Scoil Íosa: Covid-19 Response Plan

Principal: Oonagh Braniff
Deputy Principal: Amanda Farrell
Address: Tymon North, Tallaght, Dublin 24.
Phone:014520800
Email: scoiliosa@gmail.com
Website: www.scoiliosa.ie

Scoil Íosa
Covid-19
Response
Plan
Update March 2021

Roll Number: 19577N

Phone:014520800

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THE USE OF
PERSONAL
Tables of Contents PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT
SCHOOL PROFILE 5 (PPE)
CHECKLIST FOR PHASED RETURN TO EDUCATION ON 22ND

FEBRUARY 2021 FOR SPECIAL CLASS IN MAINSTREAM SETTING: 7
CHECKLIST FOR PHASED RETURN TO EDUCATION ON 1ST MARCH

2021 FOR JUNIOR INFANTS TO 2ND CLASS: 8
CHECKLIST FOR FULL OPENING OF SCHOOL ON 15TH MARCH WITH

THE RETURN OF 3RD-6TH CLASS: 9
PREGNANT TEACHERS AT HIGHER RISK OF COVID-19 10
SNAS AT ‘HIGH RISK’ AND ‘VERY HIGH RISK’ OF COVID-19 10
PREGNANT SNAS AT HIGHER RISK OF COVID-19 12
UPDATED VENTILATION ADVICE: 12
UPDATED DROP AND GO AND STAGGERED COLLECTION TIMES

MARCH 2021 14
KEY TO ENTRANCES & EXITS (MARKED ON MAP) 15
SUMMARY OF CLASS EXIT AND ENTRY POINTS: 16
BREAK AND LUNCH TIMES: 17
YARD SUPERVISION 18
CHANGES TO CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL LAYOUT AND TO

SCHOOL ROUTINES 18
TEAM TEACHING/SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS/SPECIAL NEEDS

ASSISTANTS 18
PHYSICAL DISTANCING WITHIN CLASSROOMS: 20
TEACHING AND LEARNING 26
CHILDREN WHO CANNOT ATTEND SCHOOL WHO ARE AT “VERY

HIGH RISK” OF COVID-19 26
SUPPORTING THE LEARNING OF CHILDREN WHO CANNOT

ATTEND SCHOOL 26
WELLBEING OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 28

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Appendix 1- Task List
Appendix 2- Map of School

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School Profile
· 115 pupils
· 6 Mainstream Classes
· 5 Special Education Teachers
· 1 Teacher in the Special Education Class
· Part Time Home School Liaison Teacher
· Administrative Principal
· 4 Full Time SNA posts
· 1 Part Time SNA post
· 1 Part Time Secretary
· 1 Part Time Care Taker
· 2 Part Time Cleaners

Underlying Principles
· The school has a responsibility to make an effort to ensure the safety, health and well-
being of all members of our school community – children, parents and staff. This plan
has been formulated to better ensure that the school can exercise that duty of care.
· Assuming it is in keeping with public health advice and guidelines issued by the
Department of Education and Skills, it is preferable for all children to return to school for
all five days of the school week and for a full school day. This plan has been formulated
to achieve that aim.
· It is not possible to eliminate the risk of infection. However, with the co-operation of all
members of our school community, it is possible to minimise the risk of the virus being
introduced to school and the consequent risk of its spread.
· As well as co-operation, the flexibility and goodwill of all will be required to ensure the
plan can be implemented.

Lead Worker Representative
The protocol provides for the appointment of a Lead Worker Representative

(LWR) in each workplace. The LWR will work in collaboration with the Board of
Management and In School Management team to assist in the implementation of
measures to prevent the spread of COVID -19 and monitor adherence to those
measures and to be involved in communicating the health advice around COVID-
19 in the workplace.

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Ms. Emma Donohue will be the Lead Worker Representative

Ms. Caroline Farrell will be the Deputy Lead Worker Representative

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Additional Challenges
School gate is positioned on a hill with limited parking. Staff must park cars before 8:40am inside car
park – as we are opening the main gates. If late, staff will park outside school gates.

Assumptions
· All children return to school and classes operate within a bubble system.
· The school is split into class groups with each class having different break times and lunch times.
Classes will have staggered start and finishing times.
· Hand sanitiser will be available at all entry points and in all classes and support rooms
Human Resources allocated through additional funding from DES

Aide – 2 days
Deputy Principal – 5 Leadership and Administration Days

Assumptions
School will re-open for our Special Education class on Monday 22nd of February 2021.
Junior Infants to 2nd class will return on Monday 1st March 2021.
3rd-6th class will return on Monday 15th March 2021.

Checklist for Phased Return to Education on 22nd February 2021 for
Special Class in Mainstream Setting:
Actions regarding Parents and Children:

1. Ascertain from parents if children will be returning to school.
2. Ascertain from parents if children will be travelling by school transport.
3. Parents should be advised that grants are available from Department for private transport.
4. Liaise with Bus Eireann regarding children scheduled to attend school each day
5. Arrange for parents to complete Return to Education Form in respect of children returning
to school and after any absence from school.
6. Remind parents of the importance of not congregating at or near school and that
communication with the school must take place by phone or online.
7. Remind parents of school policy in relation to children with symptoms of COVID-19.
8. Remind parents not to send children to school if they are close contacts of a person with
COVID 19, are awaiting a test or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
Actions regarding staff:

1. Ascertain from all relevant staff in special class, if they will be returning to school.
2. Refer all staff to Information Note 001 /2021 and Information Note 002/2021 re leave.
3. Allocate staff to provide remote support to children not returning to school.
4. All staff returning to work are required to complete the updated Return to Work Form.

