://youtu.be/4smnni5jpGI o Video for parents of children RIII – RVI - https://youtu.be/97nErW1-0YU o A Parent’s Guide to Close Contacts – click here o Multi-lingual advice for parents – click here o DE letter re school transport for parents – click here Reminders for parents o not congregating at or near school during drop off and collection times o communication with the school must take place by phone or online o school policy in relation to children with symptoms of COVID-19 o not to send children to school if they are  close contacts of a person with COVID-19  are awaiting a test  are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19  if they live with someone who has symptoms of the virus  if they have travelled outside of Ireland (see latest Govt. advice – click here

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2.1.3

Actions regarding Pupils: Musical activities – instruments may now be played indoors, with adequate ventilation (Section 6 of Covid Response Plan) Toys – sharing of toys should be minimised to the greatest possible extent and all toys need to be carefully washed after use (Section 6 of Covid Response Plan) Library Books – schools are recommended to use plastic covers to minimise the risk of passing infection via the sharing of library books. Plastic covers will also enable the books to be effectively cleaned (Section 6 of Covid Response Plan) Sporting Activities – guidance remains the same as last year – click here for HSPC guidance (Section 6 of Covid Response Plan) Bubbles and Pods to ensure physical distancing will remain as for last year (Section 5.4 of Covid Response Plan)

2.1.4

Actions regarding Staff: All staff returning to work are required to complete the Return to Work Form The Staff Return to Work Form is available on all TextaParent accounts. The form can be sent to staff via SMS or email. All form submissions are reported back to your TextaParent account. Click here for details of how to send it to your staff Staff meetings should be held remotely or in small groups or in large spaces to facilitate physical distancing (Section 5.4 of Covid Response Plan) Refer to the provisions of Circular 42/2021 for the following in relation to staff: o Special Leave with Pay – Review Chapter 5 of Circular 42/2021  Self-Isolation  COVID-19 Diagnosis o Ordinary Sick Leave o Restricted Movement – Chapter 3 o Returning from Overseas Travel – Chapter 3 Very High Risk Group o Previous categorisation of Very High Risk ceased on 30th June 2021 o Staff who believe they are in the Very High Risk Category must  Complete OHS Covid Assessment Questionnaire  Download and have completed a “Medical Report from Treating Consultant”  Inform the BoM immediately, or on diagnosis o Where OHS categorises a member of staff as being at Very High Risk  The person will complete Appendix E of Circular 42/2021 and give it to the BoM  BoM will arrange alternative working arrangements  BoM may employ a sub while the staff member is working from home  If medically unfit to work, the terms of Sick Leave will apply  Record on OLCS as Personal Leave – Covid 19 – Very High Risk Group

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High Risk Group o Special Leave does not apply o Unless ill, must attend the workplace and take extra care Pregnant Staff o Carry out a workplace pregnancy risk assessment – Click here for link to CPSMA Template o consult Appendix G of Circular 42/2021 o Consult letter from DE of 21st July re Pregnant Staff – click here o Consult “HSE Guidance for Education Sector Guidance on Employees in the Covid-19 Higher Risk Categories, including Pregnant Employees” – click here o Consult “Guidance for Schools Regarding Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) Supporting Children and Young People with Additional Care Needs in the Context of COVID-19” – Click here Pregnant Staff working in Special School or Special Class setting o Must be reassigned if  Over 14 week’s gestation  There are 3 or more adults working in the same room  There is no opportunity for physical distancing Alternative Working Arrangements – to be applied to staff who are o Have been advised to restrict his/her movements, but is fit to work o Is at Very High Risk of contracting Covid, but is available for work o Section 4.6.3 gives examples of suitable alternative work for teachers o Section 4.6.5 gives examples of suitable alternative work for SNAs Arrangements for Staff other than Teachers or SNAs – review latest advice from DE – click here School Placement for Student Teachers – review latest advice from DE and TC – click here 2.1.5

Temporary Changes to Circulars during Covid 19 via Information Notes TC 04/21 – Temporary changes to Parental Leave and Unpaid Leave and other temporary arrangements for SNAs TC 05/21 – Temporary changes to Parental Leave and Unpaid Leave and other temporary arrangements for Teachers TC 06/21 - Temporary changes to Parental Leave and Unpaid Leave and other temporary arrangements for SNAs TC 14/21 – Extension of EAS service to all school staff to continue for 2021/22 TC 15/21 – Teachers on Career Breaks may continue to engage in substitute work for 2021/22 TC 16/21 – Teachers on Job Share may continue to engage in substitute work for 2021/22 TC 17/21 – SNAs on Job Share may continue to engage in substitute work for 2021/22 TC 18/21 – Teacher Substitute and EPV arrangements 2021/22 TC 19/21 – SNA Substitute arrangements 2021/22 TC 20/21 – Temporary changes to Circulars 51/19 and 26/21 regarding the recruitment and appointment procedures for SNAs TC 21/21 - Temporary changes to Circular 44/19, Replacement of TC 06/20 and withdrawal of TC 02/220 regarding the recruitment and appointment of Teachers, Principals and DPs TC 23/21 – Amendment to Maternity Leave Scheme for Teachers (Chapter 2 of Circular 54/19) regarding stillbirths or miscarriages

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TC 24/21 - Amendment to Circular 17/2013 Maternity Protection Entitlements for SNAs regarding stillbirths or miscarriages TC 27/21 - Updated Working and Leave Arrangements for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools – 2021/22 school year Information Note (Not Numbered) re Principal Release Days and Teacher Supply Panels for 2021/22 school year 2.1.6

Actions regarding PPE: Ensure sufficient PPE is available and in particular that surgical / medical grade masks must be available for SNA’s / SET teachers NOTE Surgical Face Masks are the same as Medical Face Masks and they are both classified as conforming to EU EN 14683 Staff carrying out aerosol generating procedures may require gowns, gloves, goggles and respiratory masks (FPP2 or FFP3). See HPSC Aerosol Generating Procedures If additional funding for PPE is required, contact should be made with the Department of Education at COVID-19_alert@education.gov.ie

2.1.7

Useful contact numbers: Dedicated Schools HSE COVID-19 line for Principals - (01) 2408785 Public Health contact numbers for your region HSE LIVE 1850 24 1850 IPPN – 021 4824070 or info@ippn.ie

Click here to download a copy of this checklist

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COVID RELATED CURRICULAR DOCUMENTS

3.1 CURRICULUM GUIDANCE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS 2021 – 2022 This 5-page document summarises the DE guidance for schools in the following areas Teaching, Learning and Assessment Pedagogy Collaboration Partnership with Parents Provision for Pupils with Special Needs (SEN) Transitions Assessment School Self Evaluation (SSE) Wellbeing Preparation for Teaching and Learning Child Protection Anti-Bullying Inspectorate Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Curriculum Developments Exemplars of effective practice from recent DE engagement with schools Cliceáil anseo chun na Treoir Churaclaim a íoslódáil Click here to download the Curriculum Guidance Document

3.2 SUPPORTING THE WELLBEING OF SCHOOL COMMUNITIES: GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS This is an updated guidance for schools in relation to wellbeing guidance for schools Click here to download the Wellbeing Guidance for schools

3.3 WELLBEING RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS The following web address provides links to resources on wellbeing: 3.3.1

For Parents Advice for parents during Covid-19: Back to School in Sept 21 How to Calm and Support your Child: Advice for Parents and Guardians Managing Stress and Anxiety: A Guide for Parents and Guardians Reluctant Attenders Information for Parents and Guardians

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3.3.2

For Staff School Staff Wellbeing Catalogue of Wellbeing Resources for Primary Schools Directory of Wellbeing CPD Supporting the Wellbeing of Students with SEN Returning to School: Strategies and Resources Normalising Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviours: A Guide for School Staff Managing Stress and Anxiety – A Guide for School Staff Panic Attacks: Guide for School Staff Self-Regulation for Pupils: Guide for School Staff The Response to Stress: Information for School Staff Supporting Bereaved Students and Staff Returning to School Following COVID-19 and Public Health Restrictions Responding to Critical Incidents during COVID-19: Information Booklet for Schools Wellbeing Webinar for Primary Schools

