Region: NI

“COVID-19 has not gone away and is likely to remain with us for some time. You should continue to do all you can to keep yourself and others safe.” NI Direct

“Everyone should self-isolate immediately if:

• they have symptoms of Coronavirus (they should take a lateral flow test and can end isolation if they test negative)
• they have tested positive for Coronavirus (up to 10 days isolation with potential to release early from day six following two consecutive negative tests 24 hours apart)

If you have symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, you should begin self-isolating and take a lateral flow test” NI Direct Self Isolation

EA MySchool COVID Resources “EA officers will remain available to support schools in the management of disruption caused by Covid-19 Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.  To ensure we can prioritise requests, please use the form linked below and follow the instructions on the form page. EA Officers will be monitoring requests received through this link.  We will phone back to your school as soon as possible (within 2 hours) for urgent cases.  For less complex cases the request will be passed to your COLO who will be in touch within 24 hours or for a simple request we will reply to you by email.

To request advice or support from EA or the PHA click the link below and complete the short form:

 https://forms.office.com/r/SmfZwYLZPh

This link is for use by school leaders only.  Please do not share contact details to parents or the community as their requests will reduce our capacity and increase waiting times for schools.”

INTO Advises Principals:

• Keep the schools Board of Governors informed of the situation in the school
• Inform employing authority of necessary steps up to and including school partial or full closure
• Contact the school COVID Link Officer to update and discuss additional support and guidance whenever you feel the need for additional support
• Review individual risk assessments for Staff who are CEV, CV, BAME, Pregnant who are in the workplace
• When speaking to the EA a principal can request in writing the advice they are given to share with the Board of Governors, staff, parents etc
• When speaking to the PHA a principal can request in writing advice that has been given by the PHA advisor and if a principal wishes to seek further guidance they can request to speak to the on call consultant in line with the guidance received from the PHA to INTO “Should a school principal have a question or concern about the advice being provided by PHA’s school team, they should raise this with the call handler who can escalate this to the consultant in charge who will discuss further with the principal” “The team is supervised by a Consultant in Public Health Medicine who is available to provide further advice and guidance on the management of unusual or complex scenarios.”

DE Guidance Identification and Response Symptoms:
“Where a school is confident in managing a case or series of cases themselves through usual sickness and absence processes for staff and children then they should do so.  Where further advice is required the EA confirmed cases portal remains available. “

“PHA remains responsible for identifying and communicating with close contacts of a positive case. Schools are not involved in this process unless they are contacted by the PHA. The definition of a school-based close contact is detailed on the PHA website along with other frequently asked questions in relation to contact tracing in schools. Outside of school and other structured and supervised settings children will use the same close contact definition as the general population. This includes close contacts within the same household.”

“Non-Compliance with NI Direct Guidance

There may be some staff members and/or pupils, who do not comply with the public health guidance on COVID. Equally, some SEN pupils may be unable to take a COVID test.

Where it is clear to a Principal that such an individual has been:

• a close contact of a confirmed case, based on the appropriate PHA definition of a close contact; or,
• displaying clear main identified COVID symptoms;

in line with their general duty of care for all pupils and staff, the Principal should inform them that they cannot attend the school until the processes for self-isolation have been completed. Where such an individual attends school, they should be moved away from other pupils and be sent home from the school until they can confirm that the relevant PHA protocols have been followed.

Where an individual is displaying symptoms of COVID but will not or cannot have a test, the Principal should contact the EA for further advice.”

“Children under the age of five
Parents of children under five are encouraged to follow the guidance above.
If the child develops symptoms and it is not possible to carry out a lateral flow test because the child will not tolerate the swab, parents and carers should take a cautious approach and avoid contact with vulnerable and older adults.
They should also stay at home until they do not have a temperature and are well enough to return to school or childcare.” NI Direct

Additional Information on future proposed changes are laid out in the Department of Health COVID-19 Test, Trace and Protect Transition Plan.

“If you have symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, you should begin self-isolating and take a lateral flow test. These are available for free for this purpose.” NI Direct

Staff who test positive must inform the principal as soon as possible and should stay at home as advised, following the latest Government stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

Self-Isolating NI Direct advice

Inform your principal as soon as possible.

Principals use code CV on NISTR.

DE Absence Guidance provides support in scenario 6 https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/education/COVID-19%20Pay%20Absence%20and%20Staffing%20Guidance%20-%20Updated%2029%20April%202022.pdf

“Scenario 6: Staff who have a dependent who is required to self-

isolate as a result of COVID-19

The exceptional circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic have particularly impacted on staff with dependents. It is recognised that in an emergency situation a member of staff may be unable to attend school/work place in their usual capacity at very short notice due to their child being required to self-isolate for a period of time due to COVID-19 and there being no one else available to care for their young child.

In these specific circumstances, the member of staff should be facilitated to work from home. If the nature of the individual’s job prevents this the member of staff, in these circumstances and for the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, may request exceptional dependents’ leave from their Principal/Line Manager up to a maximum of 10 working days (pro-rated for part time staff) on normal pay.

