FAQ’s on education provision Covid-19 precautions

 

If my child attends the The Bridge or Yzone, what measures have you put in place to keep them safe and reduce the risk of infection?

As we have been open throughout the lockdown period, we have had hygiene and social distancing protocols in place during this period so this will not be a new system for staff and students to undertake. The measures include:

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• All students have their temperature taken prior to entering the school premises. If their temperature is over 37.8 degrees, they will be asked to have their temperature taken again 5-10mins later as we are aware that some students may have been running around/cycling to school. Normally, if this occurs, their temperature reduces and a normal temperature is around 36-37 degrees. If a student continues to present a high temperature of over 37.5 degrees, they will be sent home and asked to isolate for 10 days.

• Students will be required to sanitise their hands using gel and also their phone using anti-viral wipes before entering or re-entering the school.

• Students are asked to wash their hands or use the sanitiser gel regularly throughout the day.

• Students are asked to maintain a 2m social distance between themselves, other pupils and staff throughout the day. 

• Staff will be cleaning door handles, tables and laptops at the end of every lesson throughout the day.

• Classrooms and the hall (which is used for lunch area) will be set up to maintain social distancing guidelines. Classrooms will have no more than three students at any one time. The lunch hall is marked out for students to eat with plenty of distance between them and others.

• Students on Active provision must wear a mask whilst on the minibus and possibly at times in sports facilities. 

 

My child has transport provided to get to school, how does this work with social distancing?

All of the taxi company’s used and our school minibus for students who have transport provided are following the government guidelines on social distancing and maximum numbers of people in vehicles. All students who come in taxis are required by new government restrictions that a mask must be worn. Masks are also compulsory on public transport such as trains and buses.

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Do students have to wear facemasks whilst in school?

As of the 4th January 2022, face coverings are required in all school classrooms and communal areas. Face coverings are mandatory on the Active minibuses and also all transport. If your child has a medical exemption, please forward the copy of the medical exemption to our school reception.

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If students do not have a facemask, they are liable to be sent home.

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What happens if a student or member of staff at The Bridge displays symptoms of coronavirus?

When a child or staff member at The Bridge develops symptoms compatible with coronavirus, they will be offered a lateral flow test (LFT) which provides results within 30minutes. If the test is negative and the individual has a high temperature, cough, headache etc. they will be sent home and advised to undertake a PCR test and remain in self isolation until the results of the tests are back. 

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If the individual's results are confirmed negative, they are free to come back into school - if they are well enough to do so.

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What will happen if my child is taken ill with possible symptoms at school?

If you believe your child could possibly be displaying symptoms of Covid-19, please do not send them into school. However, we are aware that symptoms can come on very quickly and they may only display symptoms once at school. Each student has their temperature checked prior to entering the building but if your child does display symptoms (high temperature, persistent; new cough or loss of taste or smell), they will be immediately taken to our medical room by a first aider to remain in isolation and they can undertake a lateral flow test (LFT). We will call you immediately and ask if you can come and collect them and a reminder to book a test. Your child will be kept in isolation in the medical room away from other pupils and staff until you can collect them or we can arrange transport home. Our medical room has a bed and its own toilet so your child will be comfortable and have use of facilities whilst waiting to be collected.

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Are school meals still provided?

Yes they are and we have been providing all students meals throughout the lockdown period. Our school kitchen provides freshly cooked hot meals each day along with a variety of wraps or baguettes. As we are a small setting, we can still cater for all of our students safely and they can enjoy a hot meal in a safe and clean environment.

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How many students will be in each classroom?

We are going to have a limit of three students in a classroom at any one time. This also allows one teacher and a teaching assistant if required.

 

Will start and finish times for school remain the same?

Yes, due to our numbers of students and staff, we are maintaining AM and PM provision timetables so pupils are either out on Active provision or in centre for academic provision. Therefore, our school times are as normal – school commences at 9.00am and finishes at 2.30pm. Pupils attending Yzone will have their own timetable and provision as normal.

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Are pupil reviews still being conducted in school with parents?

Yes, we are now able to conduct pupil reviews and referral meetings in school but only one parent/carer and the pupil is allowed to attend in order to restrict numbers. We ask that if you have a meeting in school, you arrive on time (as we have to allow for additional time in between meetings to clean the room), use the hand sanitiser in reception before entering the building. 

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