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5. Lead Worker/Deputy Lead Worker Representative are required to be available to answer staff concerns
regarding return to school. 21.Staff should review issued HSPC guidance
issued in January 2021 22.Staff should refresh the relevant training undertaken prior to September
2020 return.
Actions regarding PPE:

1. Ensure sufficient PPE is available and in particular that surgical grade masks must be available for SNA’s
/ SET teachers.
2. If additional funding for PPE is required, contact should be made with the Department of Education at
COVID-19_alert@education.gov.ie
Checklist for Phased Return to Education on 1 st March 2021 for Junior

Infants to 2 nd Class:
Actions re Staff
1. Request all staff to complete the updated Return to Work Form
2. Provide staff with Information Note 005/2021 and Information Note 006/2021
3. Ascertain which staff will be availing of leave arrangements
4. Engage with the Lead Worker Representative(s) and remind them to be available for staff
5. Remind staff of the contents of Section 5 of the updated Covid Response Plan
6. Furnish staff with the updated HSPC Guidance
7. Request staff to familiarise themselves with the relevant Training
8. Advise staff about the DE updated wellbeing resources for teachers
9. Provide teachers with EAS contact details.
Actions re Pupils & Parents/Guardians

1. Advise parents of the partial return to school arrangements for March 1st 2021
2. Advise parents that a Return to Education Form will be required for each pupil returning
3. Remind parents of the contents of Section 5 of the school’s Covid-19 Response Plan
4. Advise parents that communication with the school should be by phone or online only
5. Remind parents to adhere to public health guidelines and not to congregate at the school
6. Advise parents about the updated DE wellbeing resources for parents
Actions for Board of Management and in School Management

1. Review the Framework plan for phased return of Primary Education
2. Review the Summary of the required additions to the schools COVID-19 Response Plan
3. Adopt the updated COVID-19 Response Plan. 19. Review the school’s risk assessment template in
relation to COVID-19
4. Review the updated HSPC Guidance.
5. Review the updated Ventilation Guidelines

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6. Ensure that there are sufficient supplies of PPE available for staff . Schools should provide medical grade
masks in the EN16483 category to all SNAs, Special Education Teachers and Bus Escorts.
7. Contact covid19_alert@education.gov.ie regarding additional PPE funding or information
8. Ensure that the cleaning regime set out in Section 7 and Appendix 9 of the updated COVID19 Response
Plan is implemented.
9. Ensure Cleaners are provided with checklists as per updated COVID-19 Response Plan

Checklist for Full Opening of School on 15 th March with the Return of 3 rd -6 th Class:
Actions regarding staff:

Actions for staff will be as above for the reopening on the 1ST of March.
Advise staff due to return on the 15th of March of the following changes to staffing arrangements:
· During the partial re-opening period, temporary leave arrangements were made available to teachers,
so as to provide flexibility in relation to childcare, specifically. These arrangements related to
temporary changes to specific terms and conditions of the Parental Leave Scheme and the Unpaid
Leave Scheme.
· From 15th March, these temporary leave arrangements will no longer be available to teachers.
Therefore, the terms and conditions of the Parental Leave Scheme and Unpaid Leave Scheme will
apply, as normal.
· This Information Note supersedes Information Note TC 0005/2021 with effect from 15th March,
2021.
Teachers at ‘High Risk’ and ‘Very High Risk’ of COVID-19

· During the partial re-opening period, a teacher categorised as High Risk (including a teacher over 60
years of age) by the Occupational Health Service (Medmark) was facilitated on a temporary basis,
with more flexible working arrangements. This included re-assignment of a teacher to other duties
within the school or at home or the re-assignment of teacher roles within the complement of teachers
available to the school. 2.
· From 15th March, these temporary arrangements will no longer be available and therefore a teacher
in the High Risk group who is medically fit for work must return to the workplace.
· The latest HSE guidance on the ‘very high risk’ group is at:
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/people-at-higher-risk.html.
· The ‘very high risk’ group is currently advised to cocoon.
· In accordance with DPER guidance, where a teacher has been categorised as Very High Risk by
Medmark and is medically fit for work, the employer should prioritise alternative working
arrangements to the maximum extent possible e.g. working from home.
· Such teachers may carry out on a temporary basis, tasks appropriate to the list of duties incorporated
at paragraph 12 of Circular 0049/2020 in this respect. This may include supporting pupils who have
not returned to school because of medical vulnerability as well as supporting other school staff,
including other teachers, SNAs or administrative staff. These duties include:

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• Liaising closely with and supporting the work of the substitute teacher(s) who becomes responsible for the
teaching duties of the teacher on special leave with pay.
• Supporting and engaging, using online technology, the work and progress of very high risk or extremely
vulnerable pupils who are unable to attend school.
Participating in staff meetings, team/subject planning meetings and all other normal meetings using online
technology.
• Participating in relevant professional development through online media.
• Developing aspects of the school’s teaching resources or teaching plans.
• Undertaking administrative or other tasks associated with a post of responsibility (provided they hold the post in
line with relevant DES publications) to the greatest extent possible using online technology.
Where a teacher has been categorised by Medmark as Very High Risk and is not attending the
workplace, the employer may appoint a substitute, paid by the Department.
A contract awarded to a substitute to cover for a Very High Risk teacher, should make clear reference to the fact
that the appointment may have to be terminated in the event of the teacher returning to the workplace earlier
than expected.
· A teacher categorised by Medmark as being in the ‘Very High Risk’ group and who is medically fit to
work from home, must be recorded by the employer under the OLCS leave sub-category ‘Personal
Leave’, sub-category titled ‘COVID-19: Very High Risk Group’ or on the relevant ETB system.
· Please refer to paragraph 10 of Circular 0049/2020 in relation to the full working arrangements for
the Very High Risk group
Pregnant Teachers at higher risk of COVID-19
· The HSE has recently published guidance for the education sector in respect of pregnant
· employees.
· A pregnant teacher is categorised in the High Risk category in the HSE guidance. The
· Department is currently seeking clarifications from the HSE on this guidance.
· In the interim and pending such clarification, a pregnant teacher should continue to work
· remotely on a temporary basis.
· In this regard, a pregnant teacher who is facilitated to work remotely, must be recorded by the
employer under the OLCS leave sub-category ‘Personal Leave’, sub-category titled
· ‘COVID-19: Very High Risk Group’ or on the relevant ETB system. The employer may appoint a
substitute paid by the Department/ETB to replace the pregnant teacher in the classroom.
SNAs at ‘High Risk’ and ‘Very High Risk’ of COVID-19
· During the partial re-opening period, an SNA categorised as High Risk (including an SNA over
· 60 years of age) by the Occupational Health Service (Medmark) was facilitated on a temporary

