Health & Safety
Social distancing in schools It is likely that when schools re-open for the majority of children, social distancing measures will need to be observed to some extent, as is currently being done in the schools that remain open. But what does social distancing in educational settings look like, and – is it even possible in practice? On 20 March 2020, the school term came to an abrupt end, following the announcement that schools would close to the majority of children due to the escalating coronavirus pandemic. Schools would however, remain open for those who have ‘key worker’ parents, as well as ‘vulnerable’ children. Social distancing – the requirement to keep apart from others to limit the spread of the virus – is required in those schools that remain open, although it is acknowledged that this is difficult, especially for younger age groups. There is much talk of schools re-opening in a phased manner to stop too many individuals sharing the school environment at one time. Social distancing to some extend will also need to be adhered to when schools reopen. The Scottish government is carrying out work to study how “physical distancing” could be continued in schools, transport, businesses and recreation. Its says: “Easing restrictions will not mean returning to how things were before the virus. Physical distancing, hand hygiene, and other critical behaviours will be essential in each sector.” So what is the official advice from the Department for Education on staying safe and social distancing for the educational settings that remain open?
Main considerations For schools that remain open, class sizes The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly must reflect the numbers of teaching staff transmitted through droplets generated when available and are kept as small as possible. an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. Lunch times, break times, and the movement These droplets are too heavy to hang in the of pupils around the school must be air. They quickly fall on floors or surfaces. staggered, to reduce large groups of children Much of the advice for schools, colleges gathering. Parents should also be discouraged and childcare settings is to follow from gathering at the school gates. steps on social distancing, All staff and children must wash handwashing and other their hands with soap and water for hygiene measures, and 20 seconds frequently, and staff Clea cleaning of surfaces. must help those who have messag r The first piece trouble doing so. Everyone to pupi ing l of advice is to is encouraged not to touch s a b o ut the pur ensure that those their faces and must be told social d pose of that display to use a tissue or elbow istancin any symptoms to cough or sneeze and g persona of coronavirus use bins for tissue waste. l hygienand e is partic (COVID-19) do There must be increased ularly , not enter the cleaning of surfaces in i mporta school. This applies classrooms, including desks nt to children, parents, and handles, and within carers or any visitors, toilet blocks and changing such as suppliers. rooms, adhering to guidance on Consideration should be cleaning of non-healthcare settings. given as to how children arrive at the The DfE says it is putting in place a new education or childcare setting, and any process that allows schools to be reimbursed unnecessary travel on coaches, buses or for costs that they face as a result of extra public transport should be reduced. cleaning during this period. E Issue 25.3 | EDUCATION BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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