3.3.3

For Pupils Managing Thoughts and Feelings: A Guide for Students Dealing with Anxiety Dealing with Fear Coping Strategies Managing Panic Cliceáil anseo chun leagain Geaielge des na hachmhannaí folláine a íoslódáil Click here to download the above resources

3.4 CIRCULAR 45/21 - COVID LEARNING AND SUPPORT SCHEME (CLASS) The DE is providing primary and special schools with a framework for providing additional supports for pupils who have been most impacted by the disruption to in-school education resulting from Covid 3.4.1

Key Messages The extra resources provided to schools under the CLASS support programme should be used for the pupils who are prioritised by the school as having been most impacted by COVID, including those who may not have previously come to the attention of the school as needing extra supports The pupils prioritised for support under the CLASS programme should be identified by a robust whole-school collaborative process, in an evidence-based way using the data available in the school The supports provided to exisiting and newly-prioritised pupils should be tailored to meet the needs of those students in an inclusive manner Schools should ensure that the progress of a pupil who is supported by CLASS interventions and resources is measured and reported upon

3.4.2 Documents The following documents explain and support CLASS Ciorclán 45/21 – íoslodáil anseo Circular 45/21 – download here

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HSE AND OTHER COVID-19 DOCUMENTS

4.1 HSE LETTER TO SCHOOLS 30TH AUGUST 2021 This letter from Drs Abigail Collins and Kevin Kelleher is a reprise of current HSE advice in relation to Infection Prevention and Control in the school setting Cliceáil anseo chun an Litir a íoslódáil Click here to download the Letter

4.2 HSE POSTER FOR PARENTS RE CLOSE CONTACT ADVICE This poster summarises for parents the actions to be taken in the event that their child is a close contact ofCOVID-19 in school or childcare Click here to download poster

4.3 ADVICE FROM THE HSE COVID-19 HEALTH PROTECTION SCHOOLS’ PROGRAMME The letter below was sent to an IPPN member. A Chara, Public Health have been notified that a child/ student/ staff member has tested positive for Covid-19 (coronavirus) at your facility. We are asking you to please: 1. Exclude all children/ students and staff members listed identified as close contacts, as above. Please ask all close contacts to restrict their movements (stay at home) until they receive a call from the HSE’s national COVID-19 Contact Management Programme. 2. Send a message to parents of children identified as close contacts and to all staff identified as close contacts (see below for suggested wording of same). This can be sent however you best usually communicate with parents (text, email, etc) 3. Complete the Excel Spreadsheet: this will be sent to you by our colleagues in the HSE Central Administration Team and they will assist you with any queries around this. If you have any queries regarding the excel spreadsheet including receipt of same, please direct your queries to hsecovid19schools@abtran.com or contact 021 4819351. 4. Send the attached information leaflet to parents of children who are close contacts. 5. Remind all parents to keep an eye on their children’s health, and all staff to be mindful of their own health. It is particularly important to be alert for the symptoms of Covid-19. Any child or staff member with symptoms must self-isolate and contact their GP for advice regarding a COVID-19 test or attend a walk-in test centre. Advice for close contacts who are not fully-vaccinated against Covid-19 (This will be determined by the HSE):  Close contacts who are not fully-vaccinated will need to go for two PCR tests for Covid-19, one as soon as possible and one on Day 10 after their last exposure to the COVID-19 case.

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 

They will need to restrict their movements until the Day 10 test has been done. This includes not attending work or school. If the Day 10 test result is “not detected” or negative, the child or staff member can return to school or childcare provided they do not have symptoms of Covid-19.

Advice for close contacts who are fully-vaccinated against Covid-19: Close contacts who are fully-vaccinated against Covid-19 are required to restrict their movements until they receive a call from the HSE Contact Management Programme. During this call a review of each close contact’s vaccination (dates and type) and medical history will determine whether the vaccine is likely to provide “significant immunity” for them. The close contact will then be advised whether they can return to school or whether they need to continue to restrict movements. A person is considered to be fully-vaccinated:    

7 days after receipt of the second Pfizer-BioNTech dose (two dose vaccination course) 15 days after receipt of the second AstraZeneca dose (two dose vaccination course) 14 days after receipt of the second Moderna dose (two dose vaccination course) 14 days after receipt of the Johnson/Jansen dose (one dose vaccination course)

What about the families of those who are close contacts? Other people who live at home with the close contact do not need to restrict their movements, provided the close contact has no Covid symptoms. This means they can continue to attend school. If the close contact tests positive for Covid-19, the household will then need to restrict their movements. What if a close contact declines the Covid-19 test? Testing is not mandatory. But any close contact who does not have a Day 10 test must continue to restrict their movements for 14 days after their last contact with the person with Covid-19. Other ways to protect the community of your school or childcare facility: 1. Please continue your effective and diligent support of the children and staff of your school community during the Covid-19 pandemic, even with high population uptake of Covid-19 vaccination. It is important to reinforce to your school community that all public health guidelines still need to be followed to protect the health of children and staff, these include:  Wearing face coverings  Cleaning hands regularly  Maintaining physical distance from others  Being mindful of the ventilation of classrooms by classrooms by opening windows and doors as appropriate 2. Encourage all those who are eligible for vaccination within your school or childcare facility community to access appropriate information around this (available at https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/) For those wishing to arrange vaccination, they can do so by either:  Registering using the HSE Vaccine portal (https://vaccine.hse.ie/#register)  OR phoning the HSE at 1800 700 700

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Suggested wording for a text message for close contacts: “A person in your school/childcare facility has been diagnosed with COVID-19. The school, together with the HSE Public Health Schools team, have identified you/your child as a close contact. You/your child should stay at home and restrict your/their movements immediately. You will receive a call from the HSE Contact Management Programme with more advice, and, if needed, the HSE will arrange for two COVID19 tests for you/ your child. If either COVID-19 test is positive you/your child must self-isolate and you will be called by the HSE. If you/your child have a negative result, you/they must continue to restrict movement until the second test has been done. If the second test is negative and you/your child is well you/they can stop restricting movements and you/your child can return to schools/childcare facility. If you/your child does not attend for testing as advised you/they must restrict movements. You will be advised of your period of restricted movements during your call from contact tracers. Further information on restricted movements and self-isolation can found here https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/restricted-movements/self-isolating-restricted-movementsdifferences/

More information Up to date information and advice on Covid-19 is available on hse.ie. We thank you for your help and support as we continue to live with Covid-19. Best wishes, The HSE Covid-19 Health Protection Schools Response (Signed by a Cigire / District Inspector, seconded to the above)

4.4 CURRENT MOST (09SEP21)

EFFICIENT MEANS OF REACHING

HSE

TO REPORT A

COVID-19

CASE

4.4.1 Principal Helpline This number is currently the best one to ring (01) 240 8785 4.4.2 Public Health Regional Offices The next best contact to use is your local Public Health Regional Office, by phone or by e-mail Region East Midlands

Mid-West

North East

North West Donegal

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Geographic area covered Counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow Counties Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath Counties Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary Counties Cavan, Louth, Meath and Monaghan

Email address (Office and Out of Hours Cover) Idnotifications.east@hse.ie

Telephone no. Office Hours Phone: 01 6352145

hprotmidlands@hse.ie

Phone: 057 9359891

MWnCoV1@hse.ie

Phone: 061 483337

NEnCoV@hse.ie

Phone: 046 9076412

County Donegal

infoid@hse.ie

Phone: 071 9852900

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North West

infoid@hse.ie

Phone: 071 9174750

South

Counties Sligo and Leitrim County Cork

phscovgp@hse.ie

Phone: 021 4927601

South

County Kerry

phscovgp@hse.ie

Phone: 066 7184548

South East

Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford Counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon

