Keeping The School Safely Open During COVID19

Keeping the School Safely Open during COVID19

May 2021

Latest Additions The following sections are the latest additions to this Resource Bundle: 'HSE live Covid-19 Principal school line' (01) 240 8785 Please note that the covid@ippn.ie email address is for use in the evenings and at weekends only.

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 1890 21 22 23

June 18/2021 Section 17 17.1

2021 / 2022 School Year DE Update on Re-opening Schools in September 2021

May 28/2021 Section 13 13.2 Section 16 16.6

Financial Supports for Schools during COVID-19 Third Round of Capitation Funding Supports 27May21 (for Term 3) 2021 Summer Programme for All Primary Schools Update to Primary Complex Needs/Inclusion Programme Pupil Numbers

May 20/2021 Section 16

2021 Summer Programme for All Primary Schools

16.1

Letter to Principals

16.2

Detailed Outline of the Programme

16.3

Guidance on the 2021 Summer Programme

16.4

2021 Summer Programme - Teachers’ Handbook

16.5

Information for Parents

May 17/2021 Section 10 10.15 10.16

DE and other communications to school leader Teachtaireacht ón Roinn Oideachais chuig gach Príomhoide faoin chibear-ionsaí ar an FSS Message from DE to All Principals re HSE Cyber Attack

May 10/2021 Section 11

Teaching and Learning in the context of COVID-19

11.4

Infographic on the Return to Standardised Testing

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4

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CONTENTS OF THIS RESOURCE BUNDLE .......................................................................................................... 1 HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE BUNDLE:........................................................................................................... 1 RETURNING TO SCHOOL IN THE AFTERMATH OF COVID-19 ............................................................................... 1 THE PRINCIPAL’S ROLE ................................................................................................................................ 1

FOCUS ON WELLBEING, TEACHING AND LEARNING ................................................................................. 2 2.1 RETURN TO SCHOOL PRIMARY CURRICULUM GUIDANCE .................................................................................... 2 2.1.1 Key Curriculum considerations for supporting Teaching, Learning and Assessment ........................ 3 2.1.2 Learning Approaches ........................................................................................................................ 3 2.1.3 Revisiting and Revising ..................................................................................................................... 3 2.1.4 Curriculum Priorities ......................................................................................................................... 3 2.1.5 Specific Subjects ................................................................................................................................ 3 2.2 A TRAUMA INFORMED RETURN TO SCHOOL DURING COVID-19......................................................................... 4

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COMMUNICATING WITH THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY .............................................................................. 5 3.1 HAVING A COMMUNICATIONS PLAN .............................................................................................................. 5 3.2 COMMUNICATIONS PLAN FUNDAMENTALS...................................................................................................... 5 3.3 SAMPLE LETTERS IN THE EVENT OF A POSITIVE TEST IN THE SCHOOL ....................................................................... 6 3.3.1 General Letter to All Parents / Guardians / Staff .............................................................................. 6 3.3.2 Leagan Gaeilge den litir .................................................................................................................... 6 3.4 DEALING WITH PRESS INQUIRIES RELATED TO A COVID-19 INCIDENT IN THE SCHOOL .............................................. 6 3.5 PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICES AND CONTACT NUMBERS ........................................................................................... 6 3.6 LETTER FROM FÓRSA................................................................................................................................... 7 3.6.1 Option 1 – Ask Forsa to re-address the letter to the BoM ................................................................ 8 3.6.2 Option 2 – Reply directly as Principal ................................................................................................ 8 3.7 IF YOUR CHILD IS A CLOSE CONTACT OF COVID -19 IN SCHOOL............................................................................ 9 3.8 BOM MEETINGS AND THE CPOR DURING COVID-19 ....................................................................................... 9 3.9 TEMPLATE LETTERS FOR STAFF AND PARENTS: RETURNING TO SCHOOL FEB / MAR 21 ........................................... 10

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MINIMISING AND MANAGING THE COVID-19 VIRUS IN SCHOOLS ......................................................... 11 4.1 MINIMISING THE RISK OF INTRODUCTION OF COVID-19 INTO THE SCHOOL ........................................................ 11 4.2 MANAGING THE RISK OF SPREAD IF THE VIRUS IS INTRODUCED INTO THE SCHOOL................................................. 11 4.3 VENTILATION IN CLASSROOMS - UPDATEDS ................................................................................................... 11 4.4 HPSC GUIDANCE FOR SNAS ...................................................................................................................... 11 4.5 HSPC GUIDANCE ON THE WEARING OF MASKS............................................................................................... 12 4.5.1 Who should wear a mask? .............................................................................................................. 12 4.5.2 Should Teachers wear a mask or a visor? ....................................................................................... 12 4.5.3 What type of mask should be worn in school? ............................................................................... 13 4.5.4 Are masks expensive and who pays for them? ............................................................................... 13 4.5.5 Is there guidance on the wearing and disposal of masks?.............................................................. 13 4.5.6 Type IIR EU 14683 Surgical Mask / Medical Mask .......................................................................... 13 4.6 CHRISTMAS CONCERTS, SINGING, CHORAL VERSE, PLAYING WIND INSTRUMENTS ................................................ 13 4.6.1 Indoor Gatherings ........................................................................................................................... 14 4.6.2 Precautions re Singing, Choral Verse, Wind Instrument playing..................................................... 14 4.6.3 Considerations when using an indoor school space: ....................................................................... 14 4.6.4 Individual schools are different ....................................................................................................... 15 4.7 DES GUIDANCE ON END OF TERM CELEBRATIONS / GATHERINGS ...................................................................... 15 4.7.1 Ocáidí /tionóil dheireadh an téarma............................................................................................... 15 4.7.2 End-of-term celebrations/gatherings ............................................................................................. 16 4.8 STUDENT TEACHER PLACEMENTS 2020 / 2021 SCHOOL YEAR ......................................................................... 16

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STAFF RETURNING TO WORKING IN THE SCHOOLS.. .............................................................................. 18 5.1 5.2 5.3

ARRANGEMENTS FOR TEACHERS AND SNAS ON THE REOPENING OF SCHOOLS ...................................................... 18 REVISED SUBSTITUTION ARRANGEMENTS FOR 2020/2021 SCHOOL YEAR .......................................................... 18 REVISED ARRANGEMENTS IN RESPECT OF RECRUITMENT OF TEACHERS AND SNAS ............................................... 18

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5.4 ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANCILLARY STAFF ON THE REOPENING OF SCHOOLS ........................................................... 19 5.5 CONTINUED USE OF THE RETURN TO WORK FORM (RTW) ............................................................................... 19 5.6 CONFIRMATION OF RETURN TO WORK FORM DETAILS – JAN’21 ....................................................................... 19 5.6.1 For the attention of all schools ....................................................................................................... 19 5.7 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0001/2021 – TEMPORARY COVID-19 REGULATION ................................................... 19 5.8 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0002/2021 – TEMPORARY COVID-19 REGULATION ................................................... 20 5.9 UPDATE ON OLCS RECORDING OF OVER 60S WHO ARE BEING ASSIGNED WORK FROM HOME ............................... 20 5.10 UPDATE IN RELATION TO SCHOOL TRANSPORT FOR SPECIAL CLASSES FOR MONDAY 22ND FEB 2021 ........................ 20 5.11 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0005/2021 – TEMPORARY COVID-19 REGULATION ................................................... 21 5.12 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0006/2021 – TEMPORARY COVID-19 REGULATION ................................................... 21 5.13 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0010/2021 – TEMPORARY COVID-19 REGULATION RE TEACHERS ................................. 21 5.14 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0011/2021 – TEMPORARY COVID-19 REGULATION RE SNAS ...................................... 21 5.15 GUIDANCE NOTE ON SCHOOL PLACEMENT FOR THE 2020/2021 SCHOOL YEAR .................................................. 21 5.16 WORKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR VERY HIGH RISK AND PREGNANT TEACHERS AND SNAS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR........................................................................................................................................................ 22 6

PUPILS RETURNING, OR NOT, TO SCHOOL ............................................................................................. 23 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5

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DEALING WITH A SUSPECTED CASE OF COVID-19 .................................................................................. 25 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13

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LITIR DO PHRÍOMHOIDÍ 27LÚNASA .............................................................................................................. 25 LETTER TO PRINCIPALS 27TH AUGUST ........................................................................................................... 25 SCHOOLS’ PATHWAY FOR COVID-19 – THE PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH ............................................................ 25 QUICK ISOLATION GUIDE ........................................................................................................................... 25 WHEN ARE PARENTS ASKED TO REMOVE THE SIBLINGS OF A SUSPECTED CASE OF COVID-19 ................................... 25 SCHOOLS COMMUNITY TESTING PATHWAY – FAQS FOR SCHOOL LEADERS ......................................................... 26 COVER LETTER FROM DES RE FAQS ............................................................................................................ 27 EXCEL SPREADSHEET FOR HSE CONTACT INFORMATION .................................................................................. 27 UPDATE TO EXCEL SPREADSHEET FOR HSE CONTACT INFORMATION .................................................................. 27 DATA MANAGEMENT REPORT .................................................................................................................... 27 PUBLIC HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT – SCÉAL ÓN TÚSLÍNE .................................................................................. 27 UPDATED FAQS FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS OR DESIGNATED CONTACT PERSON ..................................................... 28 HSE MEMO TO ALL PRINCIPALS 23RD MAR 2021 .......................................................................................... 29

WELLBEING OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY ............................................................................................ 30 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4

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CHILDREN WHO DO NOT RETURN TO SCHOOL ................................................................................................. 23 WHEN SHOULD CHILDREN NOT COME TO SCHOOL ........................................................................................... 23 ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE NOT RETURNED TO SCHOOL ................................................................... 23 PUPIL DECLARATION FORM ........................................................................................................................ 24 TEXTAPARENT.IE FACILITY FOR HSE RETURN TO EDUCATION FORM ................................................................... 24

HALLOWEEN 2020 ................................................................................................................................... 30 SUPPORTING THE WELLBEING OF SCHOOL COMMUNITIES AS SCHOOLS REOPEN: GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS................ 30 BRIEFING NOTE ON SUPPORTING THE WELLBEING OF SCHOOLS......................................................................... 30 SPRING BACK TO SCHOOL: SUPPORTING THE WELLBEING OF SCHOOL COMMUNITIES, SPRING 2021........................ 31

REMOTE LEARNING ............................................................................................................................... 32 9.1 REMOTE LEARNING POLICY ........................................................................................................................ 32 9.2 IDENTIFICATION OF TECHNOLOGIES .............................................................................................................. 33 9.3 STAFF PREPARATION ................................................................................................................................. 33 9.4 PARENTAL PREPARATION ........................................................................................................................... 33 9.5 REQUIRED PROVISION ............................................................................................................................... 34 9.5.1 Regular engagement with pupils .................................................................................................... 34 9.5.2 Blended learning ............................................................................................................................. 34 9.5.3 Appropriate learning opportunities ................................................................................................ 34 9.5.4 Two-way Feedback between home and school .............................................................................. 34 9.6 DES DOCUMENT ON REMOTE LEARNING ...................................................................................................... 34 9.7 CIRCULAR 74/2020 – REQUIREMENT TO HAVE AN ICT PLATFORM.................................................................... 34 9.7.1 Purpose of the Circular .................................................................................................................... 35 9.7.2 Support............................................................................................................................................ 35

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9.7.3 Funding ........................................................................................................................................... 35 9.7.4 Relevant Policies to consider for review in the context of Remote Learning preparation .............. 35 9.8 EFFECTIVE APPROACHES TO SUPPORTING REMOTE LEARNING ........................................................................... 36 9.9 PARENT TEACHER MEETINGS IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19 ........................................................................... 36 9.10 UPDATED GUIDANCE ON REMOTE LEARNING: DISADVANTAGED PUPILS .............................................................. 36 9.11 UPDATED GUIDANCE ON REMOTE LEARNING: SEN PUPILS............................................................................... 36 9.12 SAMPLE DISTANCE LEARNING PLAN JANUARY 2021 ....................................................................................... 37 10

DES AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO SCHOOL LEADERS .................................................................. 38 10.1 LETTER FROM DES 9TH OCTOBER 2020 ........................................................................................................ 38 10.2 DES ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL PPE PRODUCTS RECALL ..................................................................................... 38 10.2.1 What to do next .......................................................................................................................... 38 10.2.2 DES Covid-19 Helpline: ...................................................................................................................... 39 10.2.3 Aide Funding: .................................................................................................................................... 39 10.2.4 IPPN Contact information: ................................................................................................................ 39 10.3 DES/HSE WEBINAR................................................................................................................................. 39 10.4 LETTER TO PRINCIPALS RE PAUSING LIMITED RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS .............................................................. 40 10.5 DES LETTER RE SUBSTITUTION DURING SCHOOL CLOSURE – 8TH JANUARY 2021 ................................................. 40 10.6 LETTER TO SCHOOLS RE SCHOOL MEALS 8TH JAN 2021 .................................................................................... 41 10.7 E-MAIL TO SCHOOLS WHOSE SCHOOL MEALS WERE DELIVERED BY AN POST.......................................................... 42 10.8 LETTER TO PRINCIPALS RE PARTIAL RE-OPENING FEB21 ................................................................................... 42 10.9 APPENDIX I OF FRAMEWORK – FRAMEWORK PLAN ......................................................................................... 43 10.10 APPENDIX II OF FRAMEWORK – HSPC GUIDANCE ON RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS .............................................. 43 10.11 APPENDIX III OF FRAMEWORK – CHANGES TO COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN .................................................... 43 10.12 COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN – VERSION 3 FEBRUARY 2021 ........................................................................ 44 10.13 LETTER FROM DEIRDRE SHANLEY TO PRINCIPALS 08MARCH21 ..................................................................... 44 10.14 LETTER FROM DEIRDRE SHANLEY TO PRINCIPALS 05MAY21......................................................................... 44 10.15 TEACHTAIREACHT Ó CHN ROINN OIDEACHAIS CHUIG GACH PRÍOMHOIDE FAONI CHIBEAR-IONSAÍ AR AN FSS .......... 44 10.16 MESSAGE FROM DE TO ALL PRINCIPALS RE HSE CYBER ATTACK ................................................................... 45

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TEACHING AND LEARNING ISSUES IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19 ......................................................... 47 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4

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SUPPORTING THE SAFE PROVISION OF SCHOOLING (SSPS).................................................................... 48 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5

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CURRICULUM GUIDANCE FAQS .................................................................................................................. 47 WORK OF INSPECTORS DURING ONGOING COVID-19 EMERGENCY ................................................................... 47 INFOGRAPHIC GUIDE FOR THE RETURN OF NAÍONÁIN GO RII – FEABHRA 21 ......................................................... 47 INFOGRAPHIC ON THE RETURN TO STANDARDISED TESTING .............................................................................. 47

THE SSPS MODEL .................................................................................................................................... 48 CHECKS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN ............................................................. 48 MONITORING CHILD PROVISION ................................................................................................................. 49 OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES DURING THE SSPS ................................................................................................. 50 FINAL GUIDELINES ON SSPS ....................................................................................................................... 51

FINANCIAL SUPPORTS FOR SHCOOLS RE COVID-19 ................................................................................ 52 13.1 COVID CAPITATION GRANTS TERM 2 (JAN-APR 2021) .................................................................................. 52 13.1.1 Notice regarding Covid-19 capitation funding supports ............................................................ 52 13.1.2 Minor Works ............................................................................................................................... 53 13.1.3 ICT Grant..................................................................................................................................... 53 13.2 THIRD ROUND OF CAPITATION FUNDING SUPPORTS 27MAY21 (FOR TERM 3) .................................................... 53

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PARTIAL REOPENING OF SCHOOLS – JANUARY 2021 ............................................................................. 54 14.1 IPPN PROPOSED FUNDAMENTAL POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION BY SCHOOL LEADERS – 18TH JANUARY 2021 ............. 54 14.1.1 Children in Special Classes .......................................................................................................... 54 14.1.2 Children with SEN in Mainstream Classes .................................................................................. 54 14.2 IPPN HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVICE FOR SCHOOL LEADERS RE PARTIAL RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS ............................ 55 14.2.1 Planning for return of in-person learning at primary level – January 2021 ................................ 55 14.3 DES DOCUMENT: SUPPORTING PUPILS WITH SEN IN MAINSTREAM SCHOOLS ..................................................... 56 14.4 IPPN STATEMENT ON PARTIAL REOPENING POSTPONEMENT 20TH JANUARY 2021 ............................................... 57

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14.5 14.6

CHECKLIST FOR SCHOOLS REGARDING THE PARTIAL RETURN TO SCHOOL - FEB 2021 .............................................. 58 IPPN ADVICE FOR SCHOOL LEADERS WHERE THE SCHOOL CANNOT PROVIDE STAFF TO OPEN SAFELY .......................... 60

15 IN-PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME FOR PUPILS WITH COMPLEX NEEDS URING SCHOOL CLOSURES ...................................................................................................................................................... 61 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 15.8 16

2021 SUMMER PROGRAMME FOR ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS ................................................................... 63 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6

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OVERVIEW OF IN-PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME ............................................................................... 61 GUIDANCE FOR PROVISION OF IN-PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME ......................................................... 61 GUIDANCE FOR TEACHERS / SNAS .............................................................................................................. 62 GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS / LEGAL GUARDIANS ............................................................................................... 62 LETTER TO PRINCIPALS RE IN-PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME................................................................ 62 IN-PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME: GRANT CLAIM FORM .................................................................... 62 5 MINUTE PRESENTATION ON IN-PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME .......................................................... 62 DE RELAXES RESTRICTIONS ON IN-PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME......................................................... 62

LETTER TO PRINCIPALS .............................................................................................................................. 63 DETAILED OUTLINE OF THE PROGRAMME...................................................................................................... 63 GUIDANCE ON THE 2021 SUMMER PROGRAMME .......................................................................................... 64 2021 SUMMER PROGRAMME – TEACHERS’ HANDBOOK ................................................................................. 64 INFORMATION FOR PARENTS ...................................................................................................................... 64 UPDATE TO PRIMARY COMPLEX NEEDS/INCLUSION PROGRAMME PUPIL NUMBERS .............................................. 65

2021 / 2022 SCHOOL YEAR .................................................................................................................... 66 17.1 LETTER FROM DE ON 17TH JUNE 2021 ......................................................................................................... 66 17.1.1 COVID 19 Response Plan ............................................................................................................ 66 17.1.2 Communication with parents and pupils/students about the 2021/2022 school year .............. 66 17.1.3 Staffing arrangements for 2021/22 school year ........................................................................ 66 17.1.4 EPV Leave for Primary Teachers ................................................................................................. 66 17.1.5 School year 2021/22 ................................................................................................................... 66

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INTRODUCTION

1.1 CONTENTS OF THIS RESOURCE BUNDLE This Resource Bundle is a ‘one-stop shop’ for issues in relation to keeping schools open in the COVID-19 2020/21 school year. It replaces the Live Resource Bundle “Returning to school in the Aftermath of COVID-19” and contains the documents and templates relating to keeping the school open as safely as possible for pupils and staff. It will be updated as required and as indicated by expert advice on an ongoing basis. Each section and sub-section of the Resource Bundle contains links to the relevant documents discussed in that section. Some of the sections, which are still very relevant, have been imported from “Returning to school in the Aftermath of COVID-19”.

