Your safety is always our primary concern.

We have re-assessed all the relevant procedures, checked the school site, changed the way we do things to minimise the risk of infection wherever possible. We have a comprehensive checklist we have followed which follows government guidance and has been reviewed and approved by governors. We are sharing with you the most important part, how protective measures have been implemented.

You will notice that some aspects we feel are harder to ensure than others. This is where your support comes in. We need you to read this, re-read it, listen to reminders on site, that way we will be able to make sure our site is as safe as possible for everyone.

 

 

 

Implementing Protective Measures:

No.	Government Guidance	How DRHS has addressed this
1	Minimising contact with individuals who are unwell by ensuring that those who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, or who have someone in their household who does, do not attend childcare settings, schools or colleges	Advised to stay home in accordance with government guidance (communicated prior to lockdown). Those who become ill during the day will be sent home from the isolation room (Drama studio). Specific details of both will be re-communicated to staff and parents in an email communication 11.6.20, this email will refer them to the website sections 'What are Covid-19 symptoms?' 'I / someone I live with have Covid-19 symptoms, what do I do?' 'I /someone I live with have tested positive for Covid-19, what do I do?' 'I have come into contact with someone who has / is suspected to have Covid-19, what do I do?' 'If I develop Covid-19 symptoms onsite, what will happen?'
2	Cleaning hands more often than usual - wash hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with running water and soap and dry them thoroughly or use alcohol hand rub or sanitiser ensuring that all parts of the hands are covered	Students and staff will be advised to wash hands / sanitise hands between each session and on arrival at the setting. This will be referred to in the email 11.6.20 and link them to the website section 'What will it be like on site?' 'What do I need to bring with me each day?' 'Health & Safety: Personal hygiene (handwashing, sneezing, clothing)'
3	Ensuring good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach	Advised to all staff and students in communications (Mini DRHS provision email 7.6.20, also on website 'Health & Safety: Personal hygiene (handwashing, sneezing, clothing') and posters on site (in classrooms and toilets). Tissues available in classrooms and at sign in points. We can't ensure it but we can promote it and remind those who forget.
4	Cleaning frequently touched surfaces often using standard products, such as detergents and bleach	Revised cleaning rotas for contractors in place. Cleaning equipment in classrooms for staff use (should they wish). Site team also have a rota for cleaning door handles and frequently touched surfaces during the day. Staff Toilets will have cleaning materials in them should you wish to wipe surfaces before and after use.
5	Minimising contact and mixing by altering, as much as possible, the environment (such as classroom layout) and timetables (such as staggered break times)	Each teacher will be in a room at 2 metres distance from the student they are seeing. Staff advised to respect social distancing should they chose to use the staff room
6	Wearing a face covering or face mask in schools or other education settings is not recommended. Face coverings may be beneficial for short periods indoors where there is a risk of close social contact with people you do not usually meet and where social distancing and other measures cannot be maintained, for example on public transport or in some shops. This does not apply to schools or other education settings.	Face coverings are not required, however as recent WHO guidance states they may be beneficial, staff and students are of course permitted to wear them should they wish. They would have to be masks that are clean on arrival at school and put on at school (i.e. not a face covering used to travel to school, or worn on numerous occasions)
7	PPE is required in this circumstance: if a child, young person or other learner becomes unwell with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) while in their setting and needs direct personal care until they can return home. A fluid-resistant surgical face mask should be worn by the supervising adult if a distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained. If contact with the child or young person is necessary, then disposable gloves, a disposable apron and a fluid-resistant surgical face mask should be worn by the supervising adult. If a risk assessment determines that there is a risk of splashing to the eyes, for example from coughing, spitting, or vomiting, then eye protection should also be worn	GCC have provided full PPE for staff manning the isolation room (Drama Studio). Protocols for this area will be discussed with relevant individuals and details of procedures on the website 'Health & Safety: Isolation room protocols'
8	Children and young people (0 to 18 years of age) who have been classed as clinically extremely vulnerable due to pre-existing medical conditions have been advised to shield. We do not expect these children to be attending school or college, and they should continue to be supported at home as much as possible. Clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable) people are those considered to be at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19). A small minority of children will fall into this category, and parents should follow medical advice if their child is in this category.	Parents and students advised accordingly (communicated prior to lockdown). Will be re-communicated in email 11.6.20 which will refer them to the website section 'Do I need to attend onsite provision?'