COVID19.phse@hse.ie

Phone: 056 7784142

Public.Health@hse.ie

Phone: 091 775200

West

Click here to download the above chart

4.5 CLOSE CONTACTS OF A POSITIVE CASE – STAY IN SCHOOL OR SEND HOME The following advice is now (10th September 2021) being clearly offered by HSE and DE in relation to this dilemma for School Leaders: Anyone with symptoms should not come to school. ‘If in doubt, stay out!’ When a child of a school-going age tests positive for Covid-19, Public Health is automatically informed and the Contact Tracing process begins to identify the child’s school Dr. Abigail Collins has stressed in media briefings, that children do not need to be removed immediately from school if another pupil tests positive for Covid-19. They can attend class for several days until public health teams arrive to assess their risk Any close contact of the positive case who contracts the virus will not become infectious for 4 7 days which gives time for that contact and advice to be received by the school from public health. Therefore, schools are urged by HSE to wait for public health to advise who are deemed to be close contacts and what action the school should take Additional capacity is being allocated to this service to speed up the response times The most important thing is that the positive case is at home and, so long as other pupils have no symptoms and mitigation measures are in place, the other children can continue to attend school The practice of isolating a child with symptoms while awaiting collection by parents/guardians should continue

4.6 HSE / HPSC QUICK ISOLATION GUIDE FOR PARENTS / GUARDIANS The HSE / HPSC have released Version 5 of their Quick Isolation Guide for Parents / Guardians of children aged 3 to 13. In particular, it refines the advice in relation to children with runny noses. Click here to download the Isolation Guide

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4.7 TEMPLATE LETTER FOR PARENTS / GUARDIANS / STAFF The following letter has been drafted by IPPN and approved for use by the Department of Public and Child Health of the HSE to inform parents and staff. The letter will: Remind them of the Control Measures which are in place in the school Inform them of the procedures in place when a child or adult displays symptoms of COVID in school Make them aware of the role and procedures of the HSE and Public Health in the event of a positive case of COVID related to the school Clarify for them the role of the BoM and Principal in relation to working with the HSE and not being able to divulge the personal data of any child or adult in relation to COVID. IPPN strongly recommends that the letter be sent to all parents and staff in advance of there being any COVID-19 related incident in the school. The letter can also be re-sent in the event of members of the school community questioning school leaders in relation to a specific incident Click here to download this letter Cliceáil anseo chun na Treoir Churaclaim a íoslódáil

4.8 HSE / DE FAQS FOR SCHOOL LEADERS RE COVID-19 14TH SEPTEMBER 2021 This is a comprehensive document outlining the latest HSE / DE advice for school leaders related to the following aspects of Covid-19: 1. If a positive case is identified from your school 2. Pods 3. Vaccination 4. Close contact information 5. Contact from HSE Public Health 6. Close Contact testing 7. A pupil/student/staff member develops symptoms 8. Data Cliceáil anseo chun na Ceisteanna Coitianta a íoslódáil Click here to download DE FAQs

4.9 UPDATE ON CO2 MONITOR ROLL-OUT DELAYS The DE has published an update from Lennox Laboratories relating to the roll out of CO2 Monitors and outlines ways in which schools can accelerate the delivery process Click here to download Updates

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4.10 COVID-19 CAPITATION FUNDING FOR TERM 1 – 2021/22 SCHOOL YEAR Deirdre Shanley has outlined the details of COVID-19 related Capitation Funding for the continued safe operation of schools, for Cleaning and PPE in particular. Cliceáil anseo chun na tacaíochtaí maoinithe Caipitíochta Covid-19 a íoslódáil Click here to download DE COVID-19 Capitation funding supports

4.11 STATEMENT FROM DR TONY HOLOHAN, CMO, RE CHANGES TO COVID-19 MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOLS 22ND SEP 21 “We have been closely monitoring the incidence of COVID-19 and we are reassured that the reopening of schools has not led to an increase in transmission of COVID-19 amongst school-going children or more widely across the population. This is good news for students, parents and all those involved in the education of our children. As always, we will keep disease transmission in the population under review, but given the importance of education for our children we feel that now is the right time to evolve our approach to the public health management of COVID-19 in educational settings. From Monday 27 September, we will change how we manage COVID-19 in our schools. Contact tracing of close contacts in childcare facilities and primary education and testing of asymptomatic close contacts in childcare facilities and primary education will no longer be necessary. Children aged 12 yrs. or under, who are identified as close contacts in childcare, educational settings, special education settings or other non-household settings and who are asymptomatic will no longer be required to routinely restrict movements. Given the substantially higher risk of transmission in households as compared to any other setting, children aged 12 yrs. or under, who are identified as household close contacts, will still be required to restrict movements and be tested, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms. Public health advice remains that any person, including children aged 12 yrs. or under, who displays symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should rapidly self-isolate and not attend school or socialise until 48 hours after they are symptom free.”

4.12 STATEMENT FROM MINISTER FOR HEALTH RE CHANGES TO COVID-19 MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOLS 22ND SEP 21 The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD has today accepted recommendations in relation to measures for contact tracing and testing for childcare and primary schools. The new measures will come into effect from Monday and have been made following discussions with the National Public Health Emergency Team and the Chief Medical Officer. Minister Donnelly has accepted the following recommendations, to be implemented from 27 September:  automatic contact tracing of close contacts in childcare facilities and primary education will be discontinued (not including special education facilities)  testing of asymptomatic close contacts in childcare facilities and primary education will be discontinued (not including special education facilities)  children aged 12yrs or under, who are identified as close contacts in childcare, educational settings, special education settings or other non-household settings and who are asymptomatic will no longer be required to restrict movements, unless indicated by the local public health team

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 

children aged 12yrs or under who are identified as household close contacts in household settings will still be required to restrict movements and get tested, regardless of symptomatic status public health advice remains that any child aged 12yrs or under who displays symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should rapidly self-isolate and not attend school or to socialise until 48 hours after they are symptom free

Minister Donnelly said: "Throughout the pandemic, we have done our utmost to protect our school communities from the serious risks posed by COVID-19. The latest data indicates that schools continue to be a low-risk environment for transmission of COVID-19. As such, I am happy to be in a position today to announce these significant updates to contact tracing in our school environments. If you have any concerns or notice symptoms in members of your family, the public health advice remains to self-isolate and arrange a test as soon as possible. You should not attend school, or work or socialise."

4.13 PRESS RELEASE FROM HSE RE CHANGES TO COVID-19 MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOLS HSE Press Release: Wednesday, 22 September 2021 Following recent guidance from the National Public Health Emergency Team, the HSE has today announced changes to the existing testing and contact tracing protocol for children aged between 3 months and 13 years. From Monday 27th of September, routine contact tracing of asymptomatic close contacts among children in settings such as childcare facilities, primary education and social and sporting groups will no longer take place. Public Health advice remains the same for any child aged over 3 months and less than 13 years of age with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 - they should immediately self-isolate, they should not attend childcare, school or socialise, and they should get a COVID-19 test. Commenting, Dr. John Cuddihy, National Clinical Director of Health Protection said, “Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have learned that children are more likely than adults to have no symptoms or to have mild disease. Investigation of cases identified in school settings suggest that child to child transmission in schools is uncommon and not the primary cause of Sars-CoV-2 infection in children, particularly in preschool and primary schools. Children are rarely identified as the route of transmission of infection in to the household setting and children are not more likely than adults to spread infection to others”. “This change will mean that children who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and who are in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the settings outlined above, will not have to restrict their movements and will not need to be tested for COVID-19. Children in this age group who are a close contact of a case of COVID 19 in a household setting will still be required to restrict their movements and get a COVID 19 test. A child under 13 who is not fully vaccinated, will be considered a household contact if they were present overnight in a house or residential setting while a person with COVID-19 was infectious in that house”. “If there are particular outbreaks of concern in childcare, educational facilities or any other social or sporting settings, children may be still designated and managed as close contacts by Public Health doctors, who will carry out a Public Health risk assessment (PHRA). It is important to note that all infection, prevention, control and mitigation measures, as currently recommended for childcare facilities, schools and sporting / social groups remain in place”. “Cases and outbreaks in Special Educational Needs (SEN) settings, respite care or residential settings and similar, will still require a Public Health Risk Assessment”.