1.2 HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE BUNDLE: The Resource Bundle provides an overview of documents, sample school plans, communication templates and advisory bulletins provided by the DES and IPPN to assist school leaders, as they work to maintain a safe school environment in relation to COVID-19. They are downloadable in MS Word format and therefore easily adapted to the requirements of the individual school.

1.3 RETURNING TO SCHOOL IN THE AFTERMATH OF COVID-19 This was the previous Live Resource Bundle and which is now largely outdated. Having returned to school, the issues of concern to school leaders have now “moved on”. “Returning to School in the Aftermath of COVID-19” will still be available on the IPPN Website for reference, but will no longer be regularly updated.

1.4 THE PRINCIPAL’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.

It has been a difficult summer and indeed 6 months, for school leaders. 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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FOCUS ON WELLBEING, TEACHING AND LEARNING

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in significant challenges to the lives of everyone in the school community. For many, this has been both a time of individual and collective trauma. School leaders, staff, students and their families have concerns about safety and the need for protection.

For some it has brought grief, loss, economic hardship, and trauma. School staff have faced additional professional stress and teachers have had to learn new ways to teach children remotely, while also worrying about the impact of Covid19 on students. School leaders have faced the responsibility of supporting the whole school community during closure, while also having to plan for school reopening.

School closures and home confinement have had a negative effect on many children. During this period, children may have been exposed to a wide range of stressors, including fears of infection, frustration and exposure to large amounts of distressing information in the media (Brooks et al, 2020; Wang et al, 2020; Dalton, 2020). Children are missing out on in-person contact with friends, family members, classmates, teachers and their school community. Some children may be experiencing a lack of personal space at home and the impact of family financial loss. These many stressors can result in enduring effects on children.

Covid19 has dominated the media and conversations, resulting in children being exposed to large amounts of information. This may be distressing for children who do not fully understand the information and they may overestimate the risks to themselves and their families. The pandemic may negatively affect both adults and children’s mental health, causing stress and anxiety. Following a pandemic, members of the school community may experience several different emotional and behavioural reactions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioural problems, somatic complaints, fear and traumatic grief. (Pfefferbaum et al, 2014) While the curriculum normally plays a central role in our schools, the main focus for school leaders, teachers and parents must be to gently re-introduce pupils to their friends and to many unfamiliar and new school routines. For a little while this must take precedence over some aspects of the curriculum.

Subjects such as SPHE, art, music and drama might be given more prominence than usual in the timetables for the first weeks back to school.

2.1 RETURN TO SCHOOL PRIMARY CURRICULUM GUIDANCE “School leaders and teachers will already be preparing for the return of pupils for the new academic year. At a practical preparatory level, decisions on matters such as the allocation of teachers to class groups, booklists, and book rental arrangements are being finalised. Helping all pupils to make the transition back to school, to reconnect with their teachers and friends and to establish new school routines that support their health and safety will be a priority at the start of the new school year” (Returning to school Curriculum guidance for primary school leaders and teachers, July 2020)

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The document contains the following relevant sections: 2.1.1

Key Curriculum considerations for supporting Teaching, Learning and Assessment  Identifying the starting points of learning o Getting to know where each child is in his/her learning, their strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, interests and experiences while learning from home, in order to identify appropriate starting points for teaching and learning for the 2020/21 school year.  Preparation for Teaching and Learning o Teachers individually and as a staff will have to decide what pupils learn, the sequence and pace of that learning and the activities and experiences best suited to that learning.

2.1.2 Learning Approaches These should continue to be varied and to include:  Language  Outdoor environment  Play 2.1.3 Revisiting and Revising It will be important to reinforce and consolidate pupils’ knowledge from their previous class- the NCCA Curriculum Overview Wall Chart is particularly useful for this purpose.

2.1.4 Curriculum Priorities Some subjects e.g. SPHE, PE, Language and Mathematics will need to assume greater importance in the initial weeks of reopening.

2.1.5 Specific Subjects The document outlines the emphasis to be placed on each particular subject and the approach to that subject recommended in the light of the five-month disruption to normal teaching and learning. It gives specific and detailed guidance on:  SPHE  PE  Language  Mathematics  SESE  History  Geography  Science  Arts Education  Visual Arts  Music  Drama

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Further Advice and Support for Schools and Teachers  Supporting pupils at very high risk of COVID-19  Supporting Teaching and Learning in the home where there is localised full school closure  CPD for Teachers  The Inspectorate  Pausing Curricular Development and Reform  Primary Curriculum Framework  Primary Mathematics Curriculum  Primary Languages Curriculum  sOther Policies / Strategies Click here to download

2.2 A TRAUMA INFORMED RETURN TO SCHOOL DURING COVID-19 This guide was originally developed by Louise Lunney, a MA student of Psychology in UCC. She has kindly allowed the ABC network to compliment her document with additional resources, to help support schools in their return preparations to welcome staff students and the wider school community as restrictions start to lift.

The whole school community has been through a huge period of upheaval with impacts on staff both personally and professionally.

This document uses a trauma informed perspective in recognition of this. It focuses on how we can safely relate in a time of social distancing. This guide was developed using several resources written both in Ireland and internationally.

Click here to download

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COMMUNICATING WITH THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

The return to school and media stories of classes being sent home in some schools, will cause anxiety to many in the school community. Clear communication from the school giving up-to-date information is the best means of countering anxiety, re-assuring the entire community and give staff, parents and children ownership of the return to school process. The co-operation of all members of the school community will be needed to ensure that the school remains open as safely as possible.

As stated in the IPPN Resource Bundle on Communications, “Within the school context, many problems can be directly traced to ineffective or insufficient communication – its content, manner and means.

Taking time to review your communications strategies and ideas will be time well spent. Taking time to think about what you want to say will also help ensure you maintain your integrity and professionalism, that of your school and of the wider educational community, particularly at times of challenge or crisis.”

3.1 HAVING A COMMUNICATIONS PLAN IPPN urges all school leaders to give serious consideration, in consultation with their Boards of Management and ISM teams, to having a plan for keeping all sections of the school community informed of relevant issues in relation to the school’s response plan. It should not be seen as an extra burden for school leaders – it does not require to be written as a policy. A simple discussion with the relevant people and a plan for how and when to inform people as events unfold, simply and succinctly noted, is all that is required. Its aims are to: 1. Provide information to staff and parents relevant to their concerns and roles in keeping with the school’s response plan.

2. Re-assure staff and parents that the BoM and school leaders are doing everything to keep the school safely open in accordance with DES and HSE recommendations.

3. Ensure that staff and parents are given the same information at the same time and minimise the incidence of false or misleading information, rumours or conspiracy theories on social media.

3.2 COMMUNICATIONS PLAN FUNDAMENTALS 1. The Communications Plan consists of messaging sent to parents via a. E-mail b. Text c. website 2. Communications to parents will be copied to all school staff.

3. Some communications will pertain to staff only and will therefore only be sent to them.

4. All communications will be done in the name of the BoM and signed jointly by the Chairperson of the BoM and the Principal.

5. The number and timing of the messages will vary between schools, depending on their context and capacity.

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3.3 SAMPLE LETTERS IN THE EVENT OF A POSITIVE TEST IN THE SCHOOL The following sample letters can be sent to parents and staff in the event of a positive case of COVID19 in the school. Their purpose is to reassure parents and staff that the BoM and School Leaders are being proactive in dealing with the situation. The HSE will also ask the school to forward information to parents and staff. At times, school leaders may find it necessary to send the sample letters below while waiting for a HSE response in order to allay anxieties

3.3.1 General Letter to All 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

3.3.2 Leagan Gaeilge den litir Tá leagan Gaeilge den litir ar fail anseo Cliceáil anseo chun leagan Gaeilge den litir a íoslódáil

3.4 DEALING WITH PRESS INQUIRIES RELATED TO A COVID-19 INCIDENT IN THE SCHOOL This is a generic statement that schools may wish to consider using in full or in part when a comment is requested from media channels.

‘The school cannot comment on individual cases or outbreaks to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those involved. The school can confirm we have engaged with the HSE. The HSE role is to carry out a Public Health Risk Assessment. As part of this risk assessment, all close contacts will be identified, contacted and advised of the next steps. Close contacts are requested not to come to school in line with HSE Public Health advice. The school will continue to work with the HSE ensuing all necessary hygiene, health and safety protocols are in place at the school for the prevention and containment of COVID-19’.

3.5 PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICES AND CONTACT NUMBERS For all school COVID-19 related queries  please see FAQs for school Principals  For other queries call HSE Live on 1850 24 1850.

This service is open Monday to Friday: 8am - 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm.

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For attention of Principals: Due to a high volume of calls at present, please only contact your local Public Health Department to alert them to a specific COVID-19 emergency related to your school. These contact details are for schools only and should not be forwarded to parent groups.

Region

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

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

East Midlands

Mid-West

North East

North West Donegal North West

West

Click here to download the above chart

3.6 LETTER FROM FÓRSA The Fórsa Trade Union has written a long letter (4 pages) directly to some Principals regarding the wearing of medical grade masks by SNAs. In essence, the letter points out that the DES has agreed to pay for the provision for surgical grade masks (EU Standard EN 14683) for SNAs in accordance with HSPC guidelines.

The tone of the letter and its implied threat of legal action against them has annoyed some school leaders. School leaders take the health and safety of all school employees very seriously.

The BoM is the employer of school staff and the issue should properly have been addressed to them.

This is an unwarranted attempt to put pressure on some school leaders who are complying with all the DES guidelines If you are a school leader who has concerns around this letter, IPPN suggests that you take one of the following two options:

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3.6.1 Option 1 – Ask Forsa to re-address the letter to the BoM If you feel that the letter should have been sent to the BoM in the first instance, IPPN suggests that you put the letter in an envelope, address it to: FAO Mr Seamas Ryan Organiser, Nerney’s Ct., Rotunda, Dublin D01 R2C5 and accompany it with a short note, such as Dear Mr Ryan, I would remind you that, as Principal, I am not the employer of staff in this school. The Board of Management (BoM) is the body which employs staff. The BoM has also been tasked (School Response Plan) with the purchase, storage and distribution of PPE equipment to staff members, in accordance with Dept. of Education and HSE guidelines.

I am therefore returning your letter and suggesting that you re-send it to the BoM, for consideration at its next meeting, at the following address: The Secretary, Board of Management, School Address

Yours sincerely, _________________ (Príomhoide)

3.6.2

Option 2 – Reply directly as Principal

If you feel that you would like to respond directly to the letter, IPPN suggests using the following as a template:Dear Mr Ryan, Thank you for your letter of (insert date). Please be advised that I am aware of the school’s obligations regarding PPE for SNAs and other school staff. I am informed of developments and updates by IPPN, the professional body for school leaders I am unaware of any legal advice that schools are not responsible for providing medical grade masks to SNAs. The recent advice from HPSC (5th October) clearly states that, for SNAs who “are within 2m and performing healthcare like tasks (personal care) the face covering should normally be a surgical mask. If a surgical mask is not practical for any reason, they should use a visor or a quality suitable for use in a healthcare setting” Thanking you again for your concern regarding my professional awareness, ________________ (Príomhoide)

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3.7 IF YOUR CHILD IS A CLOSE CONTACT OF COVID -19 IN SCHOOL The HSE have today, 10th November 2020, published a You-tube video in which Dr Abigail Collins explains what to do if a parent has been informed that their child is a close contact of COVID-19 in school. The video can be downloaded at https://youtu.be/x2Vur9Dx4dk Schools are advised to notify all parents of this video

3.8 BOM MEETINGS AND THE CPOR DURING COVID-19 The following is a statement from the DES: The Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017 (hereinafter referred to as the procedures) set out specific oversight requirements that apply to all school boards of management, including in relation to the provision by the school Principal of a Child Protection Oversight Report (CPOR) at every board of management meeting.

Following the closure of schools in March 2020, the DES advised schools that the requirement to provide a (CPOR) would not apply to board meetings held remotely. This was because it not thought possible in the context of such meetings to meet the requirement to provide the board with the specified documentation in the secure and confidential manner required by the procedures. The DES advised at that time that Principals should continue to maintain the relevant data and records so that the CPOR could be provided at the next face to face meeting of the board and that the data in that next report must reflect cases arising since the previous CPOR was provided to the board.

In the context of schools having reopened and having regard to the ongoing public health emergency, the following are the updated requirements in relation to the provision by the Principal of a CPOR to the BoM – A face to face meeting of the board must be held at least once in every school term in order for the CPOR report along with required supporting documentation to be provided to the board and for the board to resume and continue to carry out its important oversight role in respect of the reporting of child protection concerns in accordance with the procedures. A Board meeting for these purposes is considered essential work. The following shall apply to such a meeting –      

The face to face meeting may be convened to deal solely with the CPOR report A quorum must be physically present at the face to face meeting No members are permitted to join remotely The relevant requirements of the procedures must be adhered to in full in respect of the CPOR, including those in relation to the provision and recovery of documents at the meeting The CPOR report submitted shall set out under each of the required headings the number of cases arising since the last CPOR report was provided to the board Appropriate social distancing and other relevant public health measures and guidance must be followed.

The CPOR shall not be provided at any board meeting that is held remotely except in circumstances where, since the last CPOR was provided to the board, there have been no cases arising under each of the headings set out in sections 9.5 to 9.7 inclusive of the procedures. This is the only exception to the general rule prohibiting the provision of the CPOR at remote meetings. This exception has been made because the procedures do not require any supporting documentation to be provided in circumstances where the CPOR does not contain any cases under sections 9.5 to 9.7 inclusive

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3.9 TEMPLATE LETTERS FOR STAFF AND PARENTS: RETURNING TO SCHOOL FEB / MAR 21 The following template letters have been prepared by IPPN with the assistance of a Health and Safety Consultant, who is a former School Leader. IPPN recommends that school leaders adapt the templates to their own school’s needs and use them to reassure staff and parents that, in relation to COVID-19:   

School Leaders and BoM has put in place all recommended measures School Leaders and BoM are willing to discuss any issues or anxieties with staff or parents School Leaders and BoM are following all DE and HSE recommendations and guidelines Click here to download sample template letters Cliceáil anseo chun an leagan Gaeilge a íoslódáil

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4

MINIMISING AND MANAGING THE COVID-19 VIRUS IN SCHOOLS

The COVID-19 Interim Recommendations for the reopening of schools and educational facilities has a chapter devoted to dealing with ways of minimising the risk of introducing COVID-19 into the school and managing the risk of spread if it is introduced.