9	Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals are advised not to work outside the home. We are strongly advising people, including education staff, who are clinically extremely vulnerable (those with serious underlying health conditions which put them at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) and have been advised by their clinician or through a letter) to rigorously follow shielding measures in order to keep themselves safe. Staff in this position are advised not to attend work. Read COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable for more advice.	Staff advised accordingly (communicated prior to lockdown). Will be re-communicated in email 8.6.20 which will refer them to the government guidance. This will also be added to website section 'Do I need to attend onsite provision?'
10	Clinically vulnerable individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness (for example, people with some pre-existing conditions as set out in the Staying at home and away from others (social distancing) guidance) have been advised to take extra care in observing social distancing and should work from home where possible. Education and childcare settings should endeavour to support this, for example by asking staff to support remote education, carry out lesson planning or other roles which can be done from home. If clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable) individuals cannot work from home, they should be offered the safest available on-site roles, staying 2 metres away from others wherever possible, although the individual may choose to take on a role that does not allow for this distance if they prefer to do so. If they have to spend time within 2 metres of other people, settings must carefully assess and discuss with them whether this involves an acceptable level of risk.	During term 6 the provision is such that staff and students in this category may continue to work from home. We have however taken all measures to minimise risk to staff and students on site, we would therefore hope that following consideration of this document staff and students in this category would feel able to attend. This will be communicated to staff 8.6.20 and to parents and students 11.6.20. It will also be on the website, section 'Do I need to attend onsite provision?'
11	If a child, young person or a member of staff lives with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable), including those who are pregnant, they can attend their education or childcare setting.	Staff and students advised accordingly in emails 8.6.20 (staff), 11.6.20 Students and parents) and also on the website, section 'Do I need to attend onsite provision?'
12	If a child, young person or staff member lives in a household with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable, as set out in the COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable guidance, it is advised they only attend an education or childcare setting if stringent social distancing can be adhered to	The return to site is new, as are the preventative measures. Until these have been tested in practice our advice to students and staff in this category is to continue to work from home. This will be in the email to staff 8.6.20, to students and parents 11.6.20 and on the website, section 'Do I need to attend onsite provision?'
13	Ensure that only a quarter of pupils in year 10 and year 12 are in school at any one time	One fifth of Year 10 and Year 12 will be on site at any one time, in addition there will be circa 15 students of key workers / vulnerable students
14	Aim to practise social distancing in line with the measures the government is asking everyone to adopt in public and in workplaces, including keeping pupils 2 metres apart from each other where possible	Classrooms and social spaces will be organised to this effect, there will be signs in corridors to encourage people to maintain a distance of 2m from each other. Staff will be asked to encourage and remind each other and the students of the requirements. We are in the process of looking into removing lockers so that space is maximised in classrooms and corridors. Where corridors are narrow, a one-way system will operate. Site plans will be available. See website section 'Social distancing on the school site'
15	Plan that classes are no more than half their usual size, to allow sufficient distancing between pupils (this may vary due to individual school circumstances)	Each classroom has been measured and the number of desks that may be included at the 2m social distance calculated. CAD drawings have been created and rooms will be set up to reflect this. See website section 'Social distancing on the school site'
16	Ensuring children, young people and staff where possible, only mix in a small, consistent group and that small group stays away from other people and groups. We recognise that the range of subjects and courses taught in secondary schools and colleges means that some mixing may be unavoidable to provide pupils with face-to-face support from subject/specialist teachers.	At social times students will be in designated areas with 5-6 of their tutor group. We are minimising the number of students on site to one tutor group plus the 15 or so key worker/vulnerable students. This is less than the 25% recommended by government. Rather than having up to 15 students in one room for the duration of a lesson, staff will meet with students 1:1 at a social distance in well ventilated rooms (or outside if weather and staff prefer). Each Academic Review session will last up to 15 minutes, scientific guidance suggest shorter periods of time with individuals lowers the risk of infection. Given the nature of secondary education it is not possible to lower contact with students significantly we can however manage the space in which this occurs and the time with each student. Given current guidance this minimises the risk as far as we are able. These details will be explained in the website sections 'Curriculum offer by Year group' and 'Social distancing on the school site'
17	While in general groups should be kept apart, brief, transitory contact, such as passing in a corridor, is low risk.	See row 17 and 16. Details will be on website section 'Social distancing on the school site'