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Dr. Abigail Collins, National Public Health Clinical Lead for Child Health added, “From the 27th of September, testing for COVID-19 in children aged over 3 months and less than 13 years of age will focus on clinically relevant symptomatic disease. Parents who are concerned that their children may have symptoms of COVID-19 should immediately ensure their child self-isolates and they should phone their GP for advice and guidance, and COVID-19 testing if clinically appropriate”. “This change is being implemented because of the wide-spread uptake of COVID-19 vaccination in Ireland among those aged 12 years and older. Although precautions to prevent introduction and spread of the virus are still required, vaccines have proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the risk of severe disease and or hospitalisation”. “We are extremely conscious of the impact that periods of absence from school have on children’s educational, social and emotional well-being. This change will mean that children will now not be automatically required to restrict their movements if they are a close contact of a case of COVID-19 in any setting other than a household, once they do not have any symptoms. It is a positive change for children, while still enabling rapid access to testing for children who require it clinically”. “Public Health teams will continue to provide support to schools should it be required and testing will remain available more broadly to children should it be required on public health or clinical grounds or following a Public Health Risk Assessment”. Ends

4.14 UPDATE FROM GOVERNMENT AND HSE RE CONTACT TRACING FOR CHILDREN U.13 The DE yesterday (23 Sep 2021) released updated information on the implications of the new HSE / NPHET guidelines regarding COVID-19 Testing and Contact Tracing for children aged under 13 Click here to download

4.15 FAQS ON 4.14 ABOVE FROM GOVERNMENT AND HSE These FAQs synopsise again the changes to COVID-19 management for children aged under 13 and answer the following questions: What does the above mean for my school / facility / group? When will these changes be implemented? Why have these changes been made? Does this guidance change apply to the special educational needs sector? Does this guidance change apply to children who are household close contacts? Will any close contacts be identified from a case of Covid-19 in a child aged 3months – 13 years, or in primary school? What should I do if I am aware that someone has tested positive for Covid-19 in my school / facility / club etc? Should I tell parents of the class / School / Group if I am aware that someone has tested positive for Covid-19? Will the HSE Principals line and CCF line still remain open? Reminder of core important information: o Vaccination: o Previous confirmed infection with Covid-19: o Do children / staff who have no symptoms need to restrict their movements if someone in the house has symptoms of Covid-19 and is awaiting testing or result? o Pods: o Close contact testing: Click here to download the FAQs Covid ar Scoil 21 - 22

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4.16 HSPC GUIDANCE FOR COVID-19 CONTACT TRACING UNDER 13 YEARS OF AGE)

FOR

CHILDREN (>3

MONTHS TO

This document summarises recommendations for contact tracing of COVID-19 in children aged > 3 months to under 13 years in all settings with the exception of household, Special Educational Needs (SENs), respite care and other vulnerable clinical situations. Click here to download the HSPC Recommendations

4.17 FAQS FOR PARENTS ABOUT THE CHANGES TO CONTACT TRACING AND TESTING FOR U13S This FAQ is issued by the Government and HSE and answers the following questions: What is changing? What stays the same? What will be different from Monday 27th September 2021? Questions parents or guardians might have o My child is a close contact from childcare, primary school, a sporting or social event and they have not finished their 14 days restricted movements yet - can they go back to school on Monday 27th? o Household close contacts. o Children in Special Education Needs schools, classes, respite care. o Will contact tracing of children happen in primary schools, childcare, SAC and ELC or social and sporting settings from Monday 27th September? o Will the measures in place to deal with COVID 19 in these settings still remain in place? o What about specific settings e.g. Respite care, Special Educational Needs settings etc? o What should I do if I am concerned about my child’s symptoms? o What about if my child has a mild symptom like a runny nose? o Will Public Health teams still provide support and advice to schools? o Why is this change happening? Click here to download the FAQs

4.18 INFORMATION NOTE REGARDING PUBLIC HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENTS SCHOOLS AND CLASSES

FOR

SPECIAL

This Information Note clarifies the position of Special Schools and Classes in relation to the change in Contact Tracing and Testing for children aged under 13 Click here to download Information Note Brú anseo chun an Nóta Faisnéise a íoslódáil

4.19 ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANTIGEN TESTING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS The Ministers for Education and Health have jointly announced arrangements for antigen testing for asymptomatic children in primary schools: 4.19.1 Who will be tested? Antigen Tests will be made available to the parents of children in a pod where a PCR Test has detected COVID-19 in a child in that pod. Antigen tests will be made available to the parents of a class where two

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or more children have been confirmed as having COVID-19 within a seven-day period and outside of the same pod. 4.19.2 How will parents receive the Antigen Tests? The parents of a child who tests positive for COVID-19, using a PCR Test, are asked to inform the Principal of the school, who will then inform the parents of the other children in that pod that there has been a case of COVID-19 within the pod. The Principal will not reveal details which might identify the family involved. These parents will then be able to order free Antigen Tests which will be delivered to their homes. 4.19.3 Do families have to participate in Antigen Testing? No. 4.19.4 Do children who test positive for COVID-19 have to remain out of school? No. They can continue to attend school. If they display symptoms of COVID-19, they should self-isolate immediately and their parents should arrange for a PCR Test. 4.19.5 How will these details be communicated to parents? Information materials will be shared with schools and publicised directly to parents next week. 4.19.6 When will Antigen Testing commence in schools? These measures are due to come into effect on Monday 29th November 2021

Click here to download the Press Release

4.20 TEMPLATES FOR INFORMING PARENTS OF A COVID CASE IN THE POD / CLASS / SCHOOL The issue of whether or not a school leader should inform parents/guardians of a Covid-19 case has generated much anxiety in recent weeks. The central issue for many school leaders, teachers and parents lies in their desire not to identify a child or staff member who has to be absent because of Covid. In addition to not wishing to identify a person or family, there are GDPR considerations which forbid the sharing of personal data without consent. School leaders have come under a lot of pressure from parents, staff and even BoMs to release the personal data of individuals to the school community. The templates below are an amalgam of templates submitted by IPPN members which seek to: Reassure parents/guardians that the BoM and school leadership is taking all possible precautions to keep children and staff safe Inform parents/guardians that a case of Covid-19 has been confirmed within the school Asks parents to be vigilant and alert for symptoms Covid in their children IPPN strongly urges school leaders to discuss the contents of these letters with the Chairperson of their BoM before sending them to parents. Best practice would be to have the signatures of both Chairperson and Principal on the letters. Ideally the use of these letters would be discussed and approved by the BoM, where time permits, prior to communicating with parents. Click here for Templates for Informing Parents/Guardians of a Covid-19 case in Pod/class/School

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4.21 ANTIGEN TESTING GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS AND PRINCIPALS The DE has issued guidelines in the form of letters to Parents and Principals regarding the operation of Antigen Testing of asymptomatic children in primary school pods where a confirmed case of COVID-19 is identified. The Guidelines emphasise that children with symptoms should not take an Antigen Test – their parents should instead arrange for a PCR test. Antigen testing applies only to children in the same pod, or class, where there is a confirmed case of Covid-19 The letter to Principals contains a template letter to be sent to parents from the school. Brú anseo chun an Litir do Thuismitheoirí a íoslódáil – leagain Béarla agus Gaeilge Brú anseo chun an Litir do Phríomhoidí a íoslódáil – leagain Gaeilge agus Béarla

4.22 UPDATED HPSC QUICK ISOLATION GUIDE FOR PARENTS The HSPC have published an updated Guide for Parents in relation to when to isolate children. Signs of COVID-19 disease:    

fever of 38.0⁰C or higher without another medical reason (such as chickenpox or a urine infection) OR new cough or difficulty breathing or worsening of an existing breathing problem, OR loss of sense of smell, change in sense of taste, or loss of sense of taste (if your child is able to say this) OR other minor breathing or chest problems in a child who has been in contact with an ill person, is part of an outbreak or is a contact of someone who has COVID-19 Other symptoms associated with COVID-19 include fatigue, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, sore throat, headache, muscle/joint pain, skin rash, nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea, chills or dizziness.