4.1 MINIMISING THE RISK OF INTRODUCTION OF COVID-19 INTO THE SCHOOL Chapter 4 of the Recommendations suggests ways of minimising the risk for  Staff and Pupils  Visitors  Influenza Immunisations

4.2 MANAGING THE RISK OF SPREAD IF THE VIRUS IS INTRODUCED INTO THE SCHOOL Chapter 5 of the Recommendations suggests ways of managing the spread of the virus through  Hand Hygiene  Wearing of Face Coverings / Masks  Social Distancing Activities  Use of Shared Equipment  Environmental Hygiene (Cleaning – See Section 10) Click here to download the HPSC Recommendations

4.3 VENTILATION IN CLASSROOMS - UPDATEDS Ensuring that classrooms are well ventilated is important in order to prevent the spread of airborne viruses. This means balancing the comfort of a warm, and possibly stuffy, environment with the need for fresh, clean and virus free air, although less warm. The DES has updated its original advice to schools on ventilation on 30th November Click here to download the original DES Guidelines on Good Ventilation Practices in Schools Click here for Updated Ventilation Guidelines Cliceáil anseo chun Dea-Chleachtais Aerála a Úsáid i Scoileanna V2

4.4 HPSC GUIDANCE FOR SNAS The HPSC had issued further guidance for SNAs Supporting Children and Young People with Additional Care Needs in the Context of COVID-19. This document is a very useful one for all staff members and IPPN recommends that it be made available to them. In summary:  It contains specific guidance for SNAs (and teachers) on the particular difficulties children with SEN may have in relation to COVID-19 o They may display behaviours with an increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 o They may have limited ability to self-report symptoms

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

  



It gives a very succinct briefing on the pandemic in terms of its o Signs o Symptoms o Clinical course o Transmission o Survival in the environment o Duration of Infectivity It provides a succinct briefing on o The introduction of COVID-19 into the school o The control of any spread of the virus within the school It provides clear advice regarding the education of children with SEN in relation to the spread of the virus within the school It outlines the key behaviours to reduce the risk of person to person spread o Hand hygiene o PPE o Environment and Cleaning It provides a succinct summary of the procedures in relation to isolation of a pupil with suspected symptoms of COVID-19

In relation to the wearing of surgical grade masks, The document states that: “When SNAs are within 2m of a pupil and performing healthcare like tasks (personal care) the face covering should normally be a surgical mask. If a surgical mask is not practical for any reason, they should use a visor or a quality suitable for use in a healthcare setting” “The person accompanying a pupil waiting to be collected should limit physical contact as much as is practical consistent with the pupil’s need, should use a surgical mask, visor and nitrile gloves. Hand hygiene must be performed after removal of gloves”.

The HPSC Guidelines for SNAs can be downloaded.

Click here to download the HPSC Guidelines for SNAs

4.5 HSPC GUIDANCE ON THE WEARING OF MASKS 4.5.1 Who should wear a mask?

Teachers and SNAs who are within 2m of a child and performing healthcare like tasks (personal care) the face covering should normally be a surgical mask. If a surgical mask is not practical for any reason, they should use a visor or a quality suitable for use in a healthcare setting Persons who are accompanying a child (or adult) who is being isolated in the school while awaiting collection from the school Bus Escorts who are in close proximity to children while escorting them 4.5.2 Should Teachers wear a mask or a visor?

Teachers are advised to normally wear visors in classrooms so that children can see their facial expressions as they speak. In practice, many teachers vary their protection between visors and masks as they deem necessary for their particular situation and safety and in a manner which does not restrict their ability to teach.

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4.5.3 What type of mask should be worn in school?

A cloth mask which has at least 3 layers is generally recommended for people who do not work in health care. This applies to most situations in school A surgical grade mask (to EU Standard EN 14683) is recommended for personnel who are performing healthcare tasks (personal care). This would particularly apply to SNAs, some teachers and some bus escorts.

4.5.4 Are masks expensive and who pays for them?

School leaders have stated on Networking that they can purchase to EU Standard EN 14683 masks for 40c each. These masks are an allowable expense for the DES Cleaning and PPE grant. The BoM should pay for them in the first instance from the grant and should immediately inform the local Cigire and the DES if they do not have enough money. Masks should be purchased through the DES Procurement Process 4.5.5 Is there guidance on the wearing and disposal of masks?

Masks and visors should be donned and doffed and disposed of as demonstrated in videos.

Masks should be removed and disposed of if they are wet or damaged. Masks should be removed and disposed of if going or a break or visiting the toilet.

4.5.6 Type IIR EU 14683 Surgical Mask / Medical Mask Type IIR medical face masks EN14683 are medical face masks made up of a 4 ply construction that prevents large particles from reaching the patient or working surfaces. Type IIR Face masks include a splash resistant layer to protect against blood and other bodily fluids. Type IIR face masks are tested in the direction of exhalation (inside to outside) and take into account the efficiency of bacterial filtration.

Characteristics of Type IIR face masks include:  Pleat style with ear loops or ties  Protective four-layer construction  Available in a variety of colours and styles  Splash resistant layer against bodily fluids.

Type I, Type IR, Type II and Type IIR masks are for use in protecting others from the wearer transmitting infection.

In its latest bulletin on procurement, the DES states that Type II R EN 14683 Masks may be purchased from Shaw Scientific at a cost of €18.00 per 50 masks i.e. 36 cent per mask.

4.6 CHRISTMAS CONCERTS, SINGING, CHORAL VERSE, PLAYING WIND INSTRUMENTS The situation in relation to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in schools is ever evolving and how schools are required to do things may necessarily have to change and be adapted in light of the advice from the Government, NPHET and the HSE. Singing and instrumental music produced by woodwind or brass instruments are thought to be higher risk activities for COVID -19 spread due to the aggressive expelling of respiratory droplets which can result in aerosols that can hang in the air for hours.

Any decision to have live rehearsals, nativity plays, Christmas concerts or choral events places an onus and a responsibility on a BoM to ensure the safety of those involved and to ensure that a thorough risk assessment has been completed. The following advice is offered to help with this process in schools.

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4.6.1 Indoor Gatherings Under levels 3 to 5 no organised indoor gatherings can take place. No audience is allowed for any musical, concerts or choral performances 4.6.2 Precautions re Singing, Choral Verse, Wind Instrument playing The following precautions are suggested for classes involved in group singing, choirs, nativity concerts and the playing of brass musical instruments held in-doors in a school setting:         



All staff present to wear face coverings during rehearsals and performances A strict physical distance of at least 2 metres to be maintained between pupils (particularly singers and musicians) during rehearsals and performances The duration of indoor practice, teaching and performance would be limited with frequent breaks to facilitate regular ventilation of rooms and instrument cleaning (where applicable) Ventilation quality should be reviewed when determining location of practices and performances Brass and woodwind musicians would use coverings for their instruments to reduce droplet spread while playing Using pre-recorded or streamed music as an alternative to live performances whenever possible Reducing the number of pupils involved whenever possible Giving preference to outdoor rehearsals and performances Avoiding and not permitting the sharing of equipment where the mouth may come into contact with equipment (such as mouthpieces, microphones, etc.) and cleaning equipment thoroughly between uses Reducing rehearsal and performance times

4.6.3 Considerations when using an indoor school space: The following should be taken into account when assessing the safety and suitability of using an indoor space for singing, choral verse or wind instrument playing:  Look at the rehearsal space, number of pupils and staff attending rehearsals and ventilation in the area – use larger spaces where possible  Risk assess the room/space – access, distancing of chairs, keeping pathways clear so distancing can be maintained and the setting up of the room to make best use of available ventilation and changes in air flow  Have a single one direction pathway in and out of rehearsal space where possible  Limit rehearsal length and ideally have it take place outdoors  Keep a detailed attendance record and develop a plan that details the steps that will be taken should a pupil or staff member be diagnosed with COVID-19 following a rehearsal or performance (part of existing plan within the school)  Comply with social distancing and other advice from NPHET and HSE  Hand hygiene to be done on arrival in rehearsal space and staff and frequent use of hand sanitiser or washing hands to be encouraged during rehearsal and performance  No sharing of equipment, pencils, music, music stands, chairs, water bottles, cups, etc. – same procedures as currently apply in classrooms  Keep the piano/keyboard for use by the teacher alone

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

Review procedures to see might be done differently – what preparation could be done outside or online with class? Could individual scenes for the nativity play be shot and then edited together afterwards? Could Zoom be used with scenes organised into class bubbles? Could each class be filmed taking one scene and song separately and then it all be cut together?

4.6.4 Individual schools are different Individual schools are best placed to put the appropriate safeguards in place in line with public health guidance and advice. There is no straightforward procedure that can be followed with certainty, leaving each school to negotiate its own best solution. The aim is to create a student-centred and safe solution for all stakeholders.

4.7 DES GUIDANCE ON END OF TERM CELEBRATIONS / GATHERINGS The DES is the text (I nGaelige agus I mBéarl) of the following guidance on 10th December re Singing and the playing of Musical Instruments in schools: 4.7.1 Ocáidí /tionóil dheireadh an téarma Aithnítear gur sprioc shuntasach é deireadh gach téarma agus gur minic a eagraíonn scoileanna imeachtaí agus féilte chun an ócáid a cheiliúradh. Tá tábhacht ag baint leis na spriocanna seo a cheiliúradh chun tacú le folláine dhearfach daltaí agus scoláirí i scoileanna. Sa chomhthéacs seo, meabhraítear do scoileanna gur gá a dheimhniú go ndéantar aon phleananna don chuid eile den scoilbhliain a chur i bhfeidhm de réir threoirlínte sláinte poiblí.

Moltar sna treoirlínte sláinte agus sábháilteachta reatha gan tionóil a spreagadh. Ba cheart grúpaí móra scoile ar nós cóir a sheachaint faoi láthair. Níor cheart uirlisí gaoithe agus práis, lena n-áirítear feadóga stáin agus taifeadáin, a sheinm laistigh mar gheall ar an baol breise ionfhabhtaithe a bhaineann le gníomhaíocht dá leithéid sin. D’fhéadfaí léirithe lasmuigh den rang agus réamhchúraimí eile ar nós sciatha taise d’uirlisí gaoithe a chur san áireamh mar roghanna malartacha.

Cé gur cheart na gnáththionóil scoile a sheachaint, d’fhéadfaí léirithe ranga a roinnt le ranganna eile agus le tuismitheoirí/caomhnóirí ag baint úsáide as teicneolaíochtaí digiteacha ar nós láithreán gréasáin na scoile, ardán digiteach na scoile agus/nó áiseanna físchomhdhála, ar an gcoinníoll go mbíonn toiliú cuí faighte ó thuismitheoirí/chaomhnóirí. Níor chóir cuireadh a thabhairt do thuismitheoirí/chaomhnóirí freastal ar cheiliúrthaí deireadh téarma i mbliana. Is féidir, áfach, le hamhránaíocht Nollag tarlú lasmuigh ach cloí le fadú sóisialta agus le struchtúir na bhfaighneog. Faraor, ní bheidh cead ag tuismitheoirí/caomhnóirí freastal ar na himeachtaí seo lasmuigh ach an oiread.

Is minic gur maith le daltaí/scoláirí cártaí Nollag agus féiríní beaga a roinnt. Tá cead a leithéid a dhéanamh ach caithfear tabhairt faoi ar bhealach rialaithe, ionas nach mbíonn daltaí/scoláirí ag bogadh agus ag idirghníomhú lasmuigh de na faighneoga nó teagmhálacha lena mbaineann siad de ghnáth. Go hidéalach, thabharfaí aon chártaí/bhronntanais do bhall foirne go díreach, agus dhéanfadh an ball foirne iad a dháileadh ar dhaltaí/scoláirí ar bhealach rialaithe. Ba chóir go mbeadh béim láidir i gcónaí ar shláinteachas láimhe.

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4.7.2 End-of-term celebrations/gatherings It is recognised that the end of each term is a significant milestone and often schools organise events and celebrations to mark the occasion. Celebration of these milestones is important to support positive wellbeing for pupils and students in schools. In this context, schools are reminded of the need to ensure that any plans for the remainder of the year are implemented in line with public health guidelines.

Current health and safety guidelines advise that gatherings be discouraged. Large school groups such as choirs should be avoided at present. Wind and brass instruments, including tin whistles and recorders, should not be played indoors due to the additional risk of infection such activity poses. Outdoor class performances and other precautions such as moisture guards for wind instruments may be considered as alternative options.

While the usual school assemblies should be avoided, class performances may be shared with other classes and parents/guardians using digital technologies such as the school website, the school’s digital platform and/or video-conferencing facilities, provided appropriate consent has been obtained from parents/guardians. Parents/guardians should not be invited to attend end-of-term celebrations this year. However, Christmas singing whilst maintaining social distancing and within normal pod structures can take place outdoors. Unfortunately, no parents / guardians will be allowed to attend these outdoor events either.

Pupils/students often like to share Christmas cards and small gifts. This is allowable but needs to be undertaken in a controlled manner, such that it does not involve pupils/students moving and interacting outside of their usual pods or contacts. Any cards/ gifts would ideally be given to a staff member directly, and then distributed by a staff member to pupils/students in a controlled way. There should be a strong emphasis on hand hygiene at all times.

4.8 STUDENT TEACHER PLACEMENTS 2020 / 2021 SCHOOL YEAR The DES issued the following guidance on 10th December re Student Teacher Placements in Schools for the 2020 / 2021 School Year:

Nóta Treorach maidir le Socrúchán Scoile 2020-2021 – An Scéala is Déanaí Molann an Roinn Oideachais agus an Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta institiúidí ardoideachais, comhlachtaí bainistíochta scoile, príomhoidí, Treoraithe (múinteoirí a bhí ag comhoibriú roimhe seo), ceardchumainn múinteoirí, príomhchomhlachtaí gairmiúla, tuismitheoirí agus daltaí as an mbealach ar éascaíodh na socruithe socrúcháin scoile go dtí seo in éineacht le hathoscailt na scoileanna. Tá sé tábhachtach go leanfaí den chomhoibriú sin ar feadh an chuid eile den scoilbhliain seo chun tacú lenár scoileanna fanacht oscailte go sábháilte i gcomhthéacs phaindéim Covid-19 agus chun soláthar leanúnach múinteoirí cáilithe a chinntiú chun riachtanais aitheanta an chórais a chomhlíonadh.

De bhreis ar an teagmháil le páirtithe leasmhara le déanaí, ba mhaith leis an Roinn agus leis an gComhairle na soiléirithe seo a leanas a sholáthar maidir le socrúchán scoile a chur i bhfeidhm le linn na scoilbhliana reatha 2020/2021:

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1. Tá socrúchán scoile riachtanach d’Oideachas Tosaigh Múinteoirí agus do scoileanna, mar go gcabhraíonn sé chun soláthar leordhóthanach múinteoirí a chinntiú chun riachtanais aitheanta an chórais a chomhlíonadh.

2. Moltar go láidir do gach scoil leanúint de bheith ag óstáil múinteoirí faoi oiliúint ar shocrúchán scoile le linn 2020/2021. Mar atá leagtha amach in Céim: Caighdeáin maidir le hOideachas Tosaigh Múinteoirí (An Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta 2020), is gné ríthábhachtach é an socrúchán scoile lena chinntiú go n-ullmhaítear múinteoirí an lae amárach do réaltacht laethúil shaol an tseomra ranga 3. Ba chóir do mhúinteoirí faoi oiliúint a chinntiú go bhfuil cur amach acu ar na bearta Covid-19 atá in úsáid ag scoil sula dtosaíonn siad ar shocrúchán.

4. Eiseofar tuilleadh treorach go luath san Athbhliain maidir le socruithe measúnaithe do shocrúchán scoile sa scoilbhliain reatha.

Guidance Note for School Placement 2020-2021 - Update The Department of Education and the Teaching Council commend Higher Education Institutes, school management bodies, principals, Treoraithe (formerly co-operating teachers), teacher unions, principal professional bodies, parents and pupils for the manner in which the school placement arrangements have been facilitated to date alongside the re-opening of schools. It is important that such collaboration continues throughout the remainder of this school year to support our schools in staying open safely in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and to also ensure an ongoing supply of qualified teachers to meet the identified needs of the system.

Further to recent engagement with stakeholders, the Department and Council wish to provide the following clarifications regarding the implementation of school placement during the current school year 2020/2021: 1. School placement is essential for Initial Teacher Education and for schools, as it helps to ensure a sufficient supply of teachers to meet the identified needs of the system.

2. All schools are strongly encouraged to continue to host student teachers on school placement during 2020/2021. As set out in Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education (Teaching Council 2020), school placement is a vital element in ensuring that future teachers are prepared for the daily reality of classroom life.

3. Student teachers should ensure that they are familiar with the Covid-19 measures in use by a school before commencing placement.

4. Further guidance will issue early in the New Year regarding assessment arrangements for school placement in the current school year.

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5

STAFF RETURNING TO WORKING IN THE SCHOOLS..

The DES has released a number of Circulars and Information Notes temporarily advising BoMs on how to treat staff, who may have difficulties in returning to the school building in light of COVID-19 and includes revised leave and substitution arrangements.