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· basis, with more flexible working arrangements. This included re-assignment of an SNA to other duties
within the school or at home or the re-assignment of SNA roles within the
complement of SNAs available to the school.
· From 15th March, these temporary arrangements will no longer be available and therefore an SNA in
the High Risk group who is medically fit for work must return to the workplace.
· The latest HSE guidance on the ‘very high risk’ group is at:
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/people-at-higher-risk.html.
· The ‘very high risk’ group is currently advised to cocoon.
· In accordance with DPER guidance, where an SNA has been categorised as Very High Risk by
Medmark and is medically fit for work, the employer should prioritise alternative
· working arrangements to the maximum extent possible e.g. working from home.
· Such SNAs may carry out on a temporary basis, tasks appropriate to the list of duties
· incorporated at paragraph 12 of Circular 0049/2020 in this respect.
· This may include supporting pupils who have not returned to school because of medical vulnerability
as well as supporting other school staff, including other SNAs, teachers or administrative staff.
These duties include:
· Advice on what typically works for a child in school.

· Demonstration/advice/training on strategies to support the child’s needs.
· Support to develop a schedule to structure the child’s day.
· Help with provision of social stories to support their understanding of the ongoing
health emergency.
· Support, advice and reinforcement to address behaviours that challenge.
· Work on providing educational or therapeutic resources / materials in collaboration
with the teacher and substitute SNA.
· Supporting, engaging with and monitoring very high risk or extremely vulnerable pupils who are
unable to attend school, using online technology or telephone support, if online systems are not
available.
· Participating in staff meetings and all other normal meetings using online technology or by telephone,
if online systems are not available.
· Where an SNA has been categorised by Medmark as Very High Risk and is not attending the
workplace, the employer may appoint a substitute, paid by the Department. A contract awarded to a
substitute to cover for a Very High Risk SNA, should make clear reference to the fact that the
appointment may have to be terminated in the event of the SNA returning to the workplace earlier
than expected.
· An SNA categorised by Medmark as being in the ‘Very High Risk’ group and who is medically fit to
work from home, must be recorded by the employer under the OLCS leave subcategory ‘Personal
Leave’, sub-category titled ‘COVID-19: Very High Risk Group’.
· Please refer to paragraph 10 of Circular 0049/2020 in relation to the full working
· arrangements for the Very High Risk group.

Phone:014520800

Pregnant SNAs at higher risk of COVID-19
· The HSE has recently published guidance for the education sector in respect of pregnant
employees. A pregnant SNA is categorised in the High Risk category in the HSE guidance. The
· Department is currently seeking clarifications from the HSE on this guidance.
· In the interim and pending such clarification, a pregnant SNA should continue to work
remotely on a temporary basis.
· In this regard, a pregnant SNA who is facilitated to work remotely, must be recorded by the employer
under the OLCS leave sub-category ‘Personal Leave’, sub-category titled ‘COVID19: Very High Risk
Group’ or on the relevant ETB system. The employer may appoint a substitute paid by the
Department/ETB to replace the pregnant SNA in the classroom.
Updated Ventilation Advice:
The following practical measures from the Department of Education for the deployment of good ventilation
practices in schools should be considered:
1. In summary, the overall approach for schools should be to have windows open as fully as possible when
classrooms are not in use (e.g. during break-times or lunch-times (assuming not in use) and also at the end of each
school day) and partially open when classrooms are in use. It is worth noting that windows do not need to be
open as wide in windy/colder weather in order to achieve the same level of airflow into the classroom. This will
assist in managing comfort levels in classrooms during periods of colder weather.
2. Most schools rely on the opening of windows i.e. natural ventilation and therefore it is important that windows
and air vents can be accessed and opened.
3. Rooms should be well ventilated before occupancy each day. This can be achieved by ensuring that at the end
of the school day each evening, the windows in each room should be opened (as wide as practical and safe while
also considering security issues) for at least 15 minutes to ventilate the room fully.
4. Windows should also be open at break times and at lunchtimes for at least 15 minutes where possible.
5. Classrooms for the first class on the following school day (where the above end of day ventilating has occurred)
can consider maintaining partially opened windows as per guidance below to keep the room fresh and prevent
stuffiness and condensations etc.
6. Achieving fresh air via a number of windows partially opened as required rather than one window fully open
can help to maximise the use of window driven natural ventilation distribution across the room without causing
discomfort.
7. In colder weather any local chilling effect can be offset by partially opening the windows nearest and above the
radiators.
8. Make sure that air movement is not blocked by furniture or window blinds and curtains.
9. Consideration should be given to local circumstances that may require to have additional windows open such as
after break time activities