18	Ensure that wherever possible children and young people use the same classroom or area of a setting throughout the day, with a thorough cleaning of the rooms at the end of the day. In schools and colleges, you may want to consider seating students at the same desk each day if they attend on consecutive days	Communicated to Mini DRHS students and all staff in an email with protocols 7.6.20. This will be on the website section 'Provision for Children of Key Workers and Vulnerable students: Mini Denmark Road'.  Rooms are cleaned daily according to the government guidance. Students in their space will be at the same desk for the duration of the day. Then work spaces will be cleaned at the end of each day. This will be detailed in the website section 'Social distancing on the school site' and 'What will it be like on site?'
19	Ensure that sufficient handwashing facilities are available. Where a sink is not nearby, provide hand sanitiser in classrooms and other learning environments	We will use current facilities. We are researching having additional handwashing facilities fitted in outside areas for washing before entering the buildings. Staff and students also encouraged to bring their own 70% alcohol hand sanitiser. Details will be on the website in section 'Health & Safety : Personal Hygiene (handwashing, sneezing, clothing)'
20	Clean surfaces that children and young people are touching, such as toys, books, desks, chairs, doors, sinks, toilets, light switches, bannisters, more regularly than normal	Part of the cleaning rota
21	Staff and students frequently wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and dry thoroughly. Review the guidance on hand cleaning	At every session change and on arrival at site. Posters will be at sinks and guidance sent home as to how to wash hands in an email. Details will be in emails 11.6.20 referring to website section 'Health & Safety: Personal Hygiene (handwashing, sneezing, clothing)' also in Mini DRHS protocols emailed to all student attendees and all staff 7.6.20.
22	Clean their hands on arrival at the setting, before and after eating, and after sneezing or coughing	As above
23	Staff and students are encouraged not to touch their mouth, eyes and nose	As above
24	Staff and students are to use a tissue or elbow to cough or sneeze and use bins for tissue waste (‘catch it, bin it, kill it’)	As above
25	Ensure that bins for tissues are emptied throughout the day	On the site team rota, as well as restocking of soap and paper towels and cleaning door handles with detergent during the day where possible.
26	Where possible, all spaces should be well ventilated using natural ventilation (opening windows) or ventilation units	Part of guidance to be issued to staff on return. Sessions may be held outside weather permitting. Details will be in an email 11.6.20 and on the website 'Social Distancing on the school site'
27	Prop doors open only if they are not fire doors, and where it is safe to do so (bearing in mind fire safety and safeguarding), to limit use of door handles and aid ventilation	Site team will provide door wedges in appropriate classrooms
28	There is no need for anything other than normal personal hygiene and washing of clothes following a day in an educational or childcare setting	Staff will be encouraged to not wear the same clothing on consecutive days to allow for washing. Email 11.6.20 (also in Mini DRHS protocols sent 7.6.20) and on website 'Health & Safety: Personal Hygiene (handwashing, sneezing, clothing)
29	Accessing rooms directly from outside where possible	Part of site movement plan. Communicate in email 11.6.20, linked to website section 'Social distancing on the school site'
30	One-way circulation	Part of site movement plan. Communication as above
31	Ensuring that toilets do not become crowded by limiting the number of children or young people who use the toilet facilities at one time	Part of guidance issued to students and staff 11.6.20 linked to website 'Health & Safety: Use of toilets' and linked to section 'What will it be like on site?'
32	Use of outdoor space for breaks	Encouraged in designated areas so groups do not mix. See site plan. Contained in email 11.6.20, linked to website section 'Social Distancing on the school site'
33	Stagger the use of staff rooms and offices to limit occupancy	Door by M4 will be the in door, door to the Main Hall the out door. Staff who choose to use the area encouraged to observe social distancing and be responsible for their own cups etc. This document is shared will all staff and serves as the communication. The doors will also be labelled with posters.
34	Limiting the amount of shared resources that are taken home and limit exchange of take-home resources between children, young people and staff	All materials to be online. Any paper work must be quarantined for 3 days. Staff and students to use their own laptops / mobile devices wherever possible. If necessary computers in IT1 and laptops in languages may be used. These will be cleaned daily. Communicated in email 11.6.20 linked to website section 'What do I need to bring to site each day?'
35	By seeking to prevent the sharing of stationery and other equipment where possible. Shared materials and surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected more frequently	All staff and students to have and be responsible for their own materials. Reception will sign people in and out who visit the site. Staff and students to wash hands / sanitise before signing in and after. Communicated in email 11.6.20 linked to website section 'What do I need to bring to site each day?'
36	Encouraging parents and children and young people to walk or cycle to their education setting where possible	Done. Email consulting on term 6 provision. 75% have agreed.
37	Making sure schools, parents and young people follow the Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers when planning their travel	This will be included in guidance sent to parents, students and staff 11.6.20 linked to website 'Health & Safety: Travel'
38	Communicating revised travel plans clearly to contractors, local authorities and parents where appropriate (for instance, to agree pick-up and drop-off times)	The main gate entrances on Denmark Road will be made into a turning circle for parents dropping students at the site. Staff will be asked to park in rear car park , front car park and side car park outside DS1 and the Gym only. Communication in email 11.6.20 linked to website section 'Health & Safety: Travel' and 'What will it be like on site?'