Scenario 4 outlines that it is possible in many situations for a parent/ carer to attend work when a member of the household has tested positive.

In all other circumstances staff with dependents should continue to investigate and source all care options available to them in order that they can attend the school/work place. Principals/Line Managers and staff can also refer to the Responsive Working Toolkit for more information on the range of existing flexible working and special leave options available to support them.”

DE Guidance “PHA remains responsible for identifying and communicating with close contacts of a positive case. Schools are not involved in this process unless they are contacted by the PHA. The definition of a school-based close contact is detailed on the PHA website along with other frequently asked questions in relation to contact tracing in schools. Outside of school and other structured and supervised settings children will use the same close contact definition as the general population. This includes close contacts within the same household.”

“Routine population contact tracing will no longer be recommended and contact tracing will be focused on identifying and protecting those most at risk from COVID-19.
While the routine identification and notification of close contacts in the community outside the household setting has ceased, if you are aware that you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you should be alert for symptoms and follow the general guidance to test if you develop symptoms of COVID-19.
This guidance applies to the whole population including children and young people.” NI Direct

“Children under the age of five
Parents of children under five are encouraged to follow the guidance above.
If the child develops symptoms and it is not possible to carry out a lateral flow test because the child will not tolerate the swab, parents and carers should take a cautious approach and avoid contact with vulnerable and older adults.
They should also stay at home until they do not have a temperature and are well enough to return to school or childcare.” NI Direct

Staff must be sent home immediately and advised to follow the guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection.

“If anyone displays any of the main identified symptoms of COVID in school, they must be sent home and are advised to follow the relevant NI Direct guidance. Schools should keep a full record of such actions” DE Guidance

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-self-isolating  “If you have symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, you should begin self-isolating and take a lateral flow test.”

Once the staff member has the result of their lateral flow test they must inform their Principal/line manager.

• Follow your school’s guidance/risk assessment of steps to follow. These should include:
  • Inform Senior Management.
  • Parents should be contacted to collect the pupil.
  • Social distancing guidance should be adhered to at all times.Every school should have a clear plan in place for a pupil who shows symptoms which adheres to DE Guidance. This plan should be shared with all staff and PPE accessible to all who require it. A risk assessment may identify staff who should not be supporting a child while quarantined eg. Staff who are CEV, CV or pregnant :“If anyone displays any of the main identified symptoms of COVID in school, they must be sent home and are advised to follow the relevant NI Direct guidance. Schools should keep a full record of such actions and request that a parent, carer, or guardian record their acknowledgement of this action.
    If a child should become symptomatic, schools should seek to ensure that the child is moved away from other pupils to a well ventilated area until they are able to be taken home, ensuring appropriate supervision at all times. If a member of staff has helped someone with symptoms, they do not need to go home unless they develop symptoms themselves.
    Further information on the management of a confirmed case remains available on the C2K exchange.” DE Guidance

NI Direct advises “If you are at higher risk from COVID-19 or have been previously identified as ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ or ‘vulnerable you should work from home where this is possible. 

If it is not possible for you to work from home you should discuss any individual needs and a return to the workplace with your employer. 

All employers have a 'duty of care' for staff and, in practice, this means taking all steps they reasonably can to support the health, safety and wellbeing of their staff.

If you have any concerns about your safety in the workplace, you are encouraged to discuss these with your employer or human resources department. “

NI Direct “Where you find that you have a disagreement with your employer, which you are unable to resolve, you should consider contacting the Labour Relations Agency (LRA).

The Law Centre NI also offers free, independent, specialist legal advice on employment rights and has established a dedicated COVID-19 response team for COVID-19 related employment rights matters.”

This includes pregnant women. “Once notified in writing of pregnancy Principals/Line Managers should carry out a risk assessment to follow the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.”

Principals/line managers should endeavour to support working from home, where possible, for example by asking staff to support remote education, carry out lesson planning or other roles which can be done from home.

If individuals cannot work from home they should have an individual risk assessment completed with mitigations identified and implemented to reduce risk.

The employee can be accompanied by a trade union representative or colleague to discuss individual risk assessments. They should, if necessary, be offered the safest available on-site roles.

See Appendix 1 & 2, Risk Assessment template

DE Guidance for Supporting Staff Scenario 5
“As defined in the supporting information below some employees will fall into categories specified as CEV with respect to the effects of COVID-19.
There is an onus on employing authorities and managers to take all steps they reasonably can to support the health, safety and wellbeing of their staff, particularly those at higher risk from COVID.
Since 12 April 2021 CEV staff were written to and informed by the Chief Medical Officer that they should continue to work from home where this is possible. Where it is not possible to work from home, staff can attend their workplace, provided their employer has taken all reasonable measures, as part of an individual risk assessment, to mitigate risk in the work place.

This advice will be subject to ongoing review of the status of the virus in Northern Ireland.