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10. Rooms with adequate fresh air should not be stuffy or have condensation on the window glass. 11. Schools
should also ensure that all permanent ventilation openings in rooms are fully open and not blocked by wall
hangings etc.
13. If the corridors have no identifiable ventilation systems and rely on air infiltration from adjoining spaces as
many transient spaces do, consideration should be given to ventilating these areas before and after break times by
opening doors etc., this needs to be considered taking into account the fire strategy of the building.
14.Keeping open the internal doors into classrooms for periods of time may assist with increasing air movement
and ventilation rate. It is important to note that fire doors should not be kept open unless fitted with approved
automatic closers so that they function as fire doors in the event of an alarm or fire.
15. Schools should ensure there is appropriate ventilation of staffrooms, offices and other areas used primarily by
staff, and in the context that some of these areas are used by different groups of staff at different times. This is in
addition to the use of face coverings and adequate cleaning.
16. Schools should ensure there is appropriate ventilation of areas such as sanitary facilities, gyms, multi-purpose
rooms and libraries etc. which are used by different groups of pupils and promote proactive use of open windows
and any extractor fans when these spaces are in use.

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Usual School Hours (This will now change)

8.50 – 1.30.m. Infants
8.50 – 2.30 p.m. First to Sixth
Under normal circumstances parents/guardians have access to the school yard both before
and after school.

Updated Drop and Go and Staggered Collection Times
March 2021
· To help with reducing the amount of traffic around the school gates,
children are asked to walk/cycle/scoot to school if it is at all possible.
· All the children will enter and leave the building through various doors (outlined in plan
below)
· There will now be a 'Drop and Go' system in operation for the morings where parents
will drop their child to the school gate between 8.50 and 9.00am every morning. The
Principal amd Deputy Principal will be at the gate each morning and afternoon and SET
staff and SNAs will float on the school grounds and corridors to escort the children
safely into their classrooms. Class teachers will remain in their classes to receive the
children.
· Parents, who are collecting their child from school at the end of the day, should wait
where the child enters the grounds in the morning.
· When the school day for that class is over the following arrangements will apply –
The class teacher will bring the children to their designated entrance/exit point and
will release the child into the care of the adult who is there to collect them.
Drop off Gate Collection Gate

J.I & S.I 8.50-9.00 am Main Gate 1.30pm Main Gate
1st Class 8.50-9.00 am Main Gate 2.20pm Main Gate

2nd Class 8.50-9.00 am Pedestrian Gate 2.30pm Pedestrian Gate
3rd Class 8.50-9.00 am Main Gate 2.30pm Main Gate
4th Class 8.50-9.00 am Pedestrian Gate 2.30pm Pedestrian Gate
5th Class 8.50-9.00 am Pedestrian Gate 2.30pm Pedestrian Gate
6th Class 8.50-9.00 am Main Gate 2.30pm Main Gate
Ms Levey 8.50-9.00 am Pedestrian gate 2.25pm Pedestrian gate

Collection of Children during the School Day
• If an adult has to collect a child during the course of the school day, the following
arrangements will apply.
• When the adult arrives at the school, they should either phone the office or use the
intercom at the front door of the school to alert the office that they have arrived.
• A member of staff will bring the child from their class.
• The member of staff will sign the child out in the presence of the parent.

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• No adult should enter the school building unless invited to do so.

Key to Entrances & Exits (Marked on Map)
Code letters – informs which gate to Code numbers – informs which door to use to
use to enter the premises enter the building
Entrance and Exit Points Code

Gates (code 1 or
2) Doors (code a,
b, c, d)
Main School gate 1
Pedestrian Gate (Enable Ireland) 2
Fire Exit (beside school’s main gate) a
Main Reception door b
Fire Exit (school yard) c
Fire Exit (playschool) d
Point a) – informs which gate to use Point b) – informs which door to the children will
to enter and exit the premises use to enter and exit the building

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Summary of Class Exit and Entry Points:

Junior Infants
,
a) Enter and exit by Main gate
b) Enter and exit building by fire exit door (door c) on the yard
Senior infants
b) Enter and exit building by fire exit door (door c) on the yard
1 st Class
b) Enter and exit the school by the fire exit (door c) on the yard
2 nd Class
a) Enter and exit by Pedestrian gate (Enable Ireland)
b) Enter and exit building by fire exit door (door d) on the yard
Ms.Levey’s class
b) Enter and exit building by fire exit door (door d) on the yard
3 rd Class
b) Enter and exit building by fire exit door (a) beside main entrance
4 th Class
b) Enter and exit building by fire exit door (door a) beside main entrance
5 th Class
6 th Class
a) Enter and exit by main gate

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Home time Collection:
· At home time: Class teachers will bring Junior Infants – 6 th class to the school
gate. Parents/Guardians are asked to ‘pick up and go’.
· Supervision will be provided until collected.
· As many of our older children walk home by themselves, there should not be as many
cars arriving for pickups at this time.
· Parents who walk to the school gate to collect children are asked to maintain a social
distance and wear a mask outside the school gate.
· This system will apply rain, hail or shine so please make sure that your
child comes to school prepared for the weather!

