September Risk Assessment

Location / Site

St Stephen’s (KM) CE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Activity / Procedure

Full Opening of School – September 2020

Assessment Date

August 2020

COVID 19 Risk Assessment for September 2020 Identify people at risk

YES or NO

Employees

YES

Children

YES

Visitors

YES

This Risk Assessment has been updated in line with DfE guidance for the Full Opening of schools – published July 2020.

The first section of the guidance sets out the public health advice schools must follow to minimise the risks of coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission. It also includes the process that should be followed if anyone develops coronavirus symptoms while at school.

The public health advice makes up a PHE endorsed ‘system of controls’- which, when implemented in line with a revised risk assessment, ‘create an inherently safer environment for children and staff where the risk of infection is substantially reduced’.

The Risk Assessment builds upon a wide range of control measures which successfully limited the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) during the partial lockdown of schools (March to July 2020).

All parents will be asked to abide by the terms of the St Stephen’s COVID-19 Home School Agreement.

Identify Hazard

Direct Transmission due to lack of Social Distancing

Existing level of risk

Page 1 of 9

HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Control measures 1. Children remain in class bubbles (max 31) throughout the school day. 2.

Remove excess furniture to increase available space if necessary.

3. In line with the guidance, children keep to their allocated desks – facing forward - when in the classroom, whilst youngest children are able to safely work in different areas of the classroom.

4. ‘Social Distancing Rules’ created for and with the children – ( instructions how to line up, use of toilet, moving around the classroom etc) 5. Rules re-visited and modelled many times a day and linked to school behaviour system – lots of praise for adherence and sanctions for non-compliance 6. Children isolated if cannot adhere to rules and spoken to re. the need for social distancing 7. Avoid close face to face contact and minimise time spent within one metre of anyone.

8. Create an area for the Teaching Team – 2m distancing at front of room – maintain distancing from children and other adults.

9. Teacher and TA are assigned to a specific bubble and stay with these children as far as possible.

10.Staggered playtimes and lunchtimes – allocated areas of playground to prevent mixing with other class bubbles.

11. Well ventilated rooms / doors open / use outdoor learning wherever possible.

12.Bags, coats and lunchboxes kept on chair backs and under children’s desks.

Remaining level of risk HIGH

MEDIUM

Page 2 of 9

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Identify hazard

Lack of social distancing using toilets and poor hygiene resulting in direct and indirect transmission of the virus

Existing level of risk HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Control measures 1.

Only ONE child at a time to access the toilet during lesson time.

2.

3.

Allocated toilets for different groups of children Toilet lid down when flushing.

4.

Hand gel used after toilet use as well as washing hands (Soap & Water) 5.

Extra Signs in toilet re washing hands Remaining level of risk HIGH

Identify hazard

Consider level of risk following use of control measures MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Lack of social distancing waiting to enter school in morning resulting in direct transmission of the virus

Existing level of risk HIGH

Control measures

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

List your control measures required to reduce risk – add appropriate detail about the type and location of controls

1. Markings and direction arrows in playground directing children and parents to wait in allocated areas – more than 2 metres apart.

2. Allocated gates for parents of different groups to arrive and leave from – entry/exit to and from building via separate door for each class bubble.

3. Drop off and pick up ‘windows of 15 minutes’ to ensure staggered arrivals and departures from school premises.

4. Instructions re social distancing between families shared in the morning with parents and children via signage at school gates and classroom entrances.

5. HT to be on duty to supervise adherence to social distancing rules.

Remaining level of risk HIGH

Identify hazard

MEDIUM

Lack

LOW

of

social

distancing

NEGLIGIBLE

during

playtimes

and

lunchtimes resulting in direct transmission of the virus

Existing level of risk

Page 3 of 9

HIGH

Control measures

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

List your control measures required to reduce risk – add appropriate detail about the type and location of controls

1. Staggered playtimes and clearly defined allocated play areas.

2. Reduced playtime equipment – hard surfaces that can be easily cleaned 3. Games discussed which encourage social distancing – football passing, catch etc 4. Staff supervision throughout – actively encouraging social distancing 5. Children practise talking 2 metres apart – modelled by staff Remaining level of risk HIGH

Identify hazard

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Lack of social distancing when eating lunch resulting in direct transmission of the virus

Existing level of risk HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Control measures 1. Children eat in their classroom areas – or outside if suitable.

2. Packed lunches kept under classroom tables.

3. School Meals brought to / collected from the classroom.

Remaining level of risk HIGH

Identify hazard

Consider level of risk following use of control measures MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Lack of social distancing in the corridors resulting in direct transmission of the virus

Existing level of risk HIGH

Control measures

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

List your control measures required to reduce risk – add appropriate detail about the type and location of controls

1. Children staying in their classroom and accessing outside from external classroom door wherever possible.

2. Increased signage to remind children of need for social distancing.

3. One way system around the school implemented as appropriate.

4. Agree instructions with children concerning going and returning to toilet 5. When moving class around the school – 2 metres between children as far as possible – one adult at back ensuring the distance is maintained.