Risk Assessment
Principals/Line Managers should undertake an individual risk assessment with the member of staff to assess and control measures to reduce risk. This may involve reviewing a prior risk assessment in light of new advice. The aim of the risk assessment and subsequent control measures is to reduce risk to the individual.
Therefore, in most cases this will assist in reducing the risk to a staff member and support a return to the work place if they are unable to work from home. See the relevant risk assessment template.
Based on the outcome of a risk assessment the Principal/Line Manager and
Employing Authority reserve the right to request that clinically extremely vulnerable staff do not attend the work place. In this case the individual would continue to receive normal pay there would be no impact on absence triggers or contractual sick pay.
Exceptional CEV Directives and Evidence
In exceptional circumstances an individual may be directed by their GP or other medical specialist to continue to self-isolate. In this exceptional case the individual would continue to receive normal pay and there would be no impact on absence triggers or contractual sick pay. The Principal/Line Manager and Employing Authority may request evidence that a staff member has been advised to shield or self-isolate.
The Government is regularly monitoring its position on clinically extremely vulnerable individuals.
Click here for advice and further information on those considered CEV.
For advice on and further information on other vulnerable Groups, including advice on pregnant staff see Section 5

Current PHA advice does not require you to self-isolate. If a member of your household falls into this category, you are able to attend work.

Staff should have an individual risk assessment conducted before the most appropriate course of action is determined.

Letters of support from medical practitioners involved could be sought to aid the relevance of the risk assessment.

See Appendix A1 Risk Assessment template

https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/guidance-supporting-staff-return-schools

A person has a disability for the purposes of Disability Discrimination Act 1995 if they have a physical or mental impairment (including mental ill-health) which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Disability Discrimination Act: https://www.equalityni.org/ECNI/media/ECNI/Publications/Individuals/DisabilityDiscrimShortGuide2011.pdf

“People who are diagnosed with cancer, HIV and multiple sclerosis are deemed to be disabled from the point of diagnosis rather than from the point when the condition has some adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities”

The Act imposes a duty on employers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people to help them to remove barriers in gaining and remaining in employment.

Schools should ensure they make reasonable adjustments, as they are obliged to do, in addition to what they will have done to protect the health and safety of all of their employees. Suitable health and safety risk assessments should be carried out and adequate precautions taken. If a disabled employee previously had tailored adjustments at work, these might still adequately meet their particular needs when they return to work. However, it is important that schools are not complacent and are prepared to do more, where reasonable, recognising that individual needs change and may have changed during the pandemic. When considering reasonable adjustments HR advice is available from the Employing Authority.

As there is some evidence which suggests that COVID-19 may impact disproportionately on some groups with underlying health conditions, notably Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities (BAME), the Employing Authorities and schools should ensure that they support positive action measures such as the Occupational Health Service (OHS) providing practical support and advice to BAME staff, particularly if they are anxious about protecting themselves and their families.

All Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff with underlying health conditions and disabilities, who are over 70 or who are pregnant should be individually risk assessed and appropriate reasonable work place adjustments should be made following risk assessment. HR advice on this matter can be sought from the Employing Authority.

See Appendix A4 Risk Assessment template.

https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/guidance-supporting-staff-return-schools

If you are self-isolating and not displaying symptoms of COVID-19 you should report to your Principal that you are fit for work. Your Principal may direct you to continue to provide teaching through blended learning to the other pupils who are self-isolating.

Members/teachers working from home must have their own health and caring responsibilities taken into account, and the expectations of all concerned should be reflective of this.

Personal circumstances will vary and may impact on the number of hours a teacher can reasonably be expected to be engaged in preparation for and delivery of remote learning. INTO asks that schools update advice to parents on these matters to inform and manage parental/carer expectations.

Schools and members/teachers should be sensitive and mindful of potential difficulties faced by parents in trying to ensure that their children are engaged in the work that is provided by schools. What is sent home should be an offer of work that might be useful if circumstances allow for it to be done by pupils, rather than a demand for completion.

If a child is off school due to an illness then they are absent from school and work should not need to be provided. If the illness is ongoing the parent should inform the Principal and the EA to access support through their services.

DE have produced a risk assessment specifically for pregnant teachers. Risks and the mitigations that you need to discuss with your principal are clearly laid out. Members should also refer to the generic risk assessment advice which explains the matrix system used. This matrix may need amended to fit individual circumstance.

https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/guidance-supporting-staff-return-schools

Individual Risk Assessment for pregnant teachers updated August 21

There are 3 groups identified teachers less than 28 weeks pregnant, teachers 28 weeks+ and those teachers who are pregnant and also have underlying health conditions. INTO advises teachers to seek written medical information from their consultant or GP, where appropriate, to assist principals with risk assessments.

HSENI have also produced clear guidance, INTO advise teachers and principals to read this clear health & safety advice:

Pregnancy and Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the workplace | Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (hseni.gov.uk)

If a risk assessment identifies that a teacher should be working from home, they shall receive their normal pay in line with DE Guidance on Absence Relating to Coronavirus (May 22) p.12-14

NO. If you are unwell or experiencing symptoms, including a high temperature, from day 6 onwards you should wait until you are symptom free for 48hrs and feeling well before returning to school.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you should isolate for 10 days from the date you took the test or the date your symptoms started, whichever is sooner. That date is day zero.