Symptoms may present differently in different age groups and with different variants of the virus. Some symptoms may also be confused with common cold, hay-fever or flu. If you have any new acute symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, self-isolate and contact your GP. However, if you or your child’s symptoms are very mild then stay at home, reassess after 48 hours and contact your GP for advice. Self-isolation – (stay in your room). Self-isolation means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people. This includes other people who live in the same house as your child, as much as possible. Self-isolation is for children who have had a test that shows they have COVID-19 and also for children who have some symptoms of COVID-19, but are still waiting for a test or test result. Restricting movement – (stay at home). Restricting movement means avoiding contact with other people as much as possible. This includes not going to school, crèche or social activities. Restricting movement is for people who do not have signs of COVID-19 but who may be at higher risk of getting COVID-19 because they were exposed to a particular risk. There is a detailed chart outlining 14 scenarios for parents and schools. Click here to download the detailed chart

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4.23 RETURN TO SCHOOL GUIDANCE FROM HSE PUBLIC HEALTH Dr John Cuddihy, Acting HSE National Clinical Director of Health Protection has issued a letter to all schools today with guidance on returning to schools and Infection prevention and Control Measures: Click here to download letter

4.24 HSE FLOW CHARTS FOR ASYMPTOMATIC AND SYMPTOMATIC CONTACTS OF COVID-19 The HSE have recently published a useful Flow Chart to assist with determining a person’s response to being a close contact:

Click here to download this Flowchart

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UPDATES FROM DE AND OTHERS FROM 1ST DEC 2021

5.1 FACE COVERINGS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS The DE has issued guidance this evening, 30th November 2021, that all children, with some exemptions, from RIII to RVI are required to wear masks on a temporary basis. This will be reviewed in February 2022. The exemptions are:  any pupil with difficulty breathing or other relevant medical conditions 

any pupil who is unable to remove the cloth face-covering or visor without assistance



any pupil who has special needs and who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing the cloth face covering or visor, for example pupils with intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, sensory concerns or tactile sensitivity.

5.1.1 Requirement for Medical Certificate A medical certificate to certify that a person falls into a category listed below must be provided to the school on behalf of, any person (pupil) who claims that they are covered by the exemptions. A medical certificate will not be required for children who are identified by the school as not being able to wear masks due to their complex needs. In other circumstances where a medical certificate is not provided that person (staff or pupil) will be refused entry to the school. 5.1.2 Information for Parents Schools are asked to provide information on the proper use, storage, removal and washing of face coverings. That advice is available here. 5.1.3 Pupils using school transport Pupils from 3rd class and up on the primary transport scheme are required to wear face masks/coverings subject to the exemptions above. 5.1.4 Mixed classes in single rooms Where there are mixed classes, e.g. 2nd and 3rd class in a single classroom, schools should note that only children in 3rd class and above, are required to wear face masks. As per previous advice, however, parents of other children who would prefer that their children wear a face mask are not precluded from doing this. 5.1.5 Provision of face masks Parents should be advised that they obtain face masks for their children which fit properly and are comfortable for the child to wear. In the event that a child forgets, loses or damages their masks during the course of the school day, then the school should have a sufficient supply to replace the mask for the child in case a back-up face covering is needed during the day or where required on an ongoing basis.

Brú anseo chun an Treoir maidir le maisc/cumhdaigh aghaidhe i mBunscoileanna a íoslódáil – leagain Béarla agus Gaeilge

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5.2 LETTER FROM CMO TO PARENTS VIA SCHOOLS The DE has requested that all schools would communicate a letter from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to parents today. This letter updates Dr Holohan’s advice to parents re Covid-19 precautions in relation to their children. It also deals with the advice of NPHET on the introduction of face masks for all children aged 9 and over in Primary Schools. Brú anseo chun an Litir do Thuismitheoirí ón POL (Príomh Oifigeach Leighis) a íoslódáil – leagain Béarla agus Gaeilge

5.3 FACE COVERING POSTER The Government has release a Poster outlining the use of face masks for children in Ranganna III go VI in primary schools. Please share with your parent body Brú anseo chun an Postéir faoi Conas clúdaigh aghaidhe a úsáid a íoslódáil - leagain Béarla agus Gaeilge

5.4 TEMPLATE TEXT MESSAGE TO PARENTS / GUARDIANS Below is a template text message compiled from suggestions from IPPN members to be sent to parents / guardians today. The message aims to reassure parents that the school will work with them to implement the new guidelines in a supportive fashion and without undue pressure of time. It also makes clear that further clarification is being sought from the DE on the implementation of the advice. Dear Parents/Guardians, Apologies for this late communication. You may have seen media reports that the Government has decided to adopt NPHET's advice that children in 3rd - 6th classes should wear face coverings to school. We have received guidance from the Department of Education (DE) on the matter this evening and I attach this guidance below. The instruction from the DE is that the wearing of face coverings in 3rd to 6th classes is now required, however details of exemptions are included. Please read this guidance carefully. We realise that this is very short notice and that some children may not have a suitable face covering to wear to school tomorrow, however we are asking parents/guardians to please provide face coverings for 3rd - 6th class pupils in the coming days. Please see attached guidance on face coverings for children. We are also aware that there are cases where exemptions apply but medical certification have not yet been acquired. If an exemption applies to your child, please inform your child's teacher and email the school at [insert school e-mail address]. The DE has asked schools to show flexibility over the coming days as we adapt to this new safety measure and my great hope is that we can continue to work together for the protection of our pupils and the wider school community. We expect further advice and clarification on this matter from the DE over the coming days and as we get more information, we will pass this on to you. Kind regards, Principal [consider having the Chairperson of your BoM co-signing the message] [Suggested Attachments: DE Guidance on Face Masks, CMO Letter to parents / guardians, Poster on mask wearing] Covid ar Scoil 21 - 22

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5.5 DE FAQS ON MASK-WEARING 6TH DECEMBER 2021 The DE has issues revised guidelines in relation to the wearing of masks by pupils from RIII to RVI this morning. The Questions answered are: Wearing face masks/coverings 1. What public health advice has changed in primary schools for the wearing of face masks/coverings? 2. What is the procedure where a child presents without a face mask/covering? 3. Do children who may have a difficulty wearing a face mask/covering require a medical certificate? 4. Do pupils with a hearing impairment require adjusted arrangements to facilitate lip reading? 5. Are all school staff expected to comply with the new measures? Wearing face masks/coverings – good practice guide 6. Should pupils have breaks from wearing face masks/coverings? 7. Do pupils have to wear face masks/coverings while outdoors? 8. Should pupils wear a face mask/covering while sitting at their desks for lunch or taking a drink during class? 9. What is the position in instances of mixed classes (3rd class and 2nd class)? 10. What is the position for children using school transport? 11. Notwithstanding the requirement for wearing face masks/coverings what is the key message to keep schools safe? Wearing face masks/coverings while engaged in school activities 12. Do pupils have to wear a face mask/covering at P.E.? 13. Do pupils have to wear a face mask/covering while playing sport? 14. Do pupils have to wear a face mask/covering while singing? 15. Do pupils have to wear a face mask/covering while playing a musical instrument? Brú anseo chun na Ceisteanna Coitianta maidir le maisc/cumhdaigh aghaidhe i mBunscoileanna a íoslódáil – leagain Gaeilge agus Béarla

5.6 NEPS ADVICE RE SUPPORTING MASK WEARING BY CHILDREN IN SCHOOL NEPs has produced some practical tips and advice for schools to encourage children to wear masks in school. It also includes resources from the Middletown Centre for Autism to assist children on the ASD Spectrum adjust to mask wearing in school. Brú anseo chun na hAchmhainní maidir le maisc/cumhdaigh aghaidhe i mBunscoileanna a íoslódáil – leagain Gaeilge agus Béarla

5.7 ROOM AIR CLEANER GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS This document from the DE gives advice on purchasing various types of air cleaner devices and their potential advantages in a classroom setting. The document discussed Air Cleaning by Filtration Devices and Air Cleaning by Ultraviolet Radiation. The document clearly states that these technologies are not a replacement for ventilation and can only work in conjunction with ventilation Click here to download the Guidance

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5.8 MINOR WORKS AND ENHANCEMENTS TO MINOR WORKS GRANT Circular 65/2021 contains details of how the Minor Works and Enhancements to the Minor Works Grant may be used to improve ventilation and air purification in classrooms. These monies may also be used by a BoM to obtain professional advice prior to consideration of improving ventilation or purchasing air purification equipment Click here to download Circular Letter 0065/2021