5.1 ARRANGEMENTS FOR TEACHERS AND SNAS ON THE REOPENING OF SCHOOLS Circular 49/2020 outlines these arrangements under the following headings: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Introduction Purpose of this Circular Pre-Return to Work Form Special Leave with application procedures for Special Leave with Pay Self-Isolation COVID-19 Diagnosis Restricted Movement other than following Non-Essential Travel Overseas Restricted Movement following Non-Essential Travel Overseas Very High Risk High Risk Group Alternative Working Arrangements Ordinary Sick Leave Employee with caring or childcare responsibilities or living with high risk or very high risk individual Pregnant Employees Employee becomes unwell Employee Assistance Service Data Protection Appendix A: Application for Special Leave with Pay Appendix B: Declaration Form – Restricted Movement Group Appendix C: Declaration Form – Very High Risk Group

5.2 REVISED SUBSTITUTION ARRANGEMENTS FOR 2020/2021 SCHOOL YEAR Information Note 0008/2020 clarifies the revised arrangements for Substitution and EPV days for the 2020/2020 school year under the following headings: 1. Introduction 2. Amendments to the Supervision Scheme 3. Substitute cover for leave which is currently non-substitutable 4. EPV Leave 5. Recording of Leave

5.3 REVISED ARRANGEMENTS IN RESPECT OF RECRUITMENT OF TEACHERS AND SNAS Information Note TTC 0006/2020 on Circular 44/2019 outlines the revised arrangements for the Recruitment of Teachers in the 2020/2021 school year. It deals with two subjects: 1. Reduction in the advertisement period from 14 to 7 days 2. Reduction in notification from 7 to 5 days KEEPING SCHOOLS SAFELY OPEN

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5.4 ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANCILLARY STAFF ON THE REOPENING OF SCHOOLS Circular 54/2020 outlines these arrangements under the following headings: 1. Application – persons to whom the Circular applies 2. Very High Risk Group 3. High Risk Group 4. Alternative Working Arrangements 5. Application for Payment of a Substitute

5.5 CONTINUED USE OF THE RETURN TO WORK FORM (RTW) The RTW form was used by all schools prior to re-opening in September 2020. The RTW form, however, continues to have relevance as a means of ensuring that staff who are returning to school following a COVID-19 related absence, are self-declaring that they are now fit for work

5.6 CONFIRMATION OF RETURN TO WORK FORM DETAILS – JAN’21 IPPN welcomes the statement below from DES in relation to staff returning to school after the Christmas holidays. Many school leaders have been requesting clarity on this issue over the past week. IPPN particularly welcomes the fact that there is minimal workload on school leaders as staff members are asked to text or email the principal, rather than filling out another form.

5.6.1 For the attention of all schools The HSA Work Safely Protocol requires that staff should confirm that the details in their pre-return to work form remain unchanged on school reopening following the Christmas break. The form was originally completed at the beginning of the school year. This can be communicated to the school principal verbally or by text or email. The school should keep note of these confirmations.

All staff should also be aware and take note of current advice in relation to travel. It is important that all non-essential domestic and international travel is avoided. Anyone who travels internationally must restrict their movements for 14 days on arrival into Ireland. Alternatively, travellers may take a PCR test on day 5 after arrival and should continue to restrict their movement until they receive a ‘not detected’ result.

Regards Deirdre Deirdre Shanley Rúnaí Cúnta/ Assistant Secretary An Roinn Oideachais Department of Education

5.7 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0001/2021 – TEMPORARY COVID-19 REGULATION This Information Note contains details of Temporary Changes to the Parental Leave Scheme and Unpaid Leave Scheme and other temporary arrangements for Teachers employed in recognised Primary Schools Click here to download Information Note 0001/2021

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5.8 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0002/2021 – TEMPORARY COVID-19 REGULATION This Information Note contains details of Temporary Changes to the Parental Leave Scheme and Unpaid Leave Scheme and other temporary arrangements for SNAs employed in recognised Primary Schools Click here to download Information Note 0002/2021

5.9 UPDATE ON OLCS RECORDING OF OVER 60S WHO ARE BEING ASSIGNED WORK FROM HOME The following is the query and its reply from the DE in relation to the above: Query: With regard to inputting leave on the OLCS system (from the recent Information Notes)– A teacher in the high risk category who is facilitated to work from home, during this partial re-opening period, 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.

However, the system then asks for MedMark Certification (yes/no). This is according to several principals who have contact me, but over 60s don’t have/need a MedMark certification. What should the principal input?

Reply: This query, which relates to imputing information on OLCS, was brought to the attention of the Department.

I have checked with my colleagues in Payroll who have advised that as it is a short term measure, schools can tick “Yes” to the documentary evidence question and the school user may then save the record and progress.

5.10 UPDATE IN RELATION TO SCHOOL TRANSPORT FOR SPECIAL CLASSES FOR MONDAY 22ND FEB 2021 The DE have asked IPPN to share the following with our members: Colleagues, Further to earlier engagement from management bodies on issues with school transport for special class reopening, there was some confusion in that Bus Eireann do not hold specific records of students in special classes and may have understood that children with special educational needs had special transport arrangements. However, as we know many children in special classes travel on the regular transport service so in order to ensure that these children in special classes have transport for Monday next, School Transport Section have engaged with Bus Eireann and advised the following: For children who attend special classes but who currently avail of mainstream transport on the Department’s School Transport Scheme and for whom transport will be required from the 22nd February, schools are asked to contact their local Bus Éireann office with details of these children. Bus Éireann regional offices are aware that schools may contact them in this regard and are checking their own records in regard to transport arrangement requirements from the 22nd February.

We will issue this message to schools but it would be helpful if you could also share with your network directly.

Kind regards, Martina Martina Mannion Rúnaí Cúnta/Assistant Secretary General __ KEEPING SCHOOLS SAFELY OPEN

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5.11 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0005/2021 – TEMPORARY COVID-19 REGULATION This Information Note contains updated details of Temporary Changes to the Parental Leave Scheme and Unpaid Leave Scheme and other temporary arrangements for Teachers employed in recognised Primary Schools Click here to download Information Note 0005/2021

5.12 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0006/2021 – TEMPORARY COVID-19 REGULATION This Information Note contains updated details of Temporary Changes to the Parental Leave Scheme and Unpaid Leave Scheme and other temporary arrangements for SNAs employed in recognised Primary Schools Click here to download Information Note 0006/2021

5.13 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0010/2021 – TEMPORARY COVID-19 TEACHERS

REGULATION RE

This Information Note is entitled: COVID-19: Full Re-Opening of Primary Schools Arrangements for Teachers employed in recognised Primary Schools and updates schools on the following arrangements in relation to teachers:  Teachers at ‘High Risk’ and ‘Very High Risk’ of COVID-19  Pregnant Teachers at higher risk of COVID-19  Employee Assistance Service Click here to download Information Note 0010/2021

5.14 INFORMATION NOTE TC 0011/2021 – TEMPORARY COVID-19 REGULATION RE SNAS This Information Note is entitled: COVID-19: Full Re-Opening of Primary Schools Arrangements for SNAs employed in recognised Primary Schools and updates schools on the following arrangements in relation to teachers:  SNAs at ‘High Risk’ and ‘Very High Risk’ of COVID-19  Pregnant SNAs at higher risk of COVID-19  Employee Assistance Service Click here to download Information Note 0011/2021

5.15 GUIDANCE NOTE

ON SCHOOL PLACEMENT FOR THE 2020/2021 SCHOOL YEAR This guidance has been issued by the Teaching Council and updated in this version. It outlines the considerations and guidance in relation to all school placements in the current COVID-19 crisis Click here to download the Teaching Council Guidelines

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5.16 WORKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR VERY HIGH RISK AND PREGNANT TEACHERS AND SNAS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR The DE have issued TC 0013/2021 in relation to the working arrangements for Very High Risk and Pregnant Teachers and SNAs for the remainder of the school year. In essence, it states that they should continue to work from home. The circular outlines alternative work which might be done by Teachers and SNAs while working from home. It also clarifies details of OHS Risk Categorisation Assessments for the 2021/22 school year Click here to download TC 0013/2021

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6

PUPILS RETURNING, OR NOT, TO SCHOOL

6.1 CHILDREN WHO DO NOT RETURN TO SCHOOL Some children will not return to school because they are in the Very High Risk category. Once this is certified by a doctor, these children must be marked present on the roll and supported by distance learning via online platform, as was the case prior to the summer holidays.

Children who do not return to school due to COVID-19 related anxieties, will be marked absent and the school has no obligation to support their learning via online platform, as was the case prior to the summer holidays.

The above situations and the procedures to deal with them are detailed in the DES publication “Continuity of schooling: Supporting primary pupils who are at very high risk to COVID-19”

6.2 WHEN SHOULD CHILDREN NOT COME TO SCHOOL The HSE has published guidelines for parents in the form of a poster on when to seek advice from a GP and when it is all right to send a child to school. It would be advised that this poster be forwarded to all parents / guardians Cliceáil anseo chun an tEolas ón FSS do Thuismitheorií Click here to download the HSE Information for Parents The Government has also published advice in the form of FAQs for parents around all aspects of returning to school for their children. This website could also be circulated to parents and might help alleviate any forms of COVID-19 anxieties among parents and children in relation to school. The web page is at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/389bd-topics-being-raised-on-the-back-to-school-helpline/

6.3 ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE NOT RETURNED TO SCHOOL Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) has committed to supporting schools and families in the return to school and are available to assist where pupils, who are not in the category of Very High Risk, have not yet returned to the classroom.

The TESS consists of 3 distinct, interlinked strands  HSCL – Home School Community Liaison Service  SCP – School Completion Programme  EWS – Education Welfare Service Details of their services to schools can be found in a letter from Noel Kelly, director of TESS, to all school leaders on 2nd September 2020 Cliceáil anseo chun íoslódáil Click here to download

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6.4 PUPIL DECLARATION FORM The HSE has issued a Return to Education Facility Parental Declaration Form to be used when a child returns to school after any absence Click here to download Return to Education Facility Parental Declaration Form

6.5 TEXTAPARENT.IE FACILITY FOR HSE RETURN TO EDUCATION FORM IPPN has arranged, through its TextaParent.ie app for the automatic return of the HSE Return to Education Form to schools. The details are as follows: HSE Return to Education Facility Parental Declaration The latest enhancement to TextaParent.ie facilitates the online completion of the HSE Return to Education Facility Parental Declaration Form which is to be completed when a pupil (s) return to school after any absence.

How do I access the form?

A link to your parental declaration form can be accessed on the homepage of your TextaParent.ie account – Add Return to school URL… This link is individual to each school’s TextaParent.ie account.

How do I send the form to parents/guardian?

On your send message page, a new feature button is added – Add Return to school URL. This will add the link to the form into your text message to send to parents. The parent can open the form on their phone, fill in the details and submit the declaration.

Click here to view more

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7

DEALING WITH A SUSPECTED CASE OF COVID-19

The procedures for isolating a person who is suspected of having the COVID19 virus and removing them from the school in a timely fashion have been outlined in the Covid Response Plan and other documents to date. There has been confusion in relation to the steps to be taken once a parent/guardian of a child who is in isolation leaves the school building. For the avoidance of doubt, the following letters and guidelines have been issued.

7.1 LITIR DO PHRÍOMHOIDÍ 27LÚNASA Litir do phríomhoidí 27Lúnasa Cliceáil anseo chun íoslódáil

7.2 LETTER TO PRINCIPALS 27TH AUGUST Letter to principals 27th August Click here to download

7.3 SCHOOLS’ PATHWAY FOR COVID-19 – THE PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH Schools’ Pathway for COVID-19 – the Public Health Approach Click here to download

7.4 QUICK ISOLATION GUIDE The HPSC has produced a useful wall chart in relation to Isolation measures to be taken when a child (person < 13) displays symptoms of COVID-19 Click here to download

7.5 WHEN ARE PARENTS ASKED TO REMOVE THE SIBLINGS OF A SUSPECTED CASE OF COVID-19 Both the HPSC, in their publication of 24th August “Schools Pathway for Covid-19: The Public Health Approach” and Deirdre Shanley, Assistant Secretary DES, in her letter to all Principals on 27th August, clearly stated that siblings of a suspected case of Covid-19 be removed from the school if and when the GP decides to send the person with symptoms for a Covid Test.

Click here to download HPSC advice Click here to download DES advice

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Responsible Principal

Parents

Staff Member

GP

Parents

Principal

HSE

Principal

Trigger for action

Actions

 Move the child or adult to the isolation room/area  In the case of a child - contact the parents / guardians and inform them that their child has been isolated as a suspected case of COVID-19  Ask them to come to the school and to take the child home  When the parents / guardians come to the school, advise them to contact their GP by phone and to seek advice.

Remind them that this call is free  In the case of an adult, arrange for them to safely go home and advise them to contact their GP  Follow up with a phone call later that day to see how the child is and if a test was recommended NOTE – parents not obliged to report any medical information to the Principal Child Isolated  Collect the child from the school  Ring the GP, describe the symptoms and seek advice  Take the child for a COVID test, if so advised  Keep the child at home for the period advised by the GP Has COVID symptoms  Ring the GP, describe the symptoms and seek advice  Follow that advice and take a COVID test, if so advised  Clarify with the GP how long you are to remain out of school  Inform the Principal and refer to Circular 49/2020 if seeking Special Leave Adult or parent rings to  Decide on whether or not a COVID test is warranted describe possible COVID  Advise the adult or parents as to how long the adult/child is symptoms to remain out of school Child advised to go for a  Inform school COVID test by GP  Remove any siblings or other household contacts from the school On learning that the  Ensure that any other household contacts are removed from child has been sent for the school setting a COVID test GP requests a COVID  Arrange for the test to be carried out test  Inform the patient of the result  Contact the school in the case of a positive test in relation to further action  Contact staff members and parents as required in line with action to be taken HSE request for Names  Provide the information required by HSE to facilitate their and Addresses Contact Tracing and other necessary communications Suspected case of COVID-19 in the school

Click here to download the chart

7.6 SCHOOLS COMMUNITY TESTING PATHWAY – FAQS FOR SCHOOL LEADERS This resource has been released on 24th September 2020 by the DES and answers many queries school leaders may have in relation to the testing process for persons suspected of having COVID-19 symptoms Click here to download the FAQs

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7.7 COVER LETTER FROM DES RE FAQS This Cover Letter contains important guidance on the use of the FAQs and the completion of the Excel Spreadsheet for HSE use by schools Click here to download the Cover Letter

7.8 EXCEL SPREADSHEET FOR HSE CONTACT INFORMATION This spreadsheet is to be completed by schools and to be ready for use in the event of a positive case of COVID-19 in the school where the Public Health Medical Officer needs to contact staff or parents as required Click here to download the Data and Referral Template

7.9 UPDATE TO EXCEL SPREADSHEET FOR HSE CONTACT INFORMATION For schools using the Aladdin School Management Package, a custom report has been added to the software which will automatically produce the information required to populate the HSE Spreadsheet

7.10 DATA MANAGEMENT REPORT There are presently a number of Data Management companies which supply schools with their bespoke Data Management Software Packages for Primary Schools. One of these companies has released a new report which automatically produces the data required to populate the HSE Contact Information spreadsheet.

7.11 PUBLIC HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT – SCÉAL ÓN TÚSLÍNE The following account is from a school leader who was involved in a Risk Assessment by Public Health personnel following a positive case in the school. The account is thorough and may provide useful advice for other school leaders. It has been taken from IPPN Networking: Having done two HSE risk assessments in the past week with very helpful HSE nurses and doctors over the phone, I thought it might be useful to offer the following information to the Network by way of help.

This information should save time if or when a principal receives a call from the HSE - knowing in advance, some of what might be asked ... In any sort of large school, the principal may not have all of the answers to hand, so the assessment may have to be conducted in consultation with the staff involved.

If staff are briefed in advance of what may be asked and have some answers ready, it will make life much simpler for the principal and in turn for the HSE staff who are doing their best to stop the spread of the virus.

In a memo today to staff, I asked them to keep specific daily records because in the event of a risk assessment in their classes they may be asked some of the following: On XXXday of last week, the XXth of the month, can you check Aladdin and see if pupil X was in school?

Can you provide specific information such as a corrected copy from that day to verify that Aladdin was marked correctly and that pupil X was actually here? Was he well or otherwise? Anything to report?

Home early? Here all day on that specific day?

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Where did he sit on XXXday? Who sat near him? SNA in close proximity??? What did you do that day in class? Anything that involved mixing the pods?

Does X attend LS/RT? Which teacher(s)? For how long? With which other pupils on that day specifically - excluding those boys that were absent on that day - Check Aladdin? In-class support or withdrawal or both? With pupils from another class? Which pupils, which class, how long, socially distanced? Who does X play with on the yard? Do they socially distance? Did they on that day?

Do you wear PPE in class? What sort? Hand sanitising? How often and when? Is there anything else to report about close contacts? A visitor to the room? Anybody who would have met pupil X? For how long? Doing what? Something like PE on that day? What activity? Anything else that could involve social distancing on that day and possible transmission?

If we build a wall around pupil X with everyone in close contact inside of the wall with pupil X, who do we include inside the wall? Which pupils and which staff? Why? Who is outside of the wall? Why? The class teacher? Circulating around the room? Teaching from the top with PPE? How close is the contact with pupil X and the pod? Similarly, the SNA? and the LS/RTs? Most of these questions were asked in our school. Some are inferred but they would have been asked presumably had circumstances been slightly different. Of course, there are probably other questions depending on various circumstances - infants/juniors/seniors etc...

When the nurse takes all of these details (and possibly others, depending on the case) she reads the report back to the principal and refers it then to the team of doctors.