You may be able to end your self-isolation period from day six if:

• you have two consecutive negative lateral flow test results taken 24 hours apart, with the first of these taken no earlier than day five (you should report all test results
• you do not have a high temperature

If either your day five or six tests are positive you should not leave isolation.

You should continue to test daily and only leave isolation early (before you have completed 10 full days) after you have had two consecutive negative Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests taken at least 24 hours apart.

You should stop testing after you have had two consecutive negative test results.

If you still have a high temperature, you should continue to self-isolate until your temperature has returned to normal for 48 hours.

If you leave self-isolation on or after day six following two negative lateral flow results, you are strongly advised to:

• limit close contact with other people in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces
• minimise contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19
• do not visit a hospital and other health and care setting

If your lateral flow tests continue to be positive and you have completed 10 full days of isolation:

• you do not need to take any more LFD tests after the 10th day
• you may leave isolation the following day

This is because you are unlikely to be infectious after the tenth day of your self-isolation period.

If you are concerned, you may choose to limit close contact with other people, especially those who are at higher risk of severe illness until 14 days after the start of your self-isolation period.

Separate guidance applies to health and social care.

Close contacts who are not fully vaccinated should not end isolation early and should complete the full 10 days.  NI Direct

Yes, but you should be given time to provide it. The NHS website provides a self-isolation certificate which can be back dated if you have been identified as a close contact or positive test result (see link below)

DE Guidance: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/education/COVID-19%20Pay%20Absence%20and%20Staffing%20Guidance%20-%20Updated%2029%20April%202022.pdf

“5.5 Providing Evidence in relation to COVID-19
Staff may be required to provide evidence, including medical evidence where
appropriate, confirming the necessity for them or their dependents to self-isolate.
Staff will be afforded a reasonable period of time to provide evidence post recovery or requirement for self-isolation, in relation to any of the scenarios above (e.g. medical correspondence). If diagnosed with an illness unrelated to COVID-19 then the absence will revert to normal sickness scheme procedures.
If applicable, staff can obtain a self-isolation notice via the following NHS
website here.

Vaccination/ test result evidence: Principals/Line Managers do not require proof of vaccination or test results and should accept a verbal confirmation.”

Return to work meetings should be supportive and informative.

There is an expectation of a “re-orientation or re-introduction” for returning staff, the key focus should be on health, safety and wellbeing.

Risk assessments and school guidance relating to changes due to managing COVID-19 should also be shared. This may include individual pupil risk assessments.

Individuals should be facilitated with an individual meeting to discuss any adjustments and/or any ongoing support they may need to facilitate an effective return to the workplace. With regard to COVID-19 this may include individual risk assessments due to personal health conditions. These risk assessments are available at:

https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/guidance-supporting-staff-return-schools.

Members may also need to discuss a new working arrangement, especially if their domestic situation has changed because of the pandemic.

The mitigations must be outlined in a school specific risk assessment which all staff should be made aware of.

Every school must have risk assessments identifying the risks and mitigations in place. DE Guidance states “Risk assessments of individual settings should be undertaken to ensure that health and safety legislation and guidance is fully adhered to. These should be kept simple and accessible. It is a legal requirement that employers must consult with the health and safety representative selected by a recognised trade union or, if there isn’t one, a representative chosen by staff. As an employer, you cannot decide who the representative will be. To support this, the EA has developed good practice risk assessments which have been shared across education settings via existing communication channels.

Risk Assessments must be reviewed regularly and updated every time there is a significant change in circumstance, including where changes to the DE guidance apply.”

INTO advises all member to read DE Guidance on the Reduction of Virus transmission

School based Risk assessments on C2K Exchange/resources/Covid 19

DE Individual risk assessments

EA COVID FAQs for guidance on Cleaning etc

The key protection advice to minimise the spread of infection remains as: regular effective hand washing, good respiratory practice “catch it-bin it-kill it" and coughing into elbow, repeated cleaning of regularly touched points e.g. door handles, hand rails.

PPE falls into two categories. PPE necessary due to the risk associated with a particular task and PPE identified in individual risk assessments due to the personal health considerations of the individuals engaged in providing or receiving support and care.

Task specific PPE is identified through task risk assessments eg. where 2m social distancing cannot be maintained during 1-1 care, when supporting a child displaying symptoms, Aerosol Generating Procedures

DE Guidance for Aerosol Generating Procedures

Task specific PPE is identified through task risk assessments eg. where 2m social distancing cannot be maintained during 1-1 care, when supporting a child displaying symptoms, Aerosol Generating Procedures

“For one-to-one care or support between staff and pupils where social distancing measures cannot be maintained, e.g. classroom assistants, then face covering +/- PPE e.g. an appropriate face covering and visor, should be used as determined by a risk assessment.”

Staff using PPE should have adequate training in donning and doffing PPE safely. Bins must be provided.