5.9 HEPA FILTERS Q&A - KEEPING CLASSROOM CLEAN AND AS VIRUS-FREE AS POSSIBLE Adults and children who are infected with COVID-19 will transmit the disease by breathing out the virus in an airborne or aerosol form. These are invisible and are breathed in by others in the room, thereby spreading the infection from one person to another. Can we completely eliminate the spreading of infection in classrooms? Not really in normal school settings. However, we can take measures which will minimise the risk of infection to very low levels. These measures are:  Promoting rigorous hygiene standards: o Hand washing and sanitising o Sneezing and coughing etiquette o Ensuring meticulous cleaning and disinfection routines and standards  Spending as much time as possible outdoors i.e. reducing the time spent indoors as much as possible  Maintaining a safe distance between pupils and between pods  Silence or speaking quietly  Wearing a well-fitting mask  Ensuring sufficient ventilation  Using Air Cleaning technology  Using CO2 Monitors How important is Ventilation in infection control? Sufficient ventilation is the key to reducing the chances of infection. The more times per hour the air in a classroom is replaced by fresh air, the less chance there is of infection because the virus is carried out of the classroom and replaced with fresh air. Can Air Cleaning technology replace Ventilation? No. Air Cleaners will clean the air in a classroom and remove harmful particles such as viruses, but it will not replace the air in the room. Mechanical Air Cleaners can increase ventilation and clean the air at the same time through the use of fans and filters. In this way they make the room much safer. Good ventilation practices are the first line of defence. HEPA Filters, or other air cleaning devices, are a supplementary line of defence in classrooms with poor ventilation. Their primary function is to aid ventilation rather than clean the air. Is there a system to replace having windows and doors open for ventilation? There is. It is called MHRV – Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation. A central machine uses a system of vents and pipes to pump fresh air into each room and remove stale air to the outside of the building. In the process, it passes the warm, stale air over the cold, fresh air in a heat exchanger to warm the fresh air coming in to the rooms. It would be a very expensive system to retrofit to a school.

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How do you know if a room requires additional ventilation? CO2 Monitors will are the recommended means of deciding whether or not a room is adequately ventilated. If the reading on the CO2 Monitor is:  <1000ppm*, the air quality is good  >1000ppm*, the air quality is poor and extra ventilation is required ppm = parts per million How do you know how much ventilation / cleaning is required for a classroom? Ventilation is measured in Air Changes per Hour i.e. the number of times each hour the entire volume of air in the classroom is expelled and replaced by fresh air. It is generally recognised that classrooms require 5 or 6 Air Changes per hour. To achieve this, a combination of existing ventilation (vents, windows and doors open) and mechanical ventilation using fans is required. Air Cleaners clean the air as they aid ventilation through increasing the number of air changes per hour. What is the best Air Cleaning Technology to use in a classroom? The best recommendations from research points to using a system which  cleans the air by using fans to pass the air through filters  assists existing ventilation to increase the Air Changes per hour to 5 or 6 What are HEPA filters? A HEPA Filter is a High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter and traps anything larger than 0.3 microns in diameter, which will eliminate virus generated through speaking and breathing from the air which passes through the machine. What types of Air Cleaners are not recommended for classrooms? Technologies which use ionising processes or Ultra Violet Radiation to clean the air are not recommended for use in classrooms What size HEPA filter do I need for a classroom? That depends on  The size of the room  The number of extra Air Changes per hour you require to properly ventilate the room (to bring it up to 5 or 6)  The noise level of the HEPA filter when the fans are fully on  You may require more than one HEPA filter per classroom to achieve sufficient ventilation  If purchasing HEPA filters, ensure that they are H13 or H14 rated How are HEPA Filters rated? The efficiency of HEPA Filters is denoted by the rating. H13 and H14 rated HEPA Filters are considered medical-grade filters:  A H13 HEPA Filter will remove 99.95% of particles greater than 0.2 microns  A H14 HEPA Filter will remove 99.995% of particles greater than 0.2 microns How do I know how many Air Changes per Hour I need? If you or someone on your BoM or in your parent body cannot satisfactorily decide the answer to this question, having read and studied the following guides: 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347575728_Guide_for_ventilation_towards_healt hy_classrooms

and  http://ippn.ie/index.php/back-to-school/back-to-school-resources/classroomventilation/6557-guide-for-ventilation-towards-healthy-classrooms Covid ar Scoil 21 - 22

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your BoM needs to engage the services of an engineer or architect to decide the level of Air Cleaning Technology you require. Are there any recommendations for considering and purchasing HEPA filters in Ireland? The following is a link to advice offered recently to a school by a registered architect: http://ippn.ie/index.php/back-to-school/back-to-school-resources/classroom-ventilation/6558-hepafilter-devices-in-ireland Where can I get further information on HEPA Filtration for Irish Schools? CPSMA has produced a podcast on the subject and has kindly consented to it being shared on this platform. You can access the podcast here

5.10 COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN AGED 5-11 The DE has been asked by the HSE to disseminate the information below regarding the vaccination of children to schools for onward communication to parents/guardians. In turn, the DE is asking schools to disseminate the information below to parents The information aims to help parents and guardians of 5-11 year old children make an informed decision when it’s time for their child to be offered a COVID-19 vaccine. Registration for the vaccine will open shortly, with priority being placed on children who are more at risk from COVID-19 or children who have a high-risk person in the family. Parents and guardians can read this information on https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/covid-19vaccination-for-children/ . The HSE has also published booklets on the vaccine for parents and guardians Cliceáil anseo chun an leabhrán a íoslódáil Click here to download the booklet

5.11 CAPITATION FUNDING SUPPORTS FOR TERM 2 OF 2021/2022 SCHOOL YEAR The DE have released a Notice regarding Capitation Funding Supports for Term 2 of the 2021/2022 School Year on 22nd December 2021. These are grants for Cleaning and the purchase of required PPE. Brú anseo chun an Fógra maidir le tacaíochtaí cistithe Caipitíochta Covid-19 do Théarma 2 a íoslódáil – leagain Gaeilge agus Béarla

5.12 TEACHING COUNCIL CLARIFICATION RE DROICHEAD AND CLASS The Teaching Council have issued clarification on Droichead requirements in relation to NQTs and CLASS settings. This was issued on 22nd December 2021. Click here to download the clarification

5.13 TEACHING COUNCIL UPDATE RE REGISTRATION OF 3RD AND 4TH YEAR STUDENT TEACHERS Dear stakeholder, At its meeting on 20 December 2021, the Teaching Council approved the enactment of amendments to its 2016 Registration Regulations which provide for the registration of student teachers on concurrent programmes of accredited Initial Teacher Education who have completed two years of those programmes.

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This will support student teachers’ availability for substitution during the pandemic. In bringing enhanced regulation to this space, it will also maintain the quality and integrity of accredited qualification programmes of teacher education. The Amendment Regulation was signed by the Minister for Education Norma Foley TD, together with Chair of the Teaching Council, Seán McMahon and Director Tomás Ó Ruairc, on 21 December 2021. It follows extensive consultation between the Council and the Department with stakeholders in education and in particular with the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) who provide Initial Teacher Education and postgraduate education in teaching. It is important to note that a significant body of work is already being planned to process applications for registration from the current eligible cohort of student teachers. Council staff will be in contact with HEIs and other relevant stakeholders to plan the communication and roll-out of this work in the period after the Christmas break. This will include information sessions for eligible student teachers. In the meantime, we wish to outline for you the key elements of the amendments to the Council’s Registration regulations:  

Student teachers will be able to register with the Teaching Council. In order to avail of such registered status, student teachers who become registered with the Teaching Council will be required to remain as registered students on their accredited programme in teacher education until the completion of that programme.  They can only engage in teaching on a substitute basis; and must continue to participate fully in their accredited programme in teacher education. Applicants for registration with the Teaching Council for these purposes must have successfully completed year two of their undergraduate degree in order to be considered. The measure is time-bound, in that a student teacher who ultimately fails to achieve qualification will not be able to renew their registration beyond that point. This Regulation passed by the Teaching Council will support us in safeguarding standards and quality of teaching and learning for all, including teacher education. This measure also reflects the need that exists in the system at this time without any diminution of regulatory standards.