Break and Lunch Times:
Summarised Timetable for Breaks
Morning Break Break 1 10:30-10.45 JI, SI, 1st,2nd,
Ms.Levey
Break 2 10.50-11.05 3rd-6th class
Lunch Break Break 3 12:05-12.30 JI, SI, 1st,2nd,

Ms.Levey
Break 4 12:35 – 1.00 3rd-6th class

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Yard Supervision
A rota will be organised based on Class Bubbles and the SETs allocated to those classes.
Yard Layout will be divided into 3 bubbles – Door to use

Junior & Senior Infants Yard 1 Fire Exit (b)
First Class Yard 2 Fire Exit (b)
Second Class Yard 3 Fire Exit (c)
Third Class Yard 1 Fire Exit (a)
Fourth & Fifth Class Yard 2 Fire Exit (a)
Sixth class Yard 3 Fire Exit (a)
Ms.Levey’s class Yard 3 Fire Exit (c)
Changes to Classroom and School Layout and to School

Routines

· The DES guidelines recognise that a common-sense approach is needed in our Primary
schools. To that end, every effort will be made to limit interaction within classrooms, to
limit contact between class groups and to limit the sharing of common facilities.
· The children and their teachers will work in Class Bubbles. In our case each class will be
a class bubble. A Class Bubble is a grouping, which stays apart from other classes as
much as possible. The aim of the system within the school is that class groupings mix
only with their own class from arrival at school in the morning until the children go
home at the end of the school day.

Team Teaching/Special Education Teachers/Special
Needs Assistants
· Staff members (particularly Learning Support Teachers and SNAs) can rotate between
areas/classes but this will be minimized where possible. When rotation occurs, agreed
sanitising routines will be observed.
· In keeping with our Special Education policy, learning support will be provided by a
blended approach of in-class support and withdrawal. The provision of support will be
organised to ensure our support teachers will work as far as possible, within the
confines of a bubble.
· Where a support teacher is working alongside a class teacher in a classroom, both
teachers must be mindful of maintaining social distance from one another.
· The tables and chairs in SET rooms will be wiped clean in between different pupils or
small groups attending.

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Junior and Senior Infants SET 1 (In class and SET 1 and SET 2 will work
withdrawal) with these four classes for
First and Second Classes SET 2 (In class and Aistear, Guided Reading,
withdrawal) Ready, Set, Maths etc.
Third and Fourth Classes SET 3 (In class and SET 3 and SET 4 will work
withdrawal) with these four classes for
Fifth and Sixth Classes SET 4 (In class and Guided Reading, learning
withdrawal) support, Maths Groups,
etc.

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Physical Distancing Within Classrooms and School Building
Junior Infants and Senior

It is recognised that younger children are unlikely to maintain physical distancing indoors so
there is no requirement for children from Junior and Senior Infants to maintain a physical
distance within their Class Bubble. In the Junior and Senior infant classroom the children
will be seated at a table of 4 (pod), which will, spaced by at least one metre apart from the
next pod.
First Class to Sixth Class

We are fortunate that our small class sizes allow us to poisiton desks one metre apart.
Children from First Class to Sixth Class will sit at desks spaced at one metre apart within
their class Bubble. All unnecessary furniture will be removed from these classrooms to create
as much space as possible.
Assemblies
· Morning Assembly will be paused for now
Corridors
· Briefly passing someone in a hall is very unlikely to contribute significantly to the spread
of infection if people do not have physical contact and avoid informal group discussions.
· We will observe a one-way system using the school hall to create a loop.
Additional Measures to Limit Interactions

· Children will go straight to their classrooms from the yard and will not congregate in the
corridors or hallways.
· While we will all be delighted to see each other again, hand shaking and hugging will
not be allowed.
Doors and Windows

· Where practical, all internal doors will be left open to minimise hand contact with
common surfaces.
· To ensure that classrooms are well ventilated, windows will be kept open as often as
possible, and will be opened while children are taking breaks in the playground.
Toilets
· Children will only use the toilets within their classroom. Children will bring a small hand
towel to school with them for drying their hands.
Lunches
· School lunches will be provided by Glanmore foods for those who wish. However if you
are providing a lunch please make sure that children bring their lunches to school to
avoid adults having to come to the school during the day. Please remind your children
not to share their food or drinks with other children. Parents are asked not to call to the

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school if their child has forgotten their lunch. A lunch will be provided for your child.
· Children will eat their lunches at their desks, as per our usual practice.

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Personal Equipment
· Children should use their own books, pens, pencils, etc. and should not be shared with
other pupils.
· All children from First class to sixth class will be requested to bring in a plastic storage
box A4 size to store their books and equipment. The box should measure no bigger than
45cm in length.
· It is requested that children from 1st to 6th Class will bring their own pens, pencils,
colours, rubbers, etc., to school in their own pencil case to avoid the sharing of
equipment. Their equipment must be left in their storage box at school.
· It is further requested that all items have the child’s name on them for ease of
identification.
· For children in Junior and Senior Infants, the school will provide a pouch or container
which will hold each child’s pencils, crayons, etc., and which will be labelled with their
name.
· All children should bring a hand towel/paper towels to school for the drying and of
hands after hand washing. Children will also be required to have a small bottle of hand
sanitiser for their own personal use. Should you wish, you may also provide soap and
toilet roll for your child. However this will be provided in all bathrooms.

Homework
· Children will not be given written homework for their first week back in school.

Breakfast Club
· The SCP will be providing breakfast for children, in their classroom, when they arrive
in school at their designated start time.
Shared Equipment
· By necessity, some classroom equipment needs to be shared including tablets, laptops
and the equipment used for structured activities and play in Infant classrooms. Cleaning
of such shared equipment with wipes or other cleaning products will take place at
regular intervals to minimise the risk of the spread of infection.