Staff may also require PPE due to an individual risk assessment

Individual Risk Assessment CEV or  Pregnant Teachers 28wks+ if not working from home “Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if required by a PPE risk assessment, to the member of staff.  Staff must receive training on correct donning and doffing of PPE.  As a matter of course, it may be prudent for a member of staff in the third trimester to wear a Type IIR fluid resistant surgical mask (FRSM) if they decide to, or have to, remain in the workplace.”

Individual Risk Assessment CV or Pregnant Teachers up to 28wks if not working from home “If a pregnant woman is under 28 weeks, this risk assessment should be completed and precautions such as PPE put in place to minimise risk in the work environment.”

NB The risk assessment, supported by medical evidence, may identify that despite PPE the teacher should be working from home.

Advice in Guidance for Special Schools on PPE
“PPE
The EA will continue to work with schools in terms of procuring suitable and robust PPE for staff and any issues around the supply order should be raised with the EA for resolution.

Information is available on the EA website on the correct procedures for donning and doffing of PPE.

Special schools are asked to continue to work closely with the EA, PHA and HSCTs with regards to the particular arrangements required for the small number of pupils who require Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGP). The Department has issued PHA guidance to educational settings Guidance for Education Staff in Schools/Preschool/ Childcare Settings for Children/Young People who require Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs)

As part of a child’s care including meeting the requirements outlined in the child’s statement of special educational needs, it may be necessary for HSCT staff to visit schools. HSCT staff will be wearing appropriate PPE in line with HSCT policy and will work within DE and the school’s COVID management arrangements.”

INTO advise members to raise concerns about health and safety and PPE with the Health and Safety Rep and principal in the first instance requesting a risk assessment to identify risk and mitigations. Principals should raise concern with their Covid Link Officer and seek advice in the first instance.

Your Principal’s/Line Manager’s role is to be supportive. You should be able to discuss concerns with them.

If you have been off and are returning to school you should be offered  a return to work meeting for the Principal/Line Manager to outline the Health & safety guidance (taking heed of social distancing of 2m). This will include changes that have needed to be made in the school and the generic risk assessments based on your working environment.

If you require an individual risk assessment this will be discussed confidentially with the Principal/Line manager.

If you have concerns about safety practice in the school your concerns should be brought to the attention of the Principal/Line Manager, informally first but if you remain dissatisfied with the response then in writing.. Within the COVID Safer Schools Guide INTO advise that “ the Principal and Board of Governors Board identify a Staff Representative to help advise staff and to monitor compliance with Covid-19 control measures in the school” https://www.into.ie/app/uploads/2019/07/2020_06_23_INTOGuide_Covid_SaferSchools.pdf

If you are anxious about being in school it is important that you seek support. Any member who feels unwell or anxious is advised to contact their GP for medical advice. Your wellbeing must be a priority. Your school should be prioritising your well-being as business critical. If anyone feels the need for additional support remember support is also available through Inspire https://www.inspirewellbeing.org/

We have all had different experiences through COVID, a school focus on staff welfare should ensure “every employee feels they are returning to a supportive and caring environment”.

If you have concerns about safety practice in the school your concerns should be brought to the attention of the Principal/Line Manager, informally first but if you remain dissatisfied with the response then in writing.

If you have concerns about your immediate safety you should remove yourself from the situation, if you have a duty of care of children or young people at the time ensure the safety of all and immediately bring the risk to the attention of your principal/line manager.

Every school must have risk assessments identifying the risks and mitigations in place. DE Guidance states “Risk assessments of individual settings should be undertaken to ensure that health and safety legislation and guidance is fully adhered to. These should be kept simple and accessible. It is a legal requirement that employers must consult with the health and safety representative selected by a recognised trade union or, if there isn’t one, a representative chosen by staff. As an employer, you cannot decide who the representative will be. To support this, the EA has developed good practice risk assessments which have been shared across education settings via existing communication channels.

Risk Assessments must be reviewed regularly and updated every time there is a significant change in circumstance, including where changes to the DE guidance apply.”

Within the COVID Safer Schools Guide INTO advise that “ the Principal and Board of Governors Board identify a Staff Representative to help advise staff and to monitor compliance with Covid-19 control measures in the school” https://www.into.ie/app/uploads/2019/07/2020_06_23_INTOGuide_Covid_SaferSchools.pdf

A letter from the Employing bodies 9/12/2020 stresses the importance of following the guidance “Management Side takes this opportunity to remind all schools that they must fully comply with the guidance as issued. In circumstances where a school encounters an issue with any aspect of operational compliance, the school must immediately contact its Cross Organisational Link Officer for further advice.”

This should be covered in the whole school risk assessment. (Risk Assessment Templates available here).

DE Guidance Reduce Virus Transmission “All visitors to the school should be encouraged to wear a face covering.”
INTO would advise schools should have signage at entrance points reminding of social distancing and use of face coverings by visitors specifically contractors & deliveries. Social distancing should be adhered to at all times.

Essential visits from EA support services will be carried out after EA have carried out their own risk assessments. Risk Assessments & guidance for EA support staff are available on c2k exchange.