The dates of possible infection and transmission on the HSE files are very important too. The HSE will have these dates exactly. If they coincide with attendance at school, the outcome is much different than if the pupil had been kept at home.

The HSE will most likely contact the principal again, and possibly more than once, for further clarification and then with a final report on what to do.

This can be discussed and questioned by the school. The HSE will offer a full explanation of their decisions. The doctor, as well as the nurse, is available to speak to the principal.

Both of our assessments were handled very competently. It took up to 5-6 hrs work on my part for each one ... to get answers to the various questions, to communicate with the HSE, fill templates and assure staff involved that we are in good hands. Maybe, being forewarned about what is required will hopefully shorten the time involved in doing the assessment for other principals. I hope it will.

7.12 UPDATED FAQS FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS OR DESIGNATED CONTACT PERSON This is a collaborative document between HSE and DE which provides updated information (23rd March 2021) on contacting the HSE or DE in the event of a query or potential case of COVID-19 in a school and updated FAQs on:    

Close Contact Testing Singing Travel Data

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    

Pregnancy Detected Result Confirmation If Pupils / Staff develop symptoms If Pupil / Staff is identified as a Close Contact Close Contact Information Click here to download the FAQs

7.13 HSE MEMO TO ALL PRINCIPALS 23RD MAR 2021 This memo is from Drs Abby Collins and Kevin Kelleher of the HSE Public Health Section dealing with schools and reinforces the messages in 7.12 above Click here to download the memo

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8

WELLBEING OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

8.1 HALLOWEEN 2020 IPPN strongly recommends that all school leaders consider carefully how they can take a well-deserved break during the 9 day Halloween period i.e. from Friday evening (23Oct) until Monday morning (02Nov). Please aim to take the maximum possible number of school-free days during that period. Do not pass by this oasis of rest and wellbeing for yourself and your staff. Please include planning for a break in your work over the next two weeks.

There were rumours last week that schools would be closed for a second week during the Halloween break. These have now been firmly scotched by the DES. Schools will re-open on Monday 3rd November following the Mid-Term Break.

8.2 SUPPORTING THE WELLBEING OF SCHOOL COMMUNITIES AS SCHOOLS REOPEN: GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS The document outlines how schools can support the wellbeing of school communities through fostering resilience by promoting:  A Sense of Safety  A Sense of Calm  A Sense of Belonging and Connectedness  A Sense of Self- efficacy and Community-efficacy  A Sense of Hopefulness It further outlines a Continuum of Support for Transition.

In terms of supporting School Staff, the Guidelines remind school leaders of the supports available to staff, who may have difficulty or anxieties related to transitioning back to school. These include    

PDST – Professional Development Support for Teachers CSL – Centre for School Leadership OHS – Occupational Health Service (Medmark) EAS – Employee Assistance Service, supported by Spectrum

The Guidelines also contain a very useful list of resources for schools in this respect Click here to download

8.3 BRIEFING NOTE ON SUPPORTING THE WELLBEING OF SCHOOLS This Briefing Note is in the form of a letter to schools from Anne Tansey, Director of NEPS in which she reiterates and summarises what is contained in the Guidelines Click here to download

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8.4 SPRING BACK SPRING 2021

TO

SCHOOL: SUPPORTING

THE

WELLBEING

OF

SCHOOL COMMUNITIES,

This document is further advice and guidance for school communities responding to the effects of school closures and home learning on children: “The effects of this range of experiences will need to be considered as we plan for a successful return to learning and school life for all. It may be helpful to see the return as the restart of a journey, taking stock of where we are and our next steps towards our destination, rather than focusing on what we might have lost or on the length of the journey. While the period of school closure certainly means that many of our children and young people are out of practice in some areas, it is really important to remember that they have not lost all of their previously learned skills and knowledge. Once they are back in the familiar environment of school, for most, these skills will come back as they re-engage with learning and move forward. Some, of course, will need more support to get going again, in line with the school’s continuum of support. This guidance is intended to be adapted by school communities to plan for supporting wellbeing on this journey” Click here to download

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9

REMOTE LEARNING

Despite the best efforts of all stakeholders, there will be situations where individual pupils or groups of pupils, teachers, or possibly entire school communities, are requested by Public Health HSE to selfisolate or restrict their movements because of a case or cases of COVID-19. It should be noted that decisions around advising pupils, teachers or other school staff to restrict their movements for COVID19 related reasons are made solely by Public Health HSE. It would therefore seem prudent for all school leaders to make preparations for that eventuality.

Essentially that means being ready to move to remote teaching and learning, particularly for individual pupils, pods or even bubbles. While it is the policy of the government to keep schools open, circumstances may arise where NPHET may recommend the closure of one or a number of schools

9.1 REMOTE LEARNING POLICY Having a Remote Learning Policy in place, which has been compiled in consultation with staff and parents and ratified by the BoM is the first step in preparing for Remote Learning. A School Policy avoids any misinterpretation by members of the school community of what is meant by Remote Learning in your school, what school and home are required to do in relation to Remote Learning and how it is to be achieved.

IPPN has a sample Remote Learning Policy which has the following headings: Introduction 1. Context 2. Guidelines for good online communication in our school 3. Media which the school will use 4. Rules for pupils using online communication 5. Guidelines of parents and guardians 6. Remote Teaching and Learning Protocols for Pupils 7. Remote Teaching and Learning Protocols for Parents 8. Remote Teaching and Learning Protocols for Teachers / SNAs 9. Remote Teaching and Learning Provision for certain COVID-19 related scenarios a. Pupils in the Very High Risk Categories b. Other Scenarios i. Pupils awaiting COVID test results ii. Pupils isolating on instructions from GP iii. Pod isolating on instructions from HSE iv. Bubble isolating on instructions from HSE v. Whole school closed on instructions from HSE Click here to download IPPN Sample Policy

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9.2 IDENTIFICATION OF TECHNOLOGIES The school will need to identify on-line suitable technologies for use in enabling:  Communication with and between staff  Communication between Teachers / SNAs and pupils  Communication between school and home  Remote teaching and learning platform(s) Schools should, as far as possible, continue to use the technologies with which their communities are familiar. Introducing new platforms should be carefully considered and only used when staff, parents and pupils have received adequate induction. Staff, in particular, will need to be very conversant with the technology before using it to teach pupils.

9.3 STAFF PREPARATION Staff should be fully consulted in relation to the Remote Learning Policy. They will need to be given training and support in all aspects of the technology to be used in the event of a remote learning scenario. Above all, staff who have anxieties around the technologies or methodologies involved will require support from their school leaders and colleagues.

It is important identify the skill sets of staff members and to develop those skills where necessary. There are a range of PDST courses available for this purpose available at www.pdst.ie/blendedlearning In many schools there are teachers who are very competent in the use of the technologies required and who would be happy to assist their colleagues through the provision of school organised on-line CPD conducted during Croke Park hours SET and other support teachers should clarify with school leaders and the mainstream teachers of the children they support the nature of the remote assistance they will provide to class groups or to individual children

9.4 PARENTAL PREPARATION A survey of parents to ascertain will reveal the availability of IT connectivity, devices and software to engage with the platforms to be used by the school. Parents / guardians should also be encouraged to upskill themselves as required to be in a position to support their children’s education from home.

A short survey of parents is warranted to establish:  If the family have access to the internet  If the family can provide a device to their children for remote learning  If the family have read the school’s Remote Learning Policy and if they are aware of their responsibilities under that policy Alternative methods of engagement and support may have to be found for those families who cannot support on-line learning from home e.g. mobile phones, post etc.

Some of the platforms the school proposes to use may require parental permission e.g. Seesaw, Zoom etc.

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9.5 REQUIRED PROVISION The school is required by the DES to provide for the following aspects of teaching and learning remotely: 9.5.1 Regular engagement with pupils Class teachers and SETs will be required to engage with their pupils on a daily basis, using the school’s agreed communication methods 9.5.2 Blended learning Teachers are required to provide a blend of guided and independent learning experiencesfor their pupils 9.5.3 Appropriate learning opportunities Teachers are required to choose appropriate and engaging learning tasks and opportunities for pupils while learning from home 9.5.3.1 Learning Tasks These should allow children demonstrate their learning clearly, taking account of the home environment 9.5.3.2 Skills development Teachers should be conscious of developing self-management and organisational skills in their pupils while learning from home 9.5.3.3 Transitions Schools need to continue to support pupils who were transitioning back to school through suitable activities at home to ensure that progress made is not lost 9.5.3.4 Infant Classes Teachers will need to engage with parents to direct them in using a range of materials to develop early literacy and numeracy skills. Opportunities should be provided to allow pupils share their creative talents and other work with their teachers and with peers

9.5.4 Two-way Feedback between home and school The school needs to provide for the assignment of learning tasks, the return and correction of those tasks and the sharing of feedback by the teachers on that work. This will benefit pupils as follows:  Provide ongoing motivation  Provide customised learning opportunities  Enhance pupil wellbeing

9.6 DES DOCUMENT ON REMOTE LEARNING The DES document recently issued on Remote Learning is available here: Click here to download DES Guidance on Remote Learning in a COVID-19 context

9.7 CIRCULAR 74/2020 – REQUIREMENT TO HAVE AN ICT PLATFORM Due to the COVID-19 emergency, this Circular requires all schools have in place a communication and learning platform that supports schools to respond in the event of a partial or full school closure in the future. Ideally communication and learning should be consolidated within one platform. However, if schools are of the view that additional software is required to meet their needs they are free to employ such software.

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The Circular is well written and includes two useful appendices. It contents can be summarised as follows: 9.7.1 Purpose of the Circular is to put in place an ICT infrastructure at school level to facilitate  communication with and between staff, with parents, and board of management meetings ….  communication and engagement between teachers and pupils/students (including classroom work assignment and returns, feedback and assessment)  remote learning in the event of a partial or full school closure. The platform should facilitate some use of live or recorded video lessons where practicable Background to the Circular is that, due to the Public Health Emergency, schools need to be in a position to support remote learning at short notice. Many schools have already put systems in place while others have not yet finalised their choice of platform and its embedding in the school community 9.7.2 Support for the process of implementing the circular is available through the online conferencing section of the PSDT website section on online learning and applications for support can be made through www.pdst.ie/schoolsupport 9.7.3 Funding has already been distributed by the DES through the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 – 2020 Enhancing Teaching Learning and Assessment and is governed by the Circulars 31/2020 Grant Scheme for ICT Infrastructure 2019/2020 School Year and 32/2020 Grant Scheme for ICT Infrastructure 2019/2020 School Year – details of issue 9.7.4

Relevant Policies to consider for review in the context of Remote Learning preparation



Acceptable Usage Policy – details acceptable use of Internet enabled devices, mobile phones and related devices in the school. This policy must be agreed and signed by pupils/students and their parents/guardians. Advice available on Webwise at https://www.webwise.ie/category/teachers/acceptable-use-policy/



Anti-Bullying policy to include reference to cyberbullying - more information available at www.tacklebullying.ie



Data Protection Policy to include reference to the use of images and social media. www.dataprotectionschools.ie is an information resource for schools to support the ongoing development of data protection policies



Child Protection policies should be reviewed and, if necessary, updated to take account of teaching and learning in a remote learning environment



Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) which allows pupils/students to bring their own devices, especially tablets and other suitable personal devices, into classrooms to support improving pupil/student learning outcomes. Many BYOD-suitable devices can support a more pupil/student-centred, active learning approach and can enable pupils/students to engage in more self-directed learning

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Wellbeing, to ensure the area of safe and ethical use of the internet is addressed in the context of the whole-school approach to wellbeing. Further advice relating to internet safety is available on Webwise an internet safety initiative focused on raising awareness of online safety issues and good practice among pupils/students, parents and teachers. It is funded by the Department of Education and the EU Safer Internet Programme and managed by the PDST (Technology in Education). A range of support, guidance and education resources for schools, teachers, parents and pupils/students is available from Webwise. NEPS has developed a range of resources on wellbeing available here with further NEPS resources relating to Reopening Schools available here.

9.8 EFFECTIVE APPROACHES TO SUPPORTING REMOTE LEARNING This section urges schools to look at the advice already issued by the DES and included in this Live Resource Bundle above. Additional resources are available at www.pdst.ie/blendedlearning Appendix 1 gives further guidance on supporting Remote Learning Appendix 2 contains numerous links to Resources and Supports

9.9 PARENT TEACHER MEETINGS IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19 The DES has issued a wallchart outlining the possible options for conducting P/T meetings in the context of COVID-19. The suggested options are:  Video-conferencing facilities can be used in place of face-to-face meetings, where available.  Parent-teacher meetings can be conducted by phone if video-conferencing facilities are not suitable  A written report in addition to the end-of-year report could be provided mid-year, with a followup call offered.

The DES does not specify when during the year P/T meetings take place. Many schools, who would traditionally have held P/T meetings in November, are postponing them until Term 2.

Cliceáil anseo chun leagan Gaeilge den cairt a íoslódáil Click here to download the chart

9.10 UPDATED GUIDANCE ON REMOTE LEARNING: DISADVANTAGED PUPILS The DES has issued an updated guidance document for schools in relation to supporting pupils at risk of educational disadvantage. This guidance was issued on Friday evening, 8th January 2021.

Click here to download guidance

9.11 UPDATED GUIDANCE ON REMOTE LEARNING: SEN PUPILS The DES has issued an updated guidance document for schools in relation to supporting pupils with SEN for mainstream and special schools. This guidance was issued on Friday evening, 8th January 2021.

Click here to download guidance

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9.12 SAMPLE DISTANCE LEARNING PLAN JANUARY 2021 The following Distance Learning Plan was submitted by a school leader as an example for sharing with colleagues who may find it useful: Distance Learning Plan-January 2020- DRAFT Principles  Distance learning is a short-term, emergency measure, and it cannot replace face to face teaching and learning.  Our main priority is to connect with pupils, to support their well-being and learning at home for this period of time.  We acknowledge different pupil learning needs, including the limitations of distance learning for supporting pupils with special education needs.  We acknowledge different home contexts, including the number of and demand on devices in the current context.  We communicate consistently with parents via Aladdin Connect, and we encourage regular pupil engagement via Google Classroom and Zoom.  We use a whole school approach to our distance learning plan and procedures, reviewed regularly, and building on what is working well for our school community (pupils, parents and staff).

Supporting Learning at Home  Each evening, the class teacher will post 2/3 daily tasks (in order of priority) for pupils on the Homework section of Aladdin Connect for the following day.  Pupils complete and submit work via Google Classroom. Feedback is provided directly to the pupil by the teacher on work submitted in a timely manner.  Zoom will be used to connect with pupils on a regular basis. As a safety measure, Zoom calls will always be hosted by two adults i.e. the class teacher and SNA/Support Teacher.  Phone call support will be provided to pupils by Support Teachers and SNAs, where relevant.

Working Together  It is expected that pupil behaviour on Zoom assemblies and pupil engagement with the teacher on Google Classroom is in the same respectful manner as it would be in school.  Teachers will communicate with individual parents via Aladdin Connect or by phone, where necessary.

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10 DES AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO SCHOOL LEADERS

10.1 LETTER FROM DES 9TH OCTOBER 2020 In a letter to the Primary Partners, issued on 9th October 2020, Deirdre Shanley, Assistant Secretary of the DES, outlines the key points from a NPHET consideration of the first month of school in terms of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The report is reassuring and confirms that schools are safe places and that the spread of the virus as a result of the re-opening of schools has been minimal. This has been due to the preparations and vigilance of school leaders and staff.

Click here to download DES Letter 9th October

10.2 DES ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL PPE PRODUCTS RECALL Following the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine instruction to cease the use of all ViraPro products on Friday 23 October, the Department of Education immediately commenced a review of biocidal products included in the Education Sector PPE procurement agreement.

The Department is taking 43 biocidal and 9 other products off the approved list for schools because it has not been possible to satisfactorily confirm their registration status as part of the review. These products will not be included in our approved list for schools until their registration status has been confirmed. The Department has no evidence that these products are unsafe.

Click here for the full list of products affected Any school that is using products listed on the list should now discontinue the use of these products and should store them securely pending contact from the supplier to arrange for their collection.

10.2.1 What to do next If your school has stocks of the products on the “removed” list, whether purchased through the agreement or purchased locally, please discontinue using them and store them safely pending collection by the supplier.

Schools impacted will be provided with funding to source new supplies. The Department of Education has issued an updated excel file which contains all the approved products on the agreement effective today with all relevant pricing information.

Click here to view Approved Product List 29 October 2020 The Department has sourced additional products from approved suppliers to ensure sufficient supply.

Schools seeking new product to replace stock, should contact any of the suppliers on the approved product list directly to process orders. The Department is putting in place supports in conjunction with the suppliers to provide stock to schools in time for the week of Monday 2 November.

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10.2.2 DES Covid-19 Helpline: Schools that have engaged with suppliers, but continue to have difficulty in sourcing an alternative supply can contact the Department’s Covid-19 helpline or email address. The Schools Covid-19 helpline on 057 9324461 will be open until 8.30pm on Thursday and from 8am on Friday until 8pm and from 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. The email address is covid19_alert@education.gov.ie.

Emails will be monitored and replied to over the weekend also.