It will support our schools in staying open throughout the pandemic. It will also enhance regulation of the employment of student teachers for substitution purposes. Throughout the pandemic, the Council has been innovative and flexible in its responses to schools, stakeholders and the wider system. These have included flexible programme delivery by Higher Education Institutions and guidance for innovative school placement arrangements. The Council will continue to collaborate closely with the Department of Education and all stakeholders to ensure that all our children and young people continue to receive quality teaching and learning. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you, your loved ones and colleagues every blessing and good wish over the Christmas break and into 2022! Le gach dea-mhéin Tomás Ó Ruairc Director / CEO

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5.14 ISOLATION

QUICK GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF CHILDREN OLDER THAN

MONTHS AND UP TO 13 YEARS OF AGE The Health Surveillance and Protection Centre of the HSE has published the following updated Quick Guide for parents in relation to children of Primary School Age. The Guide clearly sets out 16 scenarios under which children should either restrict their movements or self-isolate. The Quick Guide for Children can be downloaded here

5.15 ISOLATION QUICK GUIDE - ADULTS AND CHILDREN FROM THEIR 13TH BIRTHDAY The Health Surveillance and Protection Centre of the HSE has published the following updated Quick Guide for parents in relation to Adults and children who are aged 13 and upwards. The Guide clearly sets out 14 scenarios under which these cohorts should either restrict their movements or self-isolate. This Quick Guide was published today, 4th January 2022. The Quick Guide for Adults can be downloaded here

5.16 UPDATED COVID-19 CASES AND CLOSE CONTACT RULES FROM 14TH JANUARY 2022 The HSE has published new Guidance on the Public Health Management of COVID-19 Cases and Close Contacts, effective from 14th January 2022 These are available from the following Government Website link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/914a6-guidance-on-the-public-health-management-of-covid-19cases-and-close-contacts/

5.17 ISOLATION

QUICK GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF CHILDREN OLDER THAN

MONTHS AND UP TO 13 YEARS OF AGE – UPDATED ON 14 JANUARY 2022 The Health Surveillance and Protection Centre of the HSE has updated Quick Guide for parents in relation to children of Primary School Age. The Guide clearly sets out 15 scenarios under which children should either restrict their movements or self-isolate. TH

The Updated Quick Guide for Children can be downloaded here

5.18 ISOLATION QUICK GUIDE - ADULTS UPDATED ON 14TH JANUARY 2022

AND CHILDREN FROM THEIR

13TH

BIRTHDAY AGE

–

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5.19 ISOLATION

QUICK GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF CHILDREN OLDER THAN

MONTHS AND UP TO 13 YEARS OF AGE – UPDATED ON 18 JANUARY 2022 The Health Surveillance and Protection Centre of the HSE has updated Quick Guide for parents in relation to children of Primary School Age. The Guide clearly sets out 15 scenarios under which children should either restrict their movements or self-isolate. TH

There are no changes from V.3, issued on 14th January The Updated Quick Guide for Children can be downloaded here

5.20 ISOLATION QUICK GUIDE - ADULTS UPDATED ON 18TH JANUARY 2022

AND CHILDREN FROM THEIR

13TH

BIRTHDAY AGE

–

The Health Surveillance and Protection Centre of the HSE has updated Quick Guide for parents in relation to children of Primary School Age. The Guide clearly sets out 15 scenarios under which children should either restrict their movements or self-isolate. There is a change to Situation 13 A person who has COVID19 symptoms, fits the criteria to be tested for COVID 19, but not tested for any reason The Updated Quick Guide for Children can be downloaded hereb

5.21 NATIONAL INTERIM GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT OF COVID-19 CASES AND CONTACTS The Health Surveillance and Protection Centre of the HSE has published these Guidelines today, 19th January. This document summarises recommendations for contact management of cases of COVID-19. It is based on the current knowledge regarding COVID-19 and experiences with SARS-CoV and MERS CoV. The Interim Guidelines can be downloaded here

5.22 HSE CHANGES ADVICE ON ANTIGEN TEST REPORTING The HSE today announced that its Helpline personnel will now take and record positive Antigen Test Results when informed by school leaders. The HSE also apologised for the upset and confusion caused by helpline personnel stating that they would only take and record PCR test results. It covers cases of Adults (>13) and Children (<13)

5.23 UPDATED INFORMATION FROM DE REGARDING CHILDREN AND COVID-19 This update covers the following topics:    

Extension of Antigen Testing to Special Classes and Special School settings Confirmatory PCR for children Public Health Risk Assessment in Special Class and Special School settings HSE live Covid-19 Principal Helpline Brú anseo chun na Nuashonraithe a íoslódáil – leagain Béarla agus Gaeilges

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STAFF RELATED COVID-19 MEASURES

This chapter Isolation quick guide for parents and guardians of children older than 3 months and up to 13 years of age other measures which will affect staff working in schools, many on a temporary basis for the duration of the pandemic.

6.1 INFORMATION NOTES Many of the temporary measures are notified through Information Notes which temporarily alter the details of various Circulars. Some of the Information Notes cancel previous Information Notes. A full list of the currently active Information Notes and their effects is: TC 04/21 – Temporary changes to Parental Leave and Unpaid Leave and other temporary arrangements for SNAs TC 05/21 – Temporary changes to Parental Leave and Unpaid Leave and other temporary arrangements for Teachers TC 06/21 - Temporary changes to Parental Leave and Unpaid Leave and other temporary arrangements for SNAs TC 14/21 – Extension of EAS service to all school staff to continue for 2021/22 TC 15/21 – Teachers on Career Breaks may continue to engage in substitute work for 2021/22 TC 16/21 – Teachers on Job Share may continue to engage in substitute work for 2021/22 TC 17/21 – SNAs on Job Share may continue to engage in substitute work for 2021/22 TC 18/21 – Teacher Substitute and EPV arrangements 2021/22 TC 19/21 – SNA Substitute arrangements 2021/22 TC 20/21 – Temporary changes to Circulars 51/19 and 26/21 regarding the recruitment and appointment procedures for SNAs TC 21/21 - Temporary changes to Circular 44/19, Replacement of TC 06/20 and withdrawal of TC 02/220 regarding the recruitment and appointment of Teachers, Principals and DPs TC 23/21 – Amendment to Maternity Leave Scheme for Teachers (Chapter 2 of Circular 54/19) regarding stillbirths or miscarriages TC 24/21 - Amendment to Circular 17/2013 Maternity Protection Entitlements for SNAs regarding stillbirths or miscarriages Information Note (Not Numbered) re Principal Release Days and Teacher Supply Panels for 2021/22 school year

6.2 CONFIRMATION OF RELEASE DAYS FOR DPS The Dept. has confirmed in an e-mail to IPPN that Covid Release days will continue for Deputy Principals for the 2021/22 school year

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6.3 “BANKED HOURS” FOR 2021 – 2022 SCHOOL YEAR The DE has confirmed to IPPN that the practice of “banking hours” will not continue for this school year. The DE spokesperson stated: “I can confirm that the ‘banked hours’ is not continued for this year. It was a one off measure of last resort in the context of the challenges involved last year. Schools can access substitution through the normal sequence which will be published in a circular setting out the supports for primary schools for this year…. circular is due out shortly”

6.4 CIRCULAR 50/2020 - COVID-19 OPERATIONAL SUPPORTS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR 2021/2022 This Circular supersedes Circular 45/2019 “COVID-19 operational supports for the full return to school”, which was issued in July 2020. The circular covers the following topics: 1. Introduction 2. PPE and Enhanced Cleaning Supports 3. CO2 Monitors 4. Increased Management Supports a. Principal Release Days b. DP Release Days where schools have an Admin Principal 5. Extension of Supply Panels 6. Sequencing of Access to Substitution for Primary Teachers 7. SNA Substitution 8. Developing Schools 9. Department Helpline for School Principals Cliceáil anseo chun Ciorclán 50/2020 a íoslódáil Click here to download Circular 50/2020