"Risk Assessments and Toolkit for support staff​. This toolkit includes Risk Assessments for:​

• • staff visiting schools/other EA premises during the covid-19 pandemic
  • support staff directly supporting pupils during the covid-19 pandemic
  •  staff visiting private homes during the covid-19 pandemic
  • extremely Clinically Vulnerable pupil and those pupils living with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable, returning to school during the covid-19 pandemic
  • social distancing and hygiene practices for pupils with SEN during the covid-19 pandemic
  • ​intimate care for a SEN pupil during the covid-19 pandemic”

Your principal/line manager and the principal of the school you are visiting should have completed a risk assessment. This must be shared with you and all relevant members of staff to ensure awareness of mitigations.

EANI Sharepoint  https://sharepoint.eani.org.uk/COVID-19/Documents/Generic

C2K exchange has information specific risk assessments and a toolkit to support safe working.

https://c2kexchange.c2kschools.net/Covid-19/Documents/Covid%2019/Risk%20Assessments%20for%20Services%20and%20staff%20working%20in%20Educational%20Settings%20%20Toolkit-%2023-12-20.pdf

If you have any concerns you must bring these to the attention of your principal/line manager urgently.

No.

Responsibility for cleaning lies with the principal and is delivered through the school caretaker/building maintenance.

DE guidance directs to EA Cleaning FAQs

“Regular cleaning plays a vital role in limiting the transmission of COVID-19.

As a minimum, frequently touched surfaces should be wiped down twice a day and one of these should be at the beginning or the end of the school day. EA cleaning staff will continue to undertake the normal cleaning regime at the end of each school day. Building Supervisors should continue to provide an ongoing cleaning service to the entire premises (including toilet areas) throughout the school day.”

“Staff should keep their own workspace clean.  Schools should supply staff with cleaning materials such as antibacterial wipes or disinfectant with disposable cloths to keep their own desk/table/workstation clean.

Staff are responsible for cleaning personal items that have been brought to work and are likely to be handled at work or during breaks, e.g. mobile phone, and should avoid leaving them down on communal surfaces or they will need to clean the surface after the personal item is removed.”

“Staff should use their own cup/cutlery/crockery and ensure these are cleaned straight after use.”

INTO advise Principals when reporting positive cases to EA/PHA to seek specific guidance on cleaning needs. A cluster is specified in EA guidance as requiring an enhanced clean by the Rapid Response Team.

Advice on EA cleaning services has been updated   https://www.eani.org.uk/covid-faqs-and-guidance  following change in guidance from Chief Medical Officer and PHA.

“The Chief Medical Officer and PHA have now confirmed that enhanced cleaning is not required in most circumstances where there is a confirmed case of Covid-19.  Normal cleaning is deemed appropriate and therefore the standard clean at the end or start of the day is sufficient.  The Rapid Response Cleaning Teams will therefore be stood down in this capacity by week commencing 20 September 2021.

Where PHA specifically advise that an enhanced clean is required due to exceptional circumstances such as a cluster, schools should contact the EA Cleaning Service to arrange an enhanced clean by the Rapid Response Team.

The EA Cleaning Service will continue to provide advice and guidance to all schools in relation to Covid 19 cleaning related issues.  Please contact the cleaning service via email at cleaning.covid19@eani.org.uk “

Every school must have completed site specific risk assessments. The mitigations to protect staff and pupils should be shared with all staff, be clear and implemented.

The key mitigations of social distancing, ventilation, hand washing (including the provision of hand sanitiser), respiratory hygiene should all be in place.

If a teacher has any concerns, they should immediately bring this to the attention of their principal and health & safety rep (if their school has one) to ensure necessary mitigations are in place.

DE Guidance Section 2 Reduction of Virus Transmission “While schools may wish to continue to put in place their own contact reducing measures, it is no longer recommended that pupils are maintained in consistent groups or bubbles. “

The school risk assessments provided by the EA to every sector (Risk Assessment Templates available here) identify this as a risk to be mitigated.

“If teachers collect individual students work for marking, this should be marked within the classroom, they should apply good hand washing procedures or use hand sanitiser at regular intervals and should be discouraged from touching their face after handling pupils books. The use of gloves is not recommended as the misuse or removal of gloves incorrectly, could inadvertently cause contamination.   Consider the use of other forms of feedback techniques such as verbal feedback, whole class feedback, self-assessment or comments written onto post-it notes etc.”

Yes, when mitigations are in place and consideration of current case levels in the school and community has been considered. INTO advise a risk assessment is completed.  Alternative options may be necessary to support those with  individual risk assessments.

DE Guidance Section 2 Reduction of Virus Transmission
“In school meetings between school staff are able to be held face to face if a school wishes to do so. Schools should be mindful of the need to ensure appropriate mitigations are in place rooms such as using a suitably sized, well ventilated room and that staff are encouraged to keep their distance.

Through schools’ knowledge of current case levels both in their schools and in the community, the levels of mitigations employed by that school are able to be flexed over the short term to reflect current circumstances. For example, during a period of particularly high case numbers, schools may wish to consider short term alternatives to the hosting of some gatherings such as school assemblies or some face-to-face meetings.”