Uniforms/Tracksuits
· There is no guidance or advice to say that school uniforms or tracksuits should be
washed every day and this is probably not practical for most families. We do advise that
they should be washed regularly as the children may have coughed or sneezed into their
sleeve as per protocols.
· We will follow our usual practice in relation to uniforms and tracksuits. Uniforms should
be worn every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tracksuit should be worn on Tuesday
and Thursday.
· As a school we strongly advise that children should wear their school uniforms or
tracksuits only for school related activities. Uniforms or tracksuits should be taken
off straight after the child arrives home from school for the day. They should not be

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worn in after-school facilities, shops, during after-school activities, etc.

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PE
· Where possible, PE will take place outdoors and use of equipment should be confined to
the sets that have been distributed to class groupings.
Office
· A contactless payment system has been set up to minimise the amount of cash that
needs to be handled. Parents/Guardians are asked to co-operate in helping to keep
school staff safe by arranging for contactless payments through the school office.
· Children should not be sent to the Secretary’s Office or to the Reception area to deliver
messages.
· As far as possible, staff members should not enter the Office area and should speak with
the Secretary at the Reception area.
Photocopying.
· Any staff member who uses the photocopier should clean it down after use with the
wipes provided.
ICT
· A timetable will be drawn up for the use of common ICTs. Devices should be cleaned
after use and before they are returned to the charging trolley.
Visiting Teachers/Coaches
· The possibility of facilitating extra-curricular activities such as Dancing, Coaching for
games, Safe Cycling course, etc. will be explored. However, it is not recommended that
children from different bubbles would participate in extra-curricular activities at the same
time, for example, during homework club, athletics.
Substitute Teachers and SNAs

· A copy of the Covid-19 Response Plan will be provided to each substitute teacher/SNA.
Substitutes will be required to complete a Return to the Workplace form before they
enter a classroom and will be asked to confirm that they have engaged in the online
Induction training.
Physical Education and P.E. Equipment

· Physical Education lessons will take place outside when the weather allows.
· Staff members and pupils may take additional breaks outside during the school day. All
classes are encouraged to participate in ‘The Daily Mile’.
Parent/ Teacher Meetings

· Parent/Teacher Meetings will take place via phone/ Zoom for the week of the 22nd
March.
Staffroom
· The kitchen will continue to be used as a second kitchen to ensure social distancing

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between staff. All staff members should maintain a physical distance of 2 metres when
they are not engaged in teaching e.g. when they are using the staff room and arriving to
work. If 2m cannot be maintained in staff groups, face coverings should be worn.

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· Staff meetings will be held remotely or in small groups or in large spaces to facilitate
physical distancing.
· Staff members should bring their own cups, bottles, cutlery, etc. to school and avoid
sharing utensils in the staffroom as far as possible.
Teaching and Learning
· As a staff, we are very aware that the children have been away from school since
December 2020. We appreciate the time and effort that went into Home Learning, and
we recognise the challenges that Home Learning presented for all families.
· Each child will be a different place in relation to his/her learning, and we wish to assure
you that staff will take that into consideration when planning for Teaching and Learning
during the 2nd and 3rd term of the 2021 school year.
· The Department of Education and Skills has published Curriculum guidelines for us, and
we ask you to trust our experience and professional expertise as we work with all the
children during the return to school.

Children who Cannot Attend School who are at “very
high risk” of COVID-19
· The Department is conscious that there may be some pupils for whom return to school
may not be appropriate because the relevant public health guidelines indicate they are at
“very high risk”.
· Responsibility to ensure that these pupils receive appropriate support to engage
adequately with learning remains with each school. Good communication is key to
supporting these pupils and to ensure their ongoing connection with their classmates and
school community.
· Additional supports will be provided for these pupils/students through designated teachers
from within the staffing resources of the school. Schools will have discretion to manage
and redistribute their teaching support resources in order to best meet the learning needs
of their pupils/students, including pupils/students at ‘very high risk’ to COVID-19.
Supporting the Learning of Children who cannot attend

school
· If a child is not able to attend school for an extended period of time, the class teacher
(and/or the Special Education Teacher, where relevant) will provide work to support the
child’s learning at home and this will be shared with parents/guardians.
· The majority of parents have already provided an email address at which the school can
contact them to support Home Learning. This will be especially important if the school,
or parts of the school have to close due to HSE advice. If you have not already done so,
please email scoiliosa@gmail.com and you will be added to the Contact List for Home
Learning. Please ensure that you check Aladdin connect for regular updates from the

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school.

Additional considerations for those children with Special Educational Needs
· For children with special educational needs (SEN) maintaining physical distancing in
many instances will not be practical or appropriate to implement. The focus should
therefore be on emphasising that parents/guardians should have a heightened awareness
of signs, symptoms or changes in baseline which suggests

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· illness/COVID-19 infection. Where symptoms are present - children should not attend
school.
· Similarly, staff should be aware of their responsibility not to attend work if they develop
signs or symptoms of respiratory illness.
·
Wellbeing of the School Community
· We will work on the recommended five principles to support the wellbeing of all our
pupils and staff. These are promoting:
• A sense of safety
• A sense of calm
• A sense of belonging and connectedness to school
• A sense of self-efficacy and school-community efficacy
• A sense of hope
· Our usual practice is to provide support to pupils based on what is known as the
Continuum of Support. This is a tiered system that provides Whole School and
Classroom Support for all pupils, additional School Support for some pupils, and School
Support plus extra targeted intervention for a few pupils with complex needs.