10.2.3 Aide Funding: Any school that is impacted by this will be provided with funding for an Aide for two days to assist with dealing with these issues. The funding for the aide and additional funding for schools impacted will issue as soon as possible. The daily rate payable is €143.32. Schools can decide themselves who they wish to employ to help with this work.

10.2.4 IPPN Contact information: IPPN’s Leadership Support Team are available today by contacting the IPPN Support Office on 021 482 40 70 or emailing advice@ippn.ie Covid-19 Out of Hours service: Should your school community be effected by a Covid-19 case before the return to school IPPN’s Covid-19 helpline is available to you to provide support. This helpline is to support those who have already sought support from the HSE and have not been able to get through, and/or who still are unsure how to proceed having contacted the HSE. To contact the helpline please email covid@ippn,ie and a member of the Leadership Support Team will respond to your email as soon as possible.

10.3 DES/HSE WEBINAR The following invitation has been issued by the DES to all school leaders: All school leaders at primary and post-primary level are invited to view a live webinar with a HSE Public Health doctor and an Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education on Tuesday 1 December at 7pm.

Schools are sustaining their operations in a Covid-19 context and the rate of Covid-19 among school communities has been consistently lower than among the general population. This is a testament to the measures are being carried out on a daily basis by the whole school community. National data on Covid19 within the schools setting for the first half-term are reassuring.

At this point in the term, many schools have dealt with their first experience of a positive Covid-19 test among the school community. In the first half term, 18 per cent of schools had dealings with public health at a local level.

This webinar provides an opportunity to hear from public health doctors supporting schools on a daily basis on the learnings to date, the enhanced systems in place to support schools and to answer some of the questions that arise most often for school leaders.

The agenda will cover:  Principles of the public health approach  Public health risk assessment in schools  The enhanced schools teams  Close contacts, testing and tracing  Communications with parents and the school community

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There will be an opportunity to submit questions online, and a thematic range of questions will be answered by the panel. The webinar will also be recorded and available to watch after the event on gov.ie/schools.

Click here to register for the webinar

10.4 LETTER TO PRINCIPALS RE PAUSING LIMITED RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS The DES has issued a letter to all school principals outlining the pause in limited re-opening of schools for special classes and special schools. The letter also outlines the DES advice and supports for remote learning in schools. It contains the following headings:      

Remote Learning Provision Arrangements for Special Schools and Special Classes Supports for Pupils / Students and Schools Wellbeing Maintenance and Construction Certain Employee Matters Cliceáil anseo chun leagan Gaeilge den cairt a íoslódáil Click here to download the chart

10.5 DES LETTER RE SUBSTITUTION DURING SCHOOL CLOSURE – 8TH JANUARY 2021 The following letter was issued by Deirdre Shanley, Assistant Secretary, DES on Friday evening, 8 th January 2021.

Good evening, Further to the letter to school Principals which issued earlier today, we would like to update you on some additional items following queries raised with the Department.

As set out in the letter, the arrangements previously outlined to the Education Partners for certain employee matters such as recruitment, supervision and leave during the previous school closure and remote learning in 2020 will also generally apply during the period of remote learning beginning January 11th.

However please note the following: 

Where certain employees were recorded as absent from the workplace due to (i) restricted movement or (ii) deemed very high risk, managerial authorities could appoint a substitute to replace these employees in the classroom. However, as these categories of employees remain available to work from home, where medically fit, substitutes will not be required during the period of remote learning. Substitutes who have already entered into a contract with the managerial authorities will continue to be paid by the Department/ETB during this period of remote learning. However, further substitutes cannot be employed to cover for employees who, during this period of remote learning, are required to restrict their movements or are identified by the OHS as very high risk.

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

During the period of remote learning, substitution will continue to be paid by the Department/ETB for employees who are granted special leave with pay due to self-isolation or Covid-19 diagnosis.



There should be no requirement for additional supervision for the next few weeks and as a result no such additional supervision payments should be made, unless there is a contractual obligation to do so.



In respect of staff employed by Boards of Management using grant funding the payment of grant funding to schools will continue as normal.



Any request for cancellation of leave already approved by the management authority should only be considered in exceptional circumstances in accordance with the terms of the individual leave scheme and where a substitute replacement has not been contracted to cover the leave absence.

Please feel free to pass on these points to schools so as to assist in the coming period.

Deirdre Shanley Rúnaí Cúnta/ Assistant Secretary

10.6 LETTER TO SCHOOLS RE SCHOOL MEALS 8TH JAN 2021 The Dept of Social Protection (DSP) sent the following letter to all schools providing school meals on Friday evening last: For the attention of School Principals, School Management Bodies and Managers regarding the School Meals Programme.

Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, confirmed on Wednesday that funding for the School Meals Programme will remain in place during the current period of school closures.

This mirrors the arrangements that were in place during the school closures in 2020, when the majority of schools in the School Meals Programme continued to provide food to children, largely through the home delivery of food parcels by suppliers.

The Department appreciates the huge contribution and work by schools and organisations in managing the school meals programme during these challenging times. The arrangements will not change from when schools/organisations closed previously: namely that the schools/organisations may continue to avail of the funding and they may continue to provide food consistent with normal funding terms and conditions. Schools/organisations must ensure that they continue to satisfy all public health guidelines.

Schools/Organisations should examine if the delivery model in place following education setting closures in 2020 can be resumed. Appreciating the changing times, each school/organisation has the autonomy to arrange a delivery model that best suits their school/organisation and their children. In this regard, how the food packs are provided to the children and how often the packs are provided can be decided by the school/organisation.

The second instalment of school meals funding will be issued on the 08/01/2021 and there is no extra funding available to that already allocated to the individual schools and organisations. Funding is allocated per meal, per child, per day and food parcels can be prepared up to this amount.

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Each local authority is coordinating Community Support Network Programmes to assist with volunteer efforts. School principals may contact the Community Call forum if they wish to enlist support through the local community & voluntary groups to assist. Contact details: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1f06f7-covid-19-community-call-local-authority-helpline-numbersand-email-a/ Staff in Local Development Companies can also assist schools in linking to services locally as required. The full list of all Local Development Companies across the country, with contact details can be found at https://ildn.ie/directory/ If you require any clarification on this please email school.meals@welfare.ie or telephone 071 9138625.

10.7 E-MAIL TO SCHOOLS WHOSE SCHOOL MEALS WERE DELIVERED BY AN POST The following e-mail was sent by the DSP to those schools who availed of pre-booking meal delivery with An Post: Email from social inclusion to schools who availed of pre-booking system with an post A Chara, As you know the Department of Social Protection has issued communication to schools that the school meals programme is continuing should schools wish to avail of it.

I am contacting you as your school was one of the schools that used the An Post pre-booking system managed by the Department during the school closure in 2020. An Post facilitated the delivery of over 17,000 packages during school closures but due to service demand are not in a position to continue to offer a complimentary service at this time. (Post can still be used but that would have to be done independently at individual school level and would incur a charge to the school at the post office; alternatively your supplier may have a direct arrangement in place).

If your school opts to continue with the provision of the School Meals Programme to the students who are deemed to be most in need of this support during the current school closure and you wish to source alternative no cost options, the following information may be useful.

Each local authority is coordinating Community Support Network Programmes to assist with volunteer efforts. School principals may contact the Community Call forum if they wish to enlist support through the local community & voluntary groups to assist. Contact details: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1f06f7-covid-19-community-call-local-authority-helpline-numbersand-email-a/ Staff in Local Development Companies can also assist schools in linking to services locally as required. The full list of all Local Development Companies across the country, with contact details can be found at https://ildn.ie/directory/

10.8 LETTER TO PRINCIPALS RE PARTIAL RE-OPENING FEB21 This letter outlines the Framework of interim arrangements in relation to the partial re-opening of schools in accordance with the DE / Unions agreement Click here to download Letter

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10.9 APPENDIX I OF FRAMEWORK – FRAMEWORK PLAN This Appendix outlines the details of the Plan for the partial return to school for Special Schools and Special Classes in Mainstream Schools.

Click here to download Appendix I

10.10 APPENDIX II OF FRAMEWORK – HSPC GUIDANCE ON RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS This Appendix outlines the HPSC Guidance for re-opening of schools. It contains sections on: 1. General Management of COVID-19 in Schools 2. Additional Measures for Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs 3. Specific Advice relating to the work of SNAs in close contact settings and mitigation measures to be observed in those settings 4. Practical Measures for Harm Reduction Related to COVID-19 when addressing Additional Care Needs in the educational Setting o The role of the Special Needs Assistant and Associated Risks of COVID-19 o Transmission o Survival of the Virus in the Environment o Duration of Infectivity 5. Practical Measures for Harm Reduction Related to COVID-19 when addressing Additional Care Needs in the educational Setting o Reducing the risk of introduction of COVID-19 into the Educational Setting o Reducing the risk of spread of COVID-19 in the Educational Setting o Reducing Mixing Between Groups o Promoting Key-Behaviours that Reduces risk of Person to Person Spread o PPE o Environment and cleaning o Isolation for people who develop symptoms or signs in the educational setting o Reducing the Impact of COVID-19 Infection 6. Links to the detailed documentation including School COVID-19 Response Plans and advice from Public Health (HPSC) Click here to download Appendix II

10.11 APPENDIX III OF FRAMEWORK – CHANGES TO COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN This Appendix outlines the changes to the COVID-19 Response Plan which was adopted by all BoMs as their COVID-19 Policy in 2020. BoMs are now advised to revise this policy by adopting this Version 3 of the COVID-19 Response Plan.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Sec 4.2 Procedure for Returning to Work (RTW) & Appendix 6 Checklist for School Management Sec 5 Infection Prevention Control Measures in schools Sec 5.3 Hand Hygiene Sec 5.4 Physical Distancing Sec 8 Dealing with a Suspected Case of COVID-19 Sec 10 Staff Duties Sec 12 Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme

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8. Updates / Additions to: o the RTW Form o Additions to the Checklist for Management o Hand / respiratory Hygiene o Physical Distancing o Checklist for dealing with a Suspected Case of COVID-19 o Checklist for Cleaning Click here to download Appendix III

10.12 COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN – VERSION 3 FEBRUARY 2021 This latest version of the COVID-19 Response Plan contains all the updates outlined in Sections 10.9 to 10.11 above.

Click here to download Covid Response Plan

10.13 LETTER FROM DEIRDRE SHANLEY TO PRINCIPALS 08MARCH21 This letter confirms the full return to Primary schools from Monday next 15th March. It references appendices already sent out in the letter of 23rd February and accessible above as Sections 10.9, 10.10 and 10.11 Click here to download Letter

10.14 LETTER FROM DEIRDRE SHANLEY TO PRINCIPALS 05MAY21 This letter deals with the advice on the following aspects of school life between now and the end of the school year:  Sixth class graduations/class celebrations  School tours/ trips / use of buses  Contact Sports/ Sports Days  Importance of Public Health Measures

Click here to download the letter

10.15 TEACHTAIREACHT Ó CHN ROINN OIDEACHAIS CHUIG GACH PRÍOMHOIDE FAONI CHIBEARIONSAÍ AR AN FSS Chuig gach Príomhoide; Mar is eol duit, tá córais TFC FSS díchumasaithe mar réamhchúram chun freagairt don gcibear-ionsaí a tharla Dé hAoine seo caite. Tá tionchar suntasach aige seo ar FSS, na Ranna Sláinte Poiblí san áireamh.

Cé go bhfuil réitigh mhalartacha á gcur i bhfeidhm iarraimid ort a bheith foighneach agus tuisceanach agus agus sibh ag dul i dteagmháil le foirne na Ranna Sláinte Poiblí agus le foirne Scoileanna FSS. Bhí moill ghearr ar thorthaí a bhí ag teacht isteach chuig Sláinte Poiblí Dé hAoine agus cuid de Dé Sathairn, ach tá obair phráinneach déanta againn ó shin chun a chinntiú go ndéileáiltear leis na cásanna seo agus leis na hatreoruithe nua go léir go tapa. Tá deacrachtaí áirithe againn freisin maidir le dlúththeagmhálaithe a shainaithnítear a atreorú le haghaidh tástála ar an ngnáthbhealach. Dá bhrí sin, iarrtar ar dhlúth-theagmhálaithe a shainaithnítear trí rianú teagmhálaithe freastal ar ionaid siúil isteach le haghaidh tástála agus gan fanacht le coinní.

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Ós rud é go bhfuil Ranna Sláinte Poiblí ag obair go crua agus faoi chúinsí deacra faoi láthair, iarraimid ort a bheith tuisceanach nuair a dhéanann tú teagmháil linn. Téigh i dteagmháil, le do thoil, le líne FSS do Phríomhoidí ag (01) 2408785 má tá tú ar an eolas faoi chás Covid-19 i do shaoráid, agus gan scéala a bheith faighte agat uainn fós. Sa ghearrthéarma, tabharfaidh siad an uimhir chuí duit chun glaoch a chur ar na Ranna Sláinte Poiblí áitiúla. Tá líon na Ranna Sláinte Poiblí faoi réir athraithe le linn na tréimhse seo, agus dá bhrí sin cuir glaoch ar líne FSS do Phríomhoidí ar dtús lena chinntiú go dtreorófar chuig an líne cheart tú. Nuair a labhraíonn tú le Ranna Sláinte Poiblí déan cinnte, le do thoil, go luafaidh tú cén cineál scoile atá agat, m.sh. bunscoil, scoil riachtanas speisialta oideachais nó iar-bhunscoil. Cuir in iúl freisin cén bliainghrúpa lena mbaineann an cás a bhfuil tú buartha faoi.

Maidir le baill foirne nó scoláirí atá le tástáil, ach gan coinne a bheith faighte acu, ba cheart dóibh freastal go díreach ar na hionaid siúil isteach. Ba chóir d’aon duine atá ag fanacht le toradh na tástála Lá 10, leanúint dá c(h)uid gluaiseachtaí a shrianadh go dtí go bhfaighidh sé nó sí an toradh seo, é sin nó go bhfuil srian curtha aige/aici ar a c(h)uid gluaiseachtaí ar feadh 14 lá, cibé acu is luaithe.

Má tá comharthaí ar dhuine ach gan toradh tástála faighte aige nó aici fós, ba chóir dó/di leanúint ar aghaidh ag féin-leithlisiú de réir na dtreoirlínte. Níor chóir go mbeadh aon duine ar a bhfuil comharthaí atá ag teacht le Covid-19 sa scoil. Ní gá gartheagmhálaithe a eisiaimh go dtí go bhfuil toradh dearbhaithe faighte. Cé go bhfuil moill bheag ann i gcomparáid le gnáthphróisis, cuirtear torthaí dearfacha ar fáil go tapa d’othair.

Ba chóir ceisteanna ginearálta faoi Covid-19 a fhreagairt tríd na gnáthphróisis. Is le haghaidh cásanna dearbhaithe amháin atá glaonna díreacha ar líne FSS do Phríomhoidí nó ar na Ranna Sláinte Poiblí, le do thoil. Ba chóir formhóir na bhfreagraí ar cheisteanna eile faoi Covid-19 a fháil sna Ceisteanna Coitianta do Phríomhoidí (nasc anseo). Tá an Roinn Oideachas ar fáil freisin chun cabhrú maidir le go leor ceisteanna agus is féidir teagmháil a dhéanamh léi trí r-phost ag covid19_alert@education.gov.ie nó teileafón (057) 9324461, agus coinnímid i ndlúth-theagmháil léi.

Coinneoimid ar an eolas tú de réir mar a théann rudaí chun cinn, ach bí cinnte go bhfuil gach roinn ag freagairt do scoileanna chun tacaíocht chliniciúil a chur ar fáil gan mhoill.

Le dea-ghuí, An Dr Abigail Collins, Comhairleoir sa Leigheas Sláinte Poiblí An Dr Kevin Kelleher, Stiúrthóir Náisiúnta Cúnta na Sláinte Poiblí agus Sláinte Leanaí Info_COVID19 NÁ TABHAIR FREAGRA AR AN RÍOMHPHOST SEO LE DO THOIL

10.16 MESSAGE FROM DE TO ALL PRINCIPALS RE HSE CYBER ATTACK To All Principals; As I am sure you are aware, the HSE ICT systems have been disabled as a precaution in response to the cyber-attack on Friday. This has had significant consequences for the HSE, including for Departments of Public Health. Whilst alternative solutions are being put in place we ask for your patience and consideration when contacting the HSE Departments of Public Health and Schools teams.

There was a short delay in results being received by Public Health on Friday and part of Saturday, however we have since worked urgently to ensure these cases and all the new referrals are dealt with quickly. We are also experiencing some difficulties in being able to refer close contacts identified in the usual way for testing. Therefore, close contacts identified by contact tracing are asked to attend walk in centres for testing and not await appointments.

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Given that Departments of Public Health are currently working very hard, and under difficult circumstances we ask for your consideration when contacting us. Please do contact the HSE Principals line on (01) 2408785 if you are aware of a case of Covid-19 within your facility, but have not yet heard from us. In the short term, they will provide you with the appropriate number to ring the local Departments of Public Health. The numbers for Departments of Public Health are subject to change during this period, and therefore to ensure you are being directed to a correct line, please ring the HSE Principals line first. When you speak to Departments of Public Health please ensure you state what type of school yours is e.g. primary, special educational needs school or post-primary and also what year group the case you are concerned about refers to.