DE Guidance Section 2 Reduction of Virus Transmission “Schools are able to host face to face meetings/events with parents and visitors, subject to appropriate mitigations being put in place, but digital alternatives remain available and each school should determine the benefits of each approach for their school community.”

“Through schools’ knowledge of current case levels both in their schools and in the community, the levels of mitigations employed by that school are able to be flexed over the short term to reflect current circumstances. For example, during a period of particularly high case numbers, schools may wish to consider short term alternatives to the hosting of some gatherings such as school assemblies or some face to face meetings. While such actions are likely to be appropriate only in very limited circumstances, it allows schools to be agile in their response to changing local circumstances.”

INTO advise that a Risk Assessment should be completed, in line with DE Guidance, and shared with all in attendance.

DE Guidance Reduce transmission “Good ventilation is one of the key controls to prevent the spread of COVID. Further advice from the EA is available on measures to enhance ventilation,  what to do if schools have a concern about ventilation, and on the use of CO2 monitors.”

INTO advises members read the DE Linked Documents:

Sage Advice on Ventilation states “In workplaces that rely on natural ventilation it is important to keep vents open and regularly open windows especially in spaces that are shared with other people. Opening windows (and sometimes doors as well) intermittently, for example for 10 minutes every hour, can be effective at reducing the risk from virus in the air. If this is combined with a break where occupants leave the room (e.g. in meeting rooms or class rooms) this is even more effective.
If a space feels stuffy or is smelly then it is likely to have a low ventilation rate. Any room with openings that can be used by occupants can be naturally ventilated.
Spending a very short period of time in a poorly ventilated space is unlikely to pose a significant risk, especially if people are wearing face coverings. However, if you are in a poorly ventilated room with a lot of people for a long time, this is likely to be a much higher risk environment for transmission.” (advice is also available in this document regarding CO₂ monitors.

HSENI Ventilation & Covid 19 States “Good ventilation is therefore an important component of an employer’s overall strategy to reduce Covid-19 in the workplace. In particular ensuring multi-occupant workplaces where individuals are in the same room/space together for an extended period of time are well ventilated to help prevent the build-up of the virus and reduce the risk of transmission.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1993 require all employers to ensure that every enclosed workplace is ventilated by a sufficient quantity of fresh or purified air and this has not changed.

“Why is ventilation important?
Even with other controls in place (including; social distancing, frequent hand washing, increased cleaning regimes, use of face coverings/transparent barriers/shields etc.), employers should still consider the risk from airborne transmission of the Covid-19 virus from aerosols in poorly ventilated indoor spaces, particularly if individuals are in the same room together for an extended period of time. Ventilation should therefore be considered as an important part of the hierarchy or risk controls”

“Increasing the occupancy of a space also increases the probability of airborne transmission. Ensuring a space has good ventilation and an adequate supply of fresh air can therefore help reduce the risk of spreading Coronavirus.

“Natural ventilation
Natural ventilation consists of opening windows and doors.  Changes to improve ventilation can be achieved by:

• partially opening doors and windows to provide ventilation while reducing draughts;
• opening high level windows in preference to low level to reduce draughts; and
• purging spaces by opening windows, vents and external doors (e.g., at suitable intervals if a space is occupied for long periods at a time).

Options to improve thermal comfort include:

• adjusting indoor heating systems to compensate for cold air flow from outside (e.g., higher system settings, increased duration);
• work locations could be relocated to avoid drafts and maintain social distancing; and
• encourage staff to dress appropriately for the indoor temperature.

“A strategy of short duration purging at regular intervals can be effective in controlling air quality and thermal comfort this will have to be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on building design, size, age etc.”

CIBSE COVID 19 Ventilation

“In naturally ventilated spaces, windows and vents are often the mechanism for providing outside air. In the colder months, the natural forces that drive air through these openings, wind and indoor/outdoor temperature difference are greater, so they do not need to be opened as wide. Opening just the high-level vents can enable more mixing of the outside air with air in the space and also warms the incoming air before it reaches the occupied zone. This allows more colder outside air to be introduced to the space without causing significant discomfort. It is better to open all the windows or vents a small amount to aid mixing and warming. If natural ventilation openings are the only mechanism for delivering outside air into a space it is important not to completely close them when the spaces are occupied as this can result in very low ventilation rates and increased risks of airborne viral transmission.”

In terms of ‘book scoops’ or their equivalent at present, while there is no instruction from INTO on this schools should be cognisant of both the guidance from DE in relation to safety during the current pandemic situation.

Also, EA risk assessments for Primary schools outlines that books should not currently be leaving the classroom:

“If teachers collect individual pupil’s work for marking, this should be marked within the classroom, they should apply good hand washing procedures or use hand sanitiser at regular intervals and should be discouraged from touching their face after handling pupil’s books. The use of gloves is not recommended as the misuse or removal of gloves incorrectly, could inadvertently cause contamination.   Consider the use of other forms of feedback techniques such as verbal feedback, whole class feedback, self-assessment or comments written onto post-it notes etc..”