Updated Advice for the use of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
· The Department has published “Guidance to Primary and Special Schools on PPE
consumables and equipment” on www.gov.ie/backtoschool This provides schools with the
information needed on the appropriate quantities of PPE consumables and equipment to
support the full and safe reopening of schools.
· The updated advice from the HPSC to the Department of Education has recommended
that face coverings should be worn by staff members where it is not possible to maintain
a physical distance of 2 metres from other staff, parents, essential visitors or pupils. The
Department has accepted this recommendation. Accordingly, it is now a requirement for
face coverings to be worn by staff members where it is not possible to maintain a
physical distance of 2 metres from other staff, parents, essential visitors or pupils.
· PPE will also need to be used at certain work activities or work areas. These might
include roles such as:
· Performing intimate care
· Where a suspected case of COVID-19 is identified while the school is in operation
· Where staff are particularly vulnerable to infection but are not in the list of those
categorised as people in very high risk groups, or may be living with people who are in a
very high risk category
· Administering first aid
· Where staff provide healthcare to children with medical needs in the school environment
they should apply standard precautions as per usual practice.

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Hygiene and Cleaning

· Sanitiser dispensers have been installed throughout the school e.g. at each entrance, at
the entrance of each classroom.
· Water and soap is available in all the toilets, staff bathrooms and staff rooms.
· Hand hygiene will be promoted and encouraged, and parents/guardians are asked to
support the school in reinforcing this message.

Frequency of Hand Hygiene
Pupils and staff should perform hand hygiene:
· on arrival at school
· before eating or drinking
· after using the toilet
· after playing outdoors
· when their hands are physically dirty
· when they cough or sneeze

Cleaning Schedule
· In accordance with the DES guidelines, the school will be thoroughly cleaned at least
once per day. Particular attention will be focused on frequently touched surfaces – door
handles, handrails, chairs/arm rests, tables/desks, communal eating areas, sink and toilet
facilities.
· All staff will have access to cleaning products and will be required to maintain
cleanliness of their own work area. Under no circumstances should these cleaning
materials be removed from the building. Staff should thoroughly clean and disinfect their
work area before and after use each day.
· Waste will be collected regularly from offices and other areas within the school.
·
Illness and Dealing with a Suspected Case of COVID-19
· We love to see all of our children at school every day. However, under the current
circumstances, parents/guardians must keep children at home if they display any Covid-
19 Symptoms. https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/symptoms.html
· Staff must not attend school if they display any symptoms.
· A designated isolation area has been created in the resource room beside our school
library.
· If a staff member/pupil displays symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, the following
procedure will be implemented:
· The pupil will be accompanied to the isolation area. A distance of 2 meters will be
maintained. If this is not possible, the person accompanying the child must wear a face

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covering.
· If a pupil has a suspected case, parents/guardians will be contacted immediately by
telephone. To help us in this regard, parents are asked to make sure that their contact
details are kept up to date at all times.
· Staff members who are symptomatic should immediately inform the Principal/Deputy
Principal and go home if fit to do so or remain in the isolation room until they can be
collected from school.
· A face covering will be provided to the staff member/child who is symptomatic.
· The staff member or child who is symptomatic should avoid touching people, surfaces
and objects.
· The child presenting with symptoms should be advised to cover their mouth and nose
with the disposable tissue provided when they cough or sneeze and to put the tissue in
the waste bag provided
· If the staff member/child is well enough to go home, arrangements will be made for
them to be transported home by a family member, as soon as possible.
· Anyone who is symptomatic is advised to inform their general practitioner by phone of
their symptoms. Public transport of any kind should not be used to travel home.
· If the staff member/child is too unwell to go home or advice is required, the school will
contact 999 or 112 and inform them that the sick person is a Covid-19 suspect.
· The isolation area and work areas will be thoroughly cleaned in line with the guidelines.
· The HSE will inform any staff/parents who have come into close contact with a
diagnosed case via the contact tracing process. The HSE will contact all relevant persons
where a diagnosis of COVID-19 is made. The instructions of the HSE should be followed
and staff and pupil confidentiality is essential at all times.
· It is important to remember than any of us can get sick or unwell, and if we do, we need
understanding and support from those around us. It is essential that anyone who feels
unwell make that known to the Principal/Deputy Principal as soon as possible.
Children who should not attend school

If your child is in one of the following categories, they should not attend school –
· Children who have been diagnosed with Covid-19
· Children who have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with
Covid-19
· Children who have a suspected case of Covid-19 and the outcome of the test is pending
· Children who have been in contact with a person who has a suspected case of Covid-19
and the outcome of the test is pending
· Children with underlying health conditions who have been directed by a medical
professional not to attend school
· Children who have returned home after travelling abroad and must self-isolate for a
period of 14 days
· Children who are generally unwell

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Impact of a Suspected or Confirmed Case of Covid-19
in a Class
· If the school is notified that a person in your child’s class has a suspected or confirmed
case of Covid-19:
· The parents of all children in the class will be notified by the HSE.
· Public health advice will be sought and followed
COVID-19 Related Absence Management

· COVID-19 related absences will be managed in line with agreed procedures with the
Department of Education.
Teacher or SNA Absence and Substitution

· If a teacher/SNA is unable to attend school, every effort will be made to secure a
substitute teacher/SNA for the class/pupil.
· If a substitute teacher/SNA is not available, it is not appropriate for the class/pupil to be
divided into groups and accommodated in other classes.
· In such circumstances, it may not be possible for the class/pupil to attend on that day. If
that is the case, as much notice as possible will be given to parents.
Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme
· Support for school staff wellbeing will be provided by Department Support Services
including the PDST and CSL, as well as by the HSE’s Health Promotion Team.
· An Occupational Health Strategy is in place as a supportive resource for staff in schools.
The aim of the Occupational Health Strategy is to promote the health and wellbeing of
employees in the workplace, with a strong focus on prevention.
· The Occupational Health Strategy comprises the Employee Assistance Service and the
Occupational Health Service. The Employee Assistance Service (EAS) is provided by
Spectrum Life under the logo of ‘Wellbeing Together: Folláinne Le Chéile’.
· A free-phone confidential helpline 1800 411 057 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year and staff members are encouraged to make use of the service when the need
arises.

