Covid 19 Policy Statement updated February 2021 and reviewed 24/03/21

COVID-19 Policy Statement

Scoil Mhuire is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all our staff and a safe learning environment for all our pupils. To ensure that, we have developed the following COVID-19 Response Plan. The BOM and all school staff are responsible for the implementation of this plan and a combined effort will help contain the spread of the virus. We will:

• • continue to monitor our COVID-19 response and amend this plan in consultation with our staff

  • provide up to date information to our staff and pupils on the Public Health advice issued by the HSE and Gov.ie

  • display information on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and correct handwashing techniques

  • agree with staff, a worker representative who is easily identifiable to carry out the role outlined in this plan

  • inform all staff and pupils of essential hygiene and respiratory etiquette and physical distancing requirements and be informed of their legal obligation under section 13 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 that they are required to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves, their colleagues and other parties within the workplace.

  • Inform staff of the requirements to increase separation and decrease interaction.

  • Ensure parents and staff are informed of their obligations to ensure that they are aware of the signs and symptoms of Covid 19 and refrain from attending school should they have any such symptoms

  • adapt the school to facilitate physical distancing as appropriate in line with the guidance and direction of the Department of Education

  • keep a contact log to help with contact tracing 

  • Maintain a log of staff and pupil contacts

  • ensure staff engage with the induction / familiarisation briefing provided by the Department of Education

  • implement the agreed procedures to be followed in the event of someone showing symptoms of COVID-19 while at school

  • provide instructions for staff and pupils to follow if they develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19 during school time

  • implement cleaning in line with Department of Education advice

  • follow new guidelines on ventilation 

  • Ensure correct use of PPE and that adequate amounts of PPE are ordered and available to staff. 

  • Ensure mask wearing is implemented

  • Ensure that the ventilation policy is followed

  • Put relevant yard duty and staggered entry and exits procedures in place.

  • Ensure there is no congregating at the school gate

  • Ensure that parents are aware to make contact via email/phone with the school.

All school staff will be consulted on an ongoing basis and feedback is encouraged on any concerns, issues or suggestions.

This can be done through the Lead Worker Representative(s), who will be supported in line with the agreement between the Department and education partners.