6.5 FURTHER MEASURES TO INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY OF SUBS – 23RD NOV 2021 The DE has this evening release Information Note SD 0001/2021 which covers the following measures for increasing the availability of substitute teachers in schools for this school year. In summary: Student Teachers Retired Teachers Seconded Teachers

CPD requiring substitution Supply Panels Droichead and Supply Panels

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Yr 3 and Yr 4 PME and B.Ed students will be released by their colleges for subbing Retired teachers who return to the classroom up to the end of the current school term will not have their pensions abated The Teacher Education support services funded by the Department have been asked to release teachers who are on secondment to make themselves available to provide substitute cover in schools. All such CPD is deferred until after February 2022 Droichead is not affected There will now be 680 Teachers on these panels Teachers who secure posts on a Supply Panel will be able to complete Droichead during this school year

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Use of Treoirí In exceptional it may be possible for the Treoraí of a registered student teacher circumstances where there is no to provide substitute cover for absences of a very short duration substitute available in their own school if another substitute cannot be sourced at short notice. Click here to download Information Note SD 001/2021

6.6 REVISED INSPECTION ARRANGEMENTS FROM 25TH NOVEMBER 2021 As it is a short and focussed Information Note, it is reproduced in full here:

INFORMATION NOTE FOR PRIMARY AND POST-PRIMARY SCHOOLS REVISED INSPECTION ARRANGEMENTS FROM 25 NOVEMBER 2021 As of 25 November 2021, revisions have been made to the inspection arrangements set out in Circular 32/2021 and Circular 33/2021. Information on the revisions are available here. The Inspectorate of the Department is very conscious of the impact that the Covid pandemic has had, and continues to have, on the work of schools. It has adjusted its inspection programme for schools in the light of this context. As and from 25 November, inspection activity will be confined to the following: 1. Child protection inspections, which monitor the implementation of the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 in fulfilment of the Minister’s obligations under the Children First Act 2015; 2. Inspections of schools located in Special Care Units and Child Detention Centres where educational provision is made available to children who are detained under court orders (these facilities are required to be inspected annually because of the high vulnerability of the learners concerned); 3. Essential follow-up inspections to monitor the implementation of urgent recommendations arising from previous child protection and other inspections; 4. Advisory-focussed Sustaining Safe Provision of Schooling (SSPS) visits that are undertaken to monitor the implementation of anti-Covid measures that ensure that schools are safe working and learning environments; these inspections are required under the national "Work Safely Protocol COVID-19 National Protocol for Employers and Workers" and reported upon regularly to the Health and Safety Authority and the Department of An Taoiseach 5. Urgent emergency visits to schools. The programme of incidental (short) inspections, which were notified in advance and which were taking place in the current term are being deferred to later in the school year. These visits have been focused on: monitoring anti-bullying measures in schools; the use of shortened timetables for students; and the provision of advice and support to schools as they seek to address the learning needs of students whose learning has been affected by the Covid pandemic. All other types of inspection (such as whole-school evaluations, curriculum evaluations, subject inspections, inspections of DEIS action planning, etc.) have already been cancelled in the current term. This was notified to schools in Circulars 32/2021 and 33/2021. As set out in those circulars, the inspection programme will be kept under review in the light of evolving public health advice. Inspectorate, Department of Education 23 November 2021 Covid ar Scoil 21 - 22

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6.7 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0027/2021 – UPDATES ON CIRCULAR 42/21 This Information Note contains Updated Working and Leave Arrangements for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools – 2021/22 school year. It contains information under the following headings: 1. Introduction 2. Special Leave with Pay 3. Restricted Movement 4. OHS Health Risk Categorisation Assessments – 2021/22 School Year 5. Leave Arrangements on return from Travel Overseas 6. Data Protection and GDPR 7. Circular of Information Note Click here to download TC 0027/2021

6.8 INFORMATION NOTE SD 0001/2022 - COVID-19: UPDATED ARRANGEMENTS FOR ALL RECOGNISED PRIMARY AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS – JANUARY 2022 This Information Note provides an outline of the operational supports that are available to primary and special schools to minimise the risk associated with COVID-19 and in light of the prevalence of the Omicron variant. It contains information under the following headings: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Introduction Hand Hygiene, PPE and Enhanced Cleaning supports Ventilation Children and COVID-19 (Primary Schools) Children and COVID-19 (Special Classes and Special Schools) HSE live Covid-19 Principal school line Substitution for primary teachers Supporting pupils’ learning and wellbeing during this time Department Helpline for school principals Click here to download Information Note

6.9 DE APPROVES THE BANKING OF HOURS UNTIL MID-TERM BREAK IPPN has been advocating for some time now that the DE restore the Banking of Hours to alleviate the situation where, when SETs have to be used to cover mainstream classes, children with SEN may lose out on SET input. IPPN welcomes this decision. The current proposal is to permit the Banking of Hours from now (11th January 2022) until the February Mid-Term Break (23rd February 2022). The following is the relevant quotation from the e-mail: Given the current level of employee absences across sectors, including the education sector, the Department understands that some schools have on occasion had to use their non-mainstream, nonclassroom teachers to maintain in-person education this week. The Department is also conscious that there are numbers of children absent from school at present, either isolating as a result of Covid-19 or as a close contact. In these circumstances the Department is conscious that these children may also have missed an opportunity to get additional support from their SET and is now permitting the banking of SET hours from January until the February mid-term break, in line with all of the additional measures to support schools during this phase of the pandemic Click here to download the DE email Covid ar Scoil 21 - 22

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6.9.1 Banked Hours Form The DE have issued a Form on which school leaders can claim for Substitute Hours (Banked Hours) from 06Jan to 23Feb 2022 Click here to download the Application Form for Banked Hours

6.10 UPDATE ON MASKS FOR STAFF IN SCHOOLS Whereas previously the DE was recommending the provision of Medical Masks, also called Surgical Masks of Standard EU EN 14683, they have now officially added the procurement of Respirator Masks (e.g. FFP 2) to the list of masks which BoMs are “authorised” to purchase. What is the difference? Medical / Surgical Masks (the blue ones) are designed to capture particles when you breathe out and are tested as such. They protect others from your exhalation. They ensure that droplets coughed or exhaled are captured and blocked. Respirator Masks (the duck-bill type) are tested for inhalation i.e. they protect you from what others are breathing out. They offer the protection of blocking viruses in aerosol format from being inhaled. FFP 2 masks offer 94% protection in this regard. In the US and other parts of the world they are termed N95 Masks. Click here to view an IPPN SHIP (Short Information Presentation) on the differences between Masks and Respirators Click here to download the DE update re purchasing masks

6.11 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0001/2022 - UPDATED WORKING AND LEAVE ARRANGEMENTS FROM JANUARY 2022 FOR TEACHERS AND SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS EMPLOYED IN RECOGNISED PRIMARY AND POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS This Information Note contains Updated Working and Leave Arrangements for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools – 2021/22 school year. It contains information under the following headings: 1. Introduction 2. Special Leave with Pay (COVID-19: Self-Isolation and COVID-19:Diagnosis) 3. Restricted Movement (COVID-19: Restricted Movement) 4. OHS Health Risk Categorisation Assessments – 2021/22 School Year 5. Travel Overseas 6. Data Protection and GDPR 7. Parental Leave Scheme 8. Employee Assistance Scheme 9. Circular of Information Note Click here to download TC 0001/2022

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6.12 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0002/2022 - CHANGES TO SPECIAL LEAVE WITH PAY FROM 7TH FEBRUARY 2022 FOR TEACHERS AND SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS EMPLOYED IN RECOGNISED PRIMARY AND POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS This Information Note clarifies further changes to Circular 0042/2021 and Information Note 0001/2022 in relation to working and leave arrangements for employees during the COVID-19 pandemic Click here to download TC 0002/2022

6.13 INFORMATION NOTE 0003/2022 - UPDATED COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOLLOWING THE MID-TERM BREAK 2022

SCHOOLS

This Information provides guidance from the DE on the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions as they apply to schools from Monday next 28th February 2022

Brú anseo chun an Nóta Faisnéise Fógra TC SD 0003/2022 a íoslódáil Click here to download Information Note TC 0002/2022

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