Swadlincote Primary School's Catalogue of Measures Put In Place For Reopening

Swadlincote's Belmont Primary School has unveiled a catalogue of measures being put in place for the return of the first tranche of pupils next month.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Sue Davies says the Belmont Street school is looking forward to welcoming back children - but 'school routines are different'.

The Government is aiming for a gradual reopening of primary schools starting with nursery, reception, Year 1 and Year 6 on 1 June, although this is not yet a fixed date.

The letter details the planned reopening including:

• a one-way system for drop off and collection with times 'slightly staggered' and two metre spacing marked out in case there is a queue
• one parent should bring a child and parents must not gather at the gates or on the yard
• pupils will be supervised at two metre intervals to wash their hands on arrival in class
• each child will belong to a 'pod', with younger pupils in their own classroom with their teacher and a familiar adult
• staff will be assigned to a pod and groups will be kept apart
• Early Years Foundation Stage pupils will not be able to free flow between classes
• pupils will to stick to one room during the day
• the playground is zoned to ensure each pod can be outdoors without mixing with other pods
• pupils will not use cloakrooms, keeping coats etc on the back of their chair
• there will be no assemblies or group gatherings
• pupils will eat lunch - either a pack-up from home or a 'grab bag' school meal provided by Derbyshire County Council - at their desk
• doors and windows will be open as much as possible

"The normal curriculum cannot be delivered and staff will need to keep at a two metres distance wherever possible," says Mrs Davies.

"Staff will use the home learning resources for lessons ensuring they can be undertaken at a safe distance.

"We currently expect about 10 pupils per pod which is lower than the 15 limit suggested by the Government.

"Each pod has designated toilets and sinks to reduce cross contamination.

"We have additional cleaning in place and new pedal bins in classrooms to be emptied throughout the day.

"Pupils will wash their hand frequently and we have hand sanitizer.

"In line with guidance staff will not wear face masks etc but we have sets of PPE should they need to administer first aid or should they need to isolate and supervise a pupil showing COVID-19 symptoms until a parent arrives.

"We have an isolation space and toilet on each side of the road should we need it."

Mrs Davies reiterates that anyone showing symptoms 'must not come to school'.

"I am sure this seems like a lot to take in and I can assure you we are working hard to follow Government, union and local advice to ensure pupils and staff can return as safely as possible," she concludes.