For staff or students who are due testing, but have not received an appointment, they should attend the walk-in centres directly. Anyone who is awaiting a result of the Day 10 test, should continue to restrict their movements until they receive this result, or they have restricted their movements for 14 days, whichever is the soonest.

If someone is symptomatic but has not yet got a test result, they should continue to self-isolate as per guidelines. No-one with symptoms consistent with Covid-19 should be in the school. No close contact exclusions need to be made until a confirmed result is received. Whilst there is a slight delay compared to normal processes, positive results are being rapidly provided to patients.

General Covid-19 queries should be answered through the usual processes. Calls to the HSE Principals line or Departments of Public Health directly are for confirmed cases only please. The FAQs for Principals (link here) should be able to answer most other Covid-19 queries. The Department of Education is also available to assist with many queries and can be contacted by email covid19_alert@education.gov.ie or phone (057) 9324461 and we keep close contact with them.

We will keep you updated as things unfold, but be assured all departments are responding to schools to provide clinical support in a very timely manner.

Best wishes, Dr Abigail Collins, Consultant in Public Health Medicine Dr Kevin Kelleher, Assistant National Director for Public Health and Child Health Info_COVID19 PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL

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11 TEACHING AND LEARNING ISSUES IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19

11.1 CURRICULUM GUIDANCE FAQS The DES has updated its curricular guidance to schools in relation to teaching and learning in the context of COVID-19. It is in an FAQ format, under the following headings: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Timetabling and time management Wellbeing Planning (whole-school and individual planning) Teaching and learning Assessment and feedback Special education Resources Pupils at very high risk to COVID-19 Parental involvement Cliceáil anseo chun na Ceisteanna Coitionta a íoslódáil Click here to download the FAQs

11.2 WORK OF INSPECTORS DURING ONGOING COVID-19 EMERGENCY Circular 01/21 is written by Chief Inspector Harold Hislop and gives an account of how Inspectors have worked with schools since September, what issues they have found and how they intend to support schools for the remainder of the current school year. There is also a list of supports the inspectors are making available to schools. These include a curriculum helpline, which will be available to school leaders and teachers Click here to download Circular 01/2021

11.3 INFOGRAPHIC GUIDE FOR THE RETURN OF NAÍONÁIN GO RII – FEABHRA 21 These infographics outline some of the key messages the DE wishes to convey in relation to easing children back into school following their prolonged absence since December 2020 Cliceáil anseo chun an leagan Gaeilge a íoslódáil Click here to download the Infomatic

11.4 INFOGRAPHIC ON THE RETURN TO STANDARDISED TESTING This information leaflet has been prepared to support schools as they return to standardised testing in 2021.

It reaffirms the rationale for standardised testing, how it can form part of a broad range of ssessment methods to inform the teaching and learning process, how the data can be used and how best to ensure sensitive communication about testing.

Click here to download the Information

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12 SUPPORTING THE SAFE PROVISION OF SCHOOLING (SSPS)

As part of the Government response to COVID-19, the DES Inspectorate has been tasked with assisting the HAS (Health and Safety Authority) in carrying out inspections in schools. A Pilot Programme, called Supporting the Safe Reopening of Schools (SSRS) was carried out over the past two months in 42 Primary Schools. The results were evaluated and very few changes were made to the original inspection model.

The name was changed from SSRS to SSPS!!!

Reports from schools who were selected to take part in the Pilot Programme were positive. School leaders reported that the engagement with the Inspectors was very supportive and conducted in a pleasant and friendly manner. The structure of the inspection model was beneficial in that schools knew in advance and in detail what the inspection criteria were. The criteria are ones that every school has now implemented in relation to COVID-19 and Child Protection

12.1 THE SSPS MODEL During an SSPS Inspection, the Inspector will conduct checks on  The implementation of the COVID-19 Response Plan  Child Protection Monitoring

12.2 CHECKS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN These are based on the Department’s COVID-19 Response Plan for the Safe and Sustainable Reopening of Schools. That response plan is, in turn, aligned with advice and regulations set out by the Health and Safety Authority for all workplaces.

The checks are grouped into four main areas: 1. Planning 2. Appointment of a Lead Worker Representative (LWR) 3. Provision of staff training 4. Implementation of control measures PLANNING The school had a COVID-19 policy in place prior to the reopening of schools for the 2020/21 school year 1  The school has a COVID-19 policy in place for the 2020/21 school year a. a.



b. c.

 

2

The policy contains, at a minimum, the commitments set out in Appendix 1 of the COVID -19 Response Plan for the safe and sustainable opening of schools There is evidence that the policy was shared with staff, pupils/students and parents The school principal and Lead Worker Representative (LWR) confirm that they are familiar with the revised COVID-19 Response Plan for the safe and sustainable operation of Post-Primary / Primary and Special Schools

The school has updated its health and safety risk assessment to identify the hazards and outlining the relevant control measures associated with COVID-19 a.



The school’s risk assessment includes COVID-19 as a risk and identifies associated control measures

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APPOINTMENT OF A LEAD WORKER REPRESENTATIVE 3 The school has appointed a Lead Worker Representative a. b. c.

  

d. e.

 

The name of LWR(s) is available The members of school staff that were spoken to during the visit were aware of the identity of the LWR A discussion with LWR(s) shows that he/she is aware of the role and responsibilities of a LWR(s) as outlined in Appendix 8 of the COVID -19 Response Plan for the safe and sustainable opening of schools The LWR(s) confirms that he/she has completed training for LWRs The LWR confirmed that (s)he receives protected time, in line with DE guidelines, to enable them to carry out their duties in that role

PROVISION FOR STAFF TRAINING 4 The school has ensured that staff have reviewed the training materials provided by the Department of Education a.

5



The members of school staff that were spoken to during the visit confirm that they have completed relevant

All staff have completed the Return to Work (RTW) form a. b.

 

The principal confirmed that all staff have completed a RTW form The members of school staff that were spoken to during the visit confirmed that they completed a RTW form

CONTROL MEASURES 6 The school has procedures in place for dealing with a suspected case of COVID 19 in line with the COVID -19 Response Plan for the safe and sustainable opening of schools a. b. c. d.

7

   

The school principal and the LWR are aware of the procedures for dealing with a suspected case An isolation area is ready Contact telephone numbers for parents are available The school has a supply of PPE available

The school has displayed posters and other signage to prevent introduction and spread of COVID-19 a.

8



There is visual evidence of posters and signage throughout the school

The school has made changes to the school and classroom layout to support physical distancing and to facilitate ongoing cleaning of the school in line with section 5.4 of the Department guidelines. a.



b. c. d.

  

e. f.

 

g. h.

 

9

There is visual evidence of reconfigured classrooms that take account of the minimum physical distancing requirements A sanitising station is available at the main entry and exit points entrance to the school Sanitising stations are available at regular intervals throughout the school In post-primary schools, teachers, staff and students wear face coverings in line with current DE guidance/requirements Visitors to the school are requested to wear face coverings The school has measures in place to decrease interaction and increase physical distancing outside of classrooms Arrangements are in place to facilitate physical distancing in the staff room There are measures in place for good ventilation that take account of current DE guidance/requirements

The school has made necessary arrangements to limit access to the school to necessary visitors and maintain records of contacts to the school a.

10



A contact Log is maintained for visitors

The school principal confirmed that enhanced cleaning arrangements that reflect the Department’s guidance are in place

12.3 MONITORING CHILD PROVISION During a SSPS the inspector conducts level one child protection monitoring as follows: 1.

The name of the DLP and the child safeguarding statement are prominently displayed near the main door of the school / in the reception area 2. The school's child safeguarding statement has been ratified by the board and includes an annual review and a risk assessment.

3. All teachers visited reported that they have read the school’s child safeguarding statement and that they are aware of their responsibilities as a mandated person

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12.4 OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES DURING THE SSPS 



Provide schools with a short courtesy call indicating when the inspector is planning to visit the school 1.

Outline the documents required for the visit and establish if they can be viewed electronically E-mail the school contact form to the school Outline the engagements to be held during the visit Enquire as to the school’s protocols for receiving visitors to the school Assure the principal that he/she has complied fully with all Department guidelines for visiting schools E-mail the self-declaration details to principal

  

Complete school contact form and return to inspector Ensure that all necessary documents are available for the visit Make the necessary practical arrangements for the engagements

BEFORE THE SSPS VISIT

 Inspectorate Activity



School Activity

DURING THE SSPS VISIT

  

Inspectorate Activity

Review:  COVID-19 Policy Statement  COVID-19 risk assessment  School’s contact log Engage with:  Principal  Lead worker representative(s)  Selection of staff members Observe:  Physical distancing arrangements in selection of classrooms, social areas etc.  COVID-19 signage  Sanitising units  Isolation area  PPE equipment  Staff Room  A selection of areas outside of classrooms Child Protection Checks:  Conduct level one child protection checks Complete inspector’s contact tracing log

AFTER THE VISIT

Feedback:  Provide feedback to principal and lead worker representative(s) at the end of the visit  Offer the principal a copy of the inspector’s record of evidence for the visit, which will be e-mailed after the visit

School Activity

  

Inspectorate Activity



Follow up on any aspects highlighted during the feedback Response at factual verification and school response stage, if relevant Issue of draft report for factual verification and for school response Publication of the final report on the Department website

1

Normally, this call should take place on the day prior to a visit. The Inspectorate reserves the right to conduct unannounced SSPSs. KEEPING SCHOOLS SAFELY OPEN

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12.5 FINAL GUIDELINES ON SSPS The DE has issued its final guidelines on the SSPS Inspections. There are a few changes which are worth noting. These are highlighted in Section 12.2 and Section 12.4 above. Items highlighted in yellow have been added and items highlighted in ‘grey’ have been removed Cliceáil anseo chun na Treoir a íoslódáil Click here to download the Guidelines

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13 FINANCIAL SUPPORTS FOR SHCOOLS RE COVID-19

13.1 COVID CAPITATION GRANTS TERM 2 (JAN-APR 2021) 13.1.1 Notice regarding Covid-19 capitation funding supports Following publication of the roadmap for the full return to school in July, additional Covid-19 related funding was made available to recognised Primary and Post-Primary schools in the free education scheme to support them in fully and safely reopening in a sustainable way, while minimising risk associated with Covid-19. Each school has a Covid-19 response plan which provides clear and practical guidance on the measures schools need to take to operate safely and minimise the risk of the introduction, or spread, of infection in schools.

The information available to the Department to date indicates that schools are operating safely, students have adjusted to the new routines in school and teachers have successfully adapted their teaching approaches in the current context.

In order to support schools in continuing to operate safely and to minimise the risk of the spread of Covid-19 during Term 2 a further round of capitation funding will be provided in early January. Schools are advised to refer to circulars 0045 and 0046/2020 published on the Department’s website in July 2020 at https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/ for further information in relation to these grants.

Post-Primary Schools in the Fee Charging Sector whose application for Covid-19 capitation funding in Term 1 was successful will automatically qualify for funding in Term 2.

Details of this capitation funding together with the per capita rates are outlined in the tables below. The rates quoted for both the Enhanced Cleaning and Supervision grants are in line with the rates issued for Term 1. The first instalment of the PPE grant reflected the fact that there were a number of once off type costs which schools faced at that time and therefore the rate for Term 2 has been revised accordingly.

COVID-19 Capitation Grants Term 2 - Rates per pupil Primary Schools

Mainstream

Special Classes/Special School

Enhanced Cleaning

€21.00

€25.67

PPE

€15.00

€60.00

Note: Grants paid to schools with an enrolment of equal to or less than 60 pupils are based on a minimum enrolment of 60 pupils.

COVID-19 Capitation Grants Term 2 - Rates per pupil Post-Primary Schools

Mainstream

Special Classes

Enhanced Cleaning

€11.00

€13.33

PPE

€24.00

€96.00

Enhanced Supervision

€35.00

€35.00

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Note: Grants paid to schools with an enrolment of equal to or less than 200 pupils are based on a minimum enrolment of 200 pupils.

The Department will be reviewing the funding provided and following this review details of the third and final instalment of these grants for the 2020/2021 school year will be made available in due course.

For further queries please contact the Department by email at covid19_alert@education.gov.ie or by phone at 057 9324461.

In addition, the following grants have issued to schools in December 2020: 13.1.2 Minor Works €25m to post-primary schools in the free education scheme. Applications from fee-charging schools will be considered on a case by case basis. €30m standard minor works grant at primary level brought forward from 2021.

The payment of the grants at this stage gives schools a good lead-in period to plan and undertake works that support the operation of the school in the current school year and assist in catering for capacity and other requirements going into the 2021/22 school year.

13.1.3 ICT Grant €50 million in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Grants has been made available for primary and post-primary schools. This allows schools to put in place robust systems to enable the use of digital technologies within the school, and also provide for remote learning to ensure the continuity of teaching and learning as required, should classes/individual learners/teachers, have to isolate. Those measures can include the purchase of digital devices to loan to students and teachers, software, essential learning platforms and other ICT solutions as determined by the needs of the individual school.

Further information is available in Circular 0077/2020 on the Department’s website at https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/.

Schools are advised that they can utilise funding provided across the range of grants to ensure adequate cash flow at certain times but are required to report and account for funding in each of the individual grant areas in their accounts.

13.2 THIRD ROUND OF CAPITATION FUNDING SUPPORTS 27MAY21 (FOR TERM 3) The DE has issued clarification that the third and final round of COVID-19 Capitation Funding will be paid to schools in Mid-June 21. This is to cover costs related to COVID-19 incurred by schools during Term 3 of the current school year.

Click here to download the clarification

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14 PARTIAL REOPENING OF SCHOOLS – JANUARY 2021

14.1 IPPN PROPOSED FUNDAMENTAL POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION BY SCHOOL LEADERS – 18TH JANUARY 2021 14.1.1 Children in Special Classes 1. The proposal by the DES for the partial return of pupils with SEN is contingent on full agreement being reached with all Unions in the Primary School sector. This has not yet been achieved 2. School Leaders are advised to contact the parents of those children to ascertain if they wish their child to return to school or to continue to engage with on-line learning from home 3. School Leaders are advised to plan, with the relevant Special Class Teachers, for how in-school learning can be delivered to those special class pupils who wish to avail of it. This includes mobilising the Special Class Teachers and SNAs who will be required. These staff members will be required to confirm to the principal that their COVID-19 status has not changed since they last completed a RTW form 4. School Leaders are advised to liaise with the Chairperson of the BoM in relation to the plan.

14.1.2 Children with SEN in Mainstream Classes 1. The proposal by the DES for the partial return of pupils with SEN is contingent on full agreement being reached with all Unions in the Primary School sector. This has not yet been achieved 2. School Leaders are advised in the first instance to identify those children with critical and significant additional needs. The following may help to identify this cohort of children: a. Accessing support at the School Support Plus stage of the Continuum of Support e.g. children who are assessed as having Autism, sensory impairment and other disabilities such as Down syndrome etc. Receiving specific individualised interventions, teaching approaches and / or learning activities b. Have a level of SEN which is beyond the additional teaching support provided for children with mild learning difficulties, or who require additional teaching support in literacy and numeracy at whole school support or additional classroom support level c. Be considered socially vulnerable by their teachers. This opinion should be based on their knowledge and experience of the children and their home circumstances d. Further clarification to identify children in this cohort may be found in the DES publication “Guidelines for Primary Schools: Supporting Pupils with Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools”, published in April 2017 e. Following consultation between the mainstream class teacher, SET teacher and other relevant personnel, a child may be considered for face-to-face support based on the level of need and resources available.

3. Having identified the pupils concerned, the school leader, SENCO, designated SET or class teacher should contact the parents of those children to ascertain if they wish their child to be considered for return to school or to continue to engage with on-line learning from home 4. School Leaders are advised to plan, with the relevant Class Teachers and Special Education Teachers, for how in-school learning can be delivered to those pupils who wish to avail of it. It will also cater for how remote learning for those SEN pupils who do not wish to come into the school or who, although not in the above cohort, have been receiving remote support from a SET. KEEPING SCHOOLS SAFELY OPEN

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School Leaders will need to identify, and mobilise, those SETs and SNAs who will be required to implement the in-school and remote elements of the plan. These staff members will be required to confirm to the principal that their COVID-19 status has not changed since they last completed a RTW form.

In devising this plan, a certain amount of flexibility will be required. There may be pupils who wish to avail of in-school learning, and pupils who have been receiving remote support from a SET teacher and who, because they are not the above cohort or because their parents do not wish them to attend for inschool lessons at present, will still require on-line support from a SET. The plan may require that some SETs conduct in-school lessons while others continue to provide remote support. Some schools may decide that SETs will provide a blend of in-school support for some pupils and remote support for others.

School Leaders are advised to plan for a gradual implementation of the plan, ensuring that pupil and staff safety remains paramount.

