COVID-19 Advice for Schools

Schools and other educational facilities are undertaking precautions in line with the latest government guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19 amongst staff, students, and visitors.

Additionally, with all pupils returning full time from September, extra controls such as one-way systems around buildings and staggered break times, are being implemented to deal with the increase in footfall.

How likely are children to get COVID-19?

Relatively few cases of COVID-19 are reported among children, however as this is a new virus, health professionals are still learning how coronavirus can affect the young, and whether they are more or less likely to get or pass it on (Unichef, March 2020).

How does coronavirus spread?

If an infected person coughs or sneezes, their droplets can land and contaminate surfaces and individuals nearby.

The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for several hours, so individuals who have touch unclean, contaminated surfaces can become infected, by touching their face, including eyes, nose or mouth.

What COVID-19 preventions and controls are schools undertaking?

Schools are being instructed to follow and monitor changing government guidelines, but recommendations can include:

Sick students, teachers and other staff should not come to school.
Enforce regular hand washing with safe water and soap, alcohol rub or handsanitizer.
Daily disinfection and cleaning of school surfaces.
Schools should provide water, sanitation and waste management facilities and follow cleaning and decontamination procedures.
Promote social distancing were appropriate (including limiting large groups of people coming together).
Assemblies will not be allowed.
One-way systems around buildings.
Face shields for teachers and support staff.

(Unichef, March 2020).

It is important to note that the types of COVID preventions being implemented can vary depending on government guidelines and factors such as the type of school (e.g. primary, secondary, SEN, college, or university), size and age range of students.

What building work might be necessary?

Government COVID-19 advise promotes the need for smaller class ‘bubbles. Therefore, temporary modular classrooms are potentially required prior to the September return date to accommodate smaller groups. Plus, different entrances and exits could be arranged to aid one-way systems.

Ramps and steps may be required for such controls. Plus, wheelchair-accessible entrances for new disabled pupils starting in September.