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Appendix 1
Tasks Identified to Date: Completed

Draw up and communicate the school’s BOM in consultation
Covid-19 Response Plan with Staff and Parents
Appoint LWR and DLWR Staff
Provide Return to Work Forms to all staff Principal
Provide links to training Principal
Complete and return RTW forms All staff
Complete Induction training All staff
Draw up list of PPE in advance of Principal
procurement process
Purchase required PPE Principal
Arrange for installation of sanitising units, Principal, Aide
provision of PPE to staff and provision of
cleaning materials to staff.
Display signage Aide
Investigate contactless payments system Secretary
Investigate internal intercom system Principal
Arrange for installation of water heaters, Principal/Caretaker
extra hand dryer
Create Isolation Area Caretaker
Erect ‘safe area’ for Reception Caretaker
Review of Health and Safety Policy and BOM
Covid-19 Risk Assessment
Agree timetable for SETs and SNAs SETs/SNAs/All staff
e.g. Allocate 2 SETs for Jun. Infs. to
Second, and 2 SETs for 3rd to 6th.
Agree sanitising routines for LSTs/SNAs if LSTs/SNAs
they need to move between a bubble
Provide Notes to all school staff LWR
Agree classroom layouts All staff
Timetable for ICTs and plan for sanitisation ISM Team member
Plan for provision of ICT needs to pupils in ISM
case we need to return to Home Learning Team
member
Staffroom – arrange for social distancing. Staff member
Plan for a visit to the school by incoming Class teacher and
Junior Infants Principal

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Organise and distribute Book Rental books PA
to classrooms
Agree daily timetable to include staggered Staff
breaks
Agree supervision rotas Staff
Plan for the possibility of remote learning if All staff

the school/part of the school is advised to
close by HSE
Plan for how P/T meetings, General All staff
Information Meetings might take place.
Arrange cleaning and sanitisation of the BOM/Principal
building before school re-opens
Plan for the management of substitutes Principal/DP/Secretary
Plan for enhanced daily cleaning routines ISM Team member
and Principal
Plan for Teaching and Learning – All staff
September, October
Plan for Staff and Pupil Wellbeing BOM, ISM Team
Agree and plan for morning drop off and Staff
afternoon pick up routines

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Appendix 2

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Scoil Íosa: Covid-19 Response Plan

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CHECKLIST FOR PHASED RETURN TO EDUCATION ON 22ND

CHECKLIST FOR PHASED RETURN TO EDUCATION ON 1ST MARCH

CHECKLIST FOR FULL OPENING OF SCHOOL ON 15TH MARCH WITH

PREGNANT TEACHERS AT HIGHER RISK OF COVID-19 10

SNAS AT ‘HIGH RISK’ AND ‘VERY HIGH RISK’ OF COVID-19 10

PREGNANT SNAS AT HIGHER RISK OF COVID-19 12

UPDATED VENTILATION ADVICE: 12

UPDATED DROP AND GO AND STAGGERED COLLECTION TIMES

KEY TO ENTRANCES & EXITS (MARKED ON MAP) 15

SUMMARY OF CLASS EXIT AND ENTRY POINTS: 16

BREAK AND LUNCH TIMES: 17

CHANGES TO CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL LAYOUT AND TO

TEAM TEACHING/SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS/SPECIAL NEEDS

PHYSICAL DISTANCING WITHIN CLASSROOMS: 20

TEACHING AND LEARNING 26

CHILDREN WHO CANNOT ATTEND SCHOOL WHO ARE AT “VERY

SUPPORTING THE LEARNING OF CHILDREN WHO CANNOT

WELLBEING OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY 28

Appendix 1- Task List

Appendix 2- Map of School

The protocol provides for the appointment of a Lead Worker Representative

Ms. Emma Donohue will be the Lead Worker Representative

Human Resources allocated through additional funding from DES

Actions regarding Parents and Children:

Actions regarding staff:

Actions regarding PPE:

Checklist for Phased Return to Education on 1 st March 2021 for Junior

Actions re Pupils & Parents/Guardians

Actions for Board of Management and in School Management

Actions regarding staff:

Teachers at ‘High Risk’ and ‘Very High Risk’ of COVID-19

Pregnant Teachers at higher risk of COVID-19

SNAs at ‘High Risk’ and ‘Very High Risk’ of COVID-19

These duties include:

· Advice on what typically works for a child in school.

Pregnant SNAs at higher risk of COVID-19

Updated Ventilation Advice:

Usual School Hours (This will now change)

Drop off Gate Collection Gate

1st Class 8.50-9.00 am Main Gate 2.20pm Main Gate

Entrance and Exit Points Code

Home time Collection:

Lunch Break Break 3 12:05-12.30 JI, SI, 1st,2nd,

Yard Layout will be divided into 3 bubbles – Door to use

Changes to Classroom and School Layout and to School

Physical Distancing Within Classrooms and School Building

Junior Infants and Senior

First Class to Sixth Class

Additional Measures to Limit Interactions

Doors and Windows

Substitute Teachers and SNAs

Physical Education and P.E. Equipment

Parent/ Teacher Meetings

Teaching and Learning

Supporting the Learning of Children who cannot attend

Hygiene and Cleaning

Children who should not attend school

COVID-19 Related Absence Management

Teacher or SNA Absence and Substitution

Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme

Tasks Identified to Date: Completed