School Leaders are advised to liaise with the Chairperson of the BoM in relation to the plan

14.2 IPPN HEALTH SCHOOLS

AND

SAFETY ADVICE

FOR

SCHOOL LEADERS

RE

PARTIAL RE-OPENING

OF

The following advice has been sourced from a professional Health and Safety Consultant with a background in school related Health and Safety issues 14.2.1 Planning for return of in-person learning at primary level – January 2021 The Government’s “Work Safely Protocol” (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/bb7fd-work-safelyprotocol/) requires St. Project’s National School to put policies and practices in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Our Covid-19 policy statement is our commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all our employees, learners and others who visit our school.

The Covid-19 response plan provides an overview of key areas that St. Project’s Primary School assesses to ensure compliance with all necessary protocols and procedures and to minimise the risk to employees, learners and others. The BOM has reviewed existing covid protocols and the school safety statement and can confirm that St. Project’s Primary School is in compliance with all current government and public health advice and guidance.

The BOM is adhering to the provisions of the “Work Safely Protocol” and in particular the pre-returnto-work provisions for all staff members returning to work. All new staff will be required to undertake induction training. This will be done using the HSA (https://www.hsa.ie/RTWS/#/) and DES (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/dd7fb-induction-training-for-reopening-schools/) online induction programmes. All other staff should keep up to date with public health advice as knowledge about Covid19 continues to evolve. The latest up to-date advice and guidance can be found on the following websites: https://www.gov.ie/en/; https://www.hsa.ie/eng/; https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/; and https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/ The BOM will continue to provide necessary information and advice to staff on the Covid-19 measures in St. Projects including their Covid-19 Response Plan and points of contact for addressing covid related matters at work.

The BOM and staff have a shared responsibility to implement the measures contained in the St. Project’s Response Plan.

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Planning for return of in-person learning – Checklist Ainm na Scoile: No. 1 2 3

4

5

6

7 8 9

10

11

Yes

No

Action required

Has the BOM a Covid-19 policy statement?

Has the BOM prepared and revised the Covid-19 Response Plan in line with the “Work Safely Protocol”?

Has the BOM a system in place to keep staff up to date with the latest public health advice?

Has the BOM communicated with the selected Safety Representatives and staff in relation to any new or enhanced safety measures to be implemented?

Have the specific measures and revised guidelines for supporting the return of in-person learning been implemented?

Is the BOM adhering to the provisions of the “Work Safely Protocol” and in particular the prereturn-to-work provisions for all staff members returning to work?

Has a pre-return-to-work form been completed by all new staff in advance of returning to work?

Have all other staff confirmed to the BoM that their COVID-19 status has not changed since they last completed a Return to Work form?

Is there adequate Covid-19 signage on display throughout the school?

Are staff provided with PPE and protective clothing in accordance with identified Covid-19 exposure risks and in line with public health advice?

Is there a log of contacts to facilitate contact tracing?

Completed by: ………………………………………………………………………………. Date: …………………………………………….

14.3 DES DOCUMENT: SUPPORTING PUPILS WITH SEN IN MAINSTREAM SCHOOLS This is the document referred to in the DES letter of Friday evening 8th January 202s1. It may assist school leaders in identifying pupils with significant additional needs in relation to the partial re-opening of schools.

Click here to download the document

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14.4 IPPN STATEMENT ON PARTIAL REOPENING POSTPONEMENT 20TH JANUARY 2021 Postponement of Partial Reopening of Schools The joint statement from INTO and Fórsa trade unions last night called for the postponement of the resumption of school-based SEN services until further discussions can achieve improved safety measures, including Covid testing, leading to the resumption of all school services. Consequently, the Department of Education has abandoned plans to open schools tomorrow (Thursday).

IPPN will continue to support school leaders while working with the unions, management bodies, the Department of Education and other partners to reach a solution.

All school leaders and staff recognise the need to support their most vulnerable pupils. Many schools have already put in place excellent online measures and are engaging very effectively with children with SEN. School leaders are best placed to plan and prepare for their own school context. It is accepted that, in order for schools to put in place emergency provision for these vulnerable children, there is a requirement for flexibility for schools, based on the most recent guidelines issued last Friday, the specific school context and sound educational reasons.

IPPN has a suite of resources to support schools in planning for a partial return to face-to-face education provision. The following are now also available: 1

IPPN Proposed Fundamental Points for Consideration by School Leaders – 19th Jan 2021

2

IPPN HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVICE FOR SCHOOL LEADERS RE PARTIAL RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS

3

DES DOCUMENT: SUPPORTING PUPILS WITH SEN IN MAINSTREAM SCHOOLS

All of these resources are in our live Resource Bundle.

In the meantime, schools continue to teach all children remotely to the highest possible standard. We encourage members to place their questions and to share information, advice and good practice on networking@ippn.ie.

We also encourage all those who need support with their planning to contact us by emailing info@ippn.ie or by calling 021 4824070.

Beir bua.

Damian White President

Páiric Clerkin CEO

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14.5 CHECKLIST FOR SCHOOLS REGARDING THE PARTIAL RETURN TO SCHOOL - FEB 2021 The following checklist is based on the Checklist devised by CPSMA and published on 8 th Feb 2021, with an additional section entitled “Actions regarding In-Person Supplementary Programme” and IPPN contact details Actions for School Leaders and BoM: Review Framework plan for phased return of Primary Education Review Summary of the required additions to the schools Covid19 Response Plan Adopt updated Covid-19 Response Plan i.e. V3 2021 Note updated Ventilation Guidelines issued 30th Nov 2020 Review HSPC guidance issued January 2021 Review the risk assessment prior to return to school. (This was also completed in Sep 2020) School should be cleaned prior to return to school and cleaning regime should be reviewed/updated as required. Cleaners should be provided with checklists as per the Updated Covid Response Plan Actions regarding Parents and Children: Arrange for parents to complete Return to Education Form in respect of children returning to school and after any absence from school. Schools who use School Management Software such as Aladdin or Databiz should check with their provider to see if the software supports the return of these forms to the schools.

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 Remind parents of school policy in relation to children with symptoms of COVID-19 Remind parents not to send children to school if they are close contacts of a person with COVID19, are awaiting a test or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 Advise parents not to send pupils to school if they are identified by the HSE as a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 or if they live with someone who has symptoms of the virus Advise parents not to send pupils to school if they have travelled outside of Ireland; in such instances parents are advised to consult and follow latest Government advice in relation to foreign travel Advise parents to cooperate with any public health officials and the school for contact tracing purposes and follow any public health advice in the event of a case or outbreak in the school Actions regarding In-Person Supplementary Programme: School Leaders will identify those children who would be eligible for this programme and bring it to the attention of their parents Complete Part 1 of the Claim Form and forward it to those parents who wish to participate Forward the relevant documents in relation to the Programme to those parents Contact all teachers and SNAs employed by the school and ascertain their availability to participate in the programme Support parents in securing the services of a teacher or SNA either from within the school staff or from among teachers or SNAs known to the school The following websites can be used to assist parents source teachers or SNAs o www.educatonposts.ie/notice/supprog o https://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Supplementary-Programme-2021.pdf Queries on the Programme can be addressed directly to the DE via the following e-mail:o supplementaryprogramme@educaton.gov.ie

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Actions regarding staff: Ascertain from all staff in special schools and relevant staff in mainstream schools, if they will be returning to school Refer all staff to Information Note 0005 /2021 and Information Note 0006/2021 re leave Allocate staff to provide remote support to children not returning to school All staff returning to work are required to complete the updated Return to Work Form ** Lead Worker/Deputy Lead Worker Representative are required to be available to answer staff concerns regarding return to school Staff should review issued HSPC guidance issued in January 2021 Staff should refresh the relevant training undertaken prior to September 2020 return Advise staff not to return to or attend school if they are identified by the HSE as a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 or if they live with someone who has COVID symptoms Advise staff not to return or attend school if they have travelled outside of Ireland; in such instances staff are advised to consult and follow latest Government advice in relation to foreign travel Advise staff to cooperate with any public health officials and the school for contact tracing purposes and follow any public health advice in the event of a case or outbreak in the school 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 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 Dedicated NCSE line for Principals – (01)-6033233 IPPN – 1890 21 22 23 / 021 4824070 or info@ippn.ie

** IPPN will seek further clarification from the DE in relation to Return to Work Forms. We will also be sharing best practice among members in relation to dealing with these forms

Click here to download a copy of this checklist

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14.6 IPPN ADVICE FOR SCHOOL LEADERS WHERE THE SCHOOL CANNOT PROVIDE STAFF TO OPEN SAFELY It is envisaged that situations may arise in which schools will find it difficult to find replacement staff for those who are working from home in accordance with Information Notes 0005/2021 and 0006/2021.

In such situations School Leaders are advised to request their BoM to inform their patron body of the difficulty and for the patron body to seek direction from the DE as to how to proceed

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15 IN-PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME FOR PUPILS WITH COMPLEX NEEDS URING SCHOOL CLOSURES

The DE has today (Thursday, 4 February) published a number of documents which outline the operation of this scheme. While the programme will take place outside of school hours and only in the pupil’s home, school leaders are asked to participate in the following ways:      

To forward the Claim Form to parents/guardians of pupils the school considers eligible for supplementary support To assist parents in finding suitable teachers or SNAs by informing their own staff of the scheme To ensure that the parents / guardians have the most recent education support plan for their child, which they will be required to provide to the teacher or the most recent personal pupil plan for their child, which they will be required to provide to the SNA To arrange for the teacher or SNA involved to liaise with the school’s SEN team in relation to the child’s SEN plan to ensure that the work done enhances and dovetails with this plan To share the relevant online learning plan for each week, student To share the relevant online learning plan for each week, with the teacher or SNA providing the supplementary programme

The flowing sections detail the specific DE documents

15.1 OVERVIEW OF IN-PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME This document gives and overview of the programme Click here to download Overview Document

15.2 GUIDANCE FOR PROVISION OF IN-PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME This COVID-19 Guidance for Provision of the In-Home Tuition is designed to support parents and teachers/SNAs in putting measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The guidance reflects current Department of Health guidance on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Click here to download HPSC Guidance Document

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15.3 GUIDANCE FOR TEACHERS / SNAS This guidance from the Department of Education provides a framework for teachers/Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) delivering the in-person, supplementary programme to support the education or care needs of pupils with complex needs. The programme is to be delivered either by teachers or SNAs in the child’s home.

This guidance document should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Overview of the InPerson Supplementary Programme document which provides further detail on the operation of the programme.

Click here to download Teacher / SNA Guidance Document

15.4 GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS / LEGAL GUARDIANS This document provides guidance and information for parents and legal guardians of pupils availing of the supplementary provision Click here to download Parent / Guardian Guidance Document

15.5 LETTER TO PRINCIPALS RE IN-PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME This document provides guidance and information for principals in respect of the Supplementary Provision Click here to download Letter to Principals

15.6 IN-PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME: GRANT CLAIM FORM School Leaders are required to complete Part 1 of this form and to forward it to the parents / guardians of children who would be eligible for the Programme Click here to download the Grant Claim form

15.7 5 MINUTE PRESENTATION ON IN-PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME This IPPN SHIP (Short Information Presentation) gives a complete guide to the In-Person Supplementary Programme in under 5 minutes Click here to view 5-minute SHIP

15.8 DE RELAXES RESTRICTIONS ON IN-PERSON SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME The DE issued the following statement (23 March 2021) in relation to the operation of the IPSP in school buildings: Following representations to the Department by a number of schools, parents, management bodies and by the Ombudsman for Children the Department can confirm that the running of the supplementary programme in schools is an authorised activity.

It is therefore open to any Board of Management, if they so wish, to make their school premises available to facilitate the running of the supplementary programme.

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16 2021 SUMMER PROGRAMME FOR ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS

The DE today published details of a Summer Programme for all Primary Schools. The programme’s aim is to support pupils to re-engage with education, to build their confidence and increase their motivation, promote wellbeing and for some who are at key transition stages, help to ensure they can progress to their planned educational placement next September along with their peers.

This year all primary schools will have the opportunity to provide a new 2/3-week summer programme for mainstream pupils with complex needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage.

Schools will have flexibility to run these programmes at any times during the summer holidays. A homebased programme will be available to children with complex needs where schools are not providing a school-based programme.

The DE is also expanding programmes run in Special and DEIS schools previously to offer a range of 3 programmes to all schools: 1. A new Primary Complex Needs/Inclusion Programme for pupils in mainstream classes 2. An expanded summer programme for pupils in primary special classes and special schools 3. An expanded literacy and numeracy summer camp/campaí samhraidh programme for pupils in DEIS schools which may be organised through the medium of English or Gaeilge The DE has issued 5 documents in relation to these courses: -

16.1 LETTER TO PRINCIPALS This letter briefly outlines the Summer Programme and asks for the co-operation and support of principals and provides contact details for queries.

Click here to download the letter

16.2 DETAILED OUTLINE OF THE PROGRAMME This document outlines all the details of the programme: Details of the 3 Programmes Staffing Allocations Categories of Pupils with Complex Needs Expression of Interest contact details and deadline (10th June)  Staffing Information  Programme Overseer  Preparation Hours  Payments to Overseers, Teachers and SNAs  Substitute Rates for Teachers and SNAs  Recruitment of External Staff  Recruitment of Graduate and PME Student Teachers Funding  Capitation KEEPING SCHOOLS SAFELY OPEN

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 School Meals  Transport Public Health Guidelines Duration and Timing Length of School Day Gaeilge Contact Details for Information and Resource Queries Click here to download the Overview

16.3 GUIDANCE ON THE 2021 SUMMER PROGRAMME This document provides details such as: Rationale for the Programme Aims of the Programme Who should be invited to take part Programme Content  Promoting a Sense of Safety  Promoting a Sense of Calm  Promoting a Sense of Social Connectedness  Promoting a Sense of Efficacy in self and community  Promoting a Sense of Hope Use of Technology to support engagement Learning to Learn Teaching Approaches The Role of the Overseer The Role of Teachers The Role of SNAs The Voice of the Child or Young Person Parental Engagement Click here to download the Guidance

16.4 2021 SUMMER PROGRAMME – TEACHERS’ HANDBOOK This Handbook has been prepared by the Navan and Dublin West Education Centres to provide practical and pedagogical guidelines and information for Teachers and School Leaders who will be planning and running the Programme(s). It contains the following sections: General Framework and Guiding Principles, including its setting among the LAOS Domains Planning a Summer Camp Practical Ideas to support effective Teaching and Learning in a fun way Training Additional Guidance for Teachers Click here to download the Handbook

16.5 INFORMATION FOR PARENTS This is a 2 page poster with all the relevant information on the Programme(s) for parents

Click here to download the Posters KEEPING SCHOOLS SAFELY OPEN

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16.6 UPDATE TO PRIMARY COMPLEX NEEDS/INCLUSION PROGRAMME PUPIL NUMBERS The DE has updated the documents it issued earlier in the week, see above, in response to the concerns of school leaders and teachers.

Following guidance issued last week, and queries raised in relation to staffing allocations, the Department has this morning clarified the following.

The DE has confirmed that the Staffing Allocation of 1 Teacher and 1 SNA to support a class of 12 pupils will be 1 Teacher and 1 SNA to support a class of up to 12 pupils. Where there are more than 6 children with complex special educational needs within the proposed groups of 12 participants, schools can apply for additional teaching and SNA support. The process to seek that additional support is outlined in the guidance documentation and through the online registration process.

Staffing allocations for special class and special school programmes remain the same as those provided during the school year.

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17 2021 / 2022 SCHOOL YEAR 17.1 LETTER FROM DE ON 17TH JUNE 2021 This is the first guidance to be issued to school leaders in relation to COVID 19 and the new school year.

The following is a very brief synopsis of the points clarified, for now, in the letter: 17.1.1 COVID 19 Response Plan Schools will continue to implement their present COVID 19 Response Plans, which are basically a ratification of the DE Response Plan which, in turn, is based on the Government’s Work Safety Protocol.

The DE expects to update this Plan during the summer and will inform schools accordingly. Schools should therefore plan to return in September under the same conditions as they finished in June in relation to COVID 19 17.1.2 Communication with parents and pupils/students about the 2021/2022 school year The DE will communicate with parents and the wider public in relation to reopening schools in September over the summer period 17.1.3 Staffing arrangements for 2021/22 school year Further to the Department’s Information Note TC 0013/2021, HSE/NPHET advice is awaited on the working arrangements for ‘Very High Risk’ teachers/SNAs and pregnant teachers/SNAs who are currently not attending the workplace, but are working remotely. The working arrangements to cater for COVID-19 will be published ahead of the 2021/22 school year.

17.1.4 EPV Leave for Primary Teachers In accordance with the Department’s Information Note 008/2020, the maximum EPV Leave entitlement in the 2021/22 school year of 5 days, including any carryover continues to apply. In line with the exceptional arrangement for the 2020/21 school year, the Department/ ETB will provide substitute cover for the first day of EPV Leave taken by a teacher in the 2021/22 school year. Subsequent EPV Leave may be taken only where the effect on the school’s operation, including its COVID-19 Response Plan, is minimal and where this can be enabled without disruption to the teaching of the class and without the division of the class group between other classes.

17.1.5 School year 2021/22 The Department will continue to work closely with all of the education partners and public health specialists so that schools will continue to be supported when they reopen for the 2021/22 school year.

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