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Remaining level of risk HIGH

Identify hazard

Consider level of risk following use of control measures MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Contact of shared resources resulting in indirect transmission of the virus

Existing level of risk HIGH

Control measures

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

List your control measures required to reduce risk – add appropriate detail about the type and location of controls

1. Children to have resources and stationery in individual zip folders 2. Resources cleaned before use by another group and each night - if different person using them the next day 3. Tables, door handles and other high touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected every night and throughout the day – cleaning materials provided in each room.

4. Lessons planned so resources are individual and not shared – or on white board 5. Resources on tables ready for lesson and not distributed within the lesson 6. Children encouraged to wash hands / use hand gel before/after lessons Remaining level of risk HIGH

Identify hazard

Consider level of risk following use of control measures MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Emotional distress of the children

Existing level of risk HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Control measures 1. Groups to be led by a familiar member of staff as far as possible.

2. Learning Mentor to provide targeted support to individuals / small groups to support children’s emotional needs 3. Teaching staff to access range of available materials to support mental health 4. Children’s health and well being will be at the forefront of learning on return to school. PSHE scheme ‘SCARF’ to help support this.

Remaining level of risk HIGH

Identify hazard

Consider level of risk following use of control measures MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Emotional distress of the staff – including anxiety

Page 5 of 9

Existing level of risk HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Control measures 1. Input into hazard identification and control measures 2. Sharing of support helplines.

3. SLT on site every day for staff to share concerns with 4. Risk assessments reviewed and updated regularly.

5. Designated “staff areas” with social distancing measures to be adhered to.

Remaining level of risk HIGH

Identify hazard

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Risk of spreading virus due to close contact with children – 1:1 and restraint resulting in direct transmission of the virus

Existing level of risk HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Control measures 1. Boton LA advise all staff to wear face covering in social and communal areas.

2. Range of PPE (Visors, masks, gloves) available if required.

3. Reduced timetable / exclusion / inclusion considered if necessary if children are acting in a way staff are put at risk NB the Government guidance currently states “Wearing face coverings or face masks is not recommended” Remaining level of risk HIGH

Identify hazard

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Risk of spreading virus due to poor hygiene resulting in indirect transmission of the virus

Existing level of risk

Page 6 of 9

HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Control measures 1.

Hand gel dispenser and soap in all classrooms / extra dispensers on corridors 2.

Children hand wash or hand gel on entry to school, before break, after break, before lunch, after lunch, leaving school, using the toilet, cough or sneeze.

3.

Children taught good respiratory hygiene – ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’.

4.

5.

Washing hands posters displayed in all washing areas Reminders how to wash hands properly – videos and posters

6.

Lidded bins in all classrooms – emptied regularly.

Remaining level of risk HIGH

Identify hazard

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Risk of infection due to lack of cleaning in indirect transmission of the virus

resulting

Existing level of risk HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Control measures 1. High touch areas (table tops, handles, screens and shared equipment will be cleaned frequently – cleaning materials available in all classroom areas.

2. Lidded bins in each class room area for safe disposal of tissues – double bagged and emptied frequently.

3. PPE will be available for all staff including cleaning staff.

4. Some resources will be rotated and left to de-contaminate after cleaning to reduce the risk of indirect transmission 5. Soft furnishings and soft / cloth toys will be removed from use in classrooms 6. Deep cleaning of all areas before full opening and enhanced cleaning daily.

Remaining level of risk HIGH

Identify hazard

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Risk of illness of vulnerable staff and family members through direct and indirect transmission of the virus

Existing level of risk HIGH

MEDIUM

Control measures

Page 7 of 9

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

1. The range of control measures identified in this Risk assessment – if followed carefully – will allow Clinically Vulnerable staff to return to work in September, in keeping with recent Government guidance.

2. These staff will have roles adapted within class to ensure social distancing rules are adhered to.

Remaining level of risk HIGH

Identify hazard

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Member of staff or child displays signs of Covid-19 – risk of transmission of the virus

Existing level of risk HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Control measures 1. Staff member will be sent home immediately to isolate. Test will be requested.

2. Child will be removed to designated room – supervised by member of staff until collected by parent.

3. PPE will be available and guidance for applying & removing will be provided 4. Room will be deep cleaned after use.

5. Member of staff will be able to go home to shower and change if necessary.

6. Covid-19 Positive Case Action procedure will be followed should a positive case be identified including engaging with NHS Test and Trace process..

Remaining level of risk HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

OVERALL level of risk HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

NEGLIGIBLE

Assessor’s comments

Name of assessor

Signature of assessor

Page 8 of 9

Date

P Puckey

P Puckey 02.9.2020

Risk assessment reviews

Regular reviews will be undertaken – initially weekly.

Page 9 of 9