When schools return to some form of normality, if book scoops are chosen as a method of monitoring and evaluating work then schools should be mindful of the workload implications around them and while they should be regular, they should not happen too often. There should be a focus for the book scoop, and they should be subject specific.

A teacher should not be asked to teach pupils in school and those isolating at the same time. A school may need to use or employ additional staff (identified as a COVID cost) to cover the class or teach remotely. It may also be possible for teachers who are working from home to deliver teaching to pupils who are self-isolating as close contacts. Every school should have a Policy for remote learning. Within the policy the school should mindful of the impact on teachers and in line with TNC 2020/1, have a contingency plan for preparing and delivering remote learning with due attention to the Individual Directed Time budgets of teachers. The policy should also address realistic expectations for pupils and parents.

INTO advises members to refer to the school’s policy for remote/blended learning. Time must be allocated within the 1265hrs (32.4hrs per week) to prepare for remote or blended learning.

DE Guidance Operations states
“As in normal circumstances, if pupils are ill they should take time to rest and recover and should not be working from home.

If an individual child or a small number of pupils within a class or across a year group have to self-isolate for a designated period due to COVID-19, the Department has advised that parents should talk directly to their school about provision of education materials.  Schools will wish to support pupils as much as possible, however, clearly in these circumstances teachers will be continuing to teach all classes during the school day so expectations must be realistic.

Schools should continue to contingency plan for the delivery of remote learning in the event of local or wider school closures, or that a large group of pupils within the class need to self-isolate. In the current public health context, schools will wish to have detailed plans in place although new rules on self-isolation of close contacts should make this possibility more unlikely.  Further detail can be accessed on the DoH website.”

The Department’s Circular 2021/01 Guidance on Remote Learning provides advice and guidance to schools on supporting remote learning.  It outlines a range of key principles which should underpin schools’ remote learning programmes. The Department has also simplified its remote learning guidance into a one-page, quick glance document for schools entitled Effective Practice in Remote Learning.

…..A very small number of children may be advised by their clinical team not to attend school.  Where a child has been medically advised by a consultant not to attend school during 2021/22, schools should consult with parents and, as required, the Education Authority regarding education provision for these pupils.”

DE Circular 2021/01 Guidance on Remote Learning provides an outline of Remote learning for schools

“The Department is very conscious of the pressures faced at this time by teachers and classroom assistants. Consequently, whilst this section sets out high-level principles that schools may wish to consider when further developing their remote learning programmes, the Department intends this guidance to provide support and assistance only.”

Resources are available through the supported learning links on EANI website: https://sites.google.com/c2ken.net/teacherprofessionallearning-ea/home

CCEA Wellbeing hub – Resources for pupil wellbeing linked to NI Curriculum

Home learning Hub - advice for parents on the NI Curriculum

Advice is available from COVID Link Officers, ETI and EA.

There are many demands being made of Principals from DE, EA, Employing Authorities, PHA, Staff and parents.

It is essential that you use all support mechanisms available to you to manage your workload: Governors, School Link Officer, District Inspector, PHA, EA, Employing Authority, Health & safety Rep & Trade union reps in school and your union.

Work life balance is essential. You may need to ensure this yourself. The EU Working Time Directive directs a minimum daily rest period “in every 24 hours a worker is entitled to a minimum of 11 consecutive hours of rest” make it happen.

During the COVID pandemic Health & Safety is the priority.

• School specific Risk Assessments “should be kept simple and accessible. It is a legal requirement that employers must consult with the health and safety representative selected by a recognised trade union or, if there isn’t one, a representative chosen by staff. As an employer, you cannot decide who the representative will be.”

C2K Exchange provides support documents

COVID-19 Risk Assessment
DE / HSCNI has confirmed there is no longer a requirement for COVID-19 specific risk assessments for all staff at higher risk of various health issues, previously defined as falling into the following categories: Clinically Vulnerable, Clinically Extremely Vulnerable.

This is in line with the normal situation where an overall general employers’ risk assessment for all staff is sufficient for vulnerable staff.

Pregnant Teachers
DE / HSCNI has confirmed there is no longer a requirement for COVID-19 specific risk assessments for staff who are pregnant. This is in line with the normal situation where an overall general employers’ risk assessment for staff is sufficient for pregnant staff.

The normal pregnancy assessment may include COVID risks but there is no requirement for an additional COVID specific assessment for this group.

However, where additional written medical evidence / advice is presented by pregnant teachers, their general risk assessment should be tailored to the individual need to reflect the medical advice presented. INTO advises Principals to read the following DE Guidance document for all possible scenario examples. https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/education/COVID-19%20Absence%20Pay%20and%20Staffing%20Guidance%20-%20Updated%2031%20August%202022.pdf

Ventilation is a concern in many schools. INTO advises members to read the DE Guidance and attached docs and bring concerns to the immediate attention of their Governors, LO and inform the INTO. This issue has been highlighted with Education Committee as one that DE must provide additional support for.

Teaching principals have the additional demand of teaching. Ensure that your non-teaching day(s) are protected, if workload demands created by COVID are excessive communicate this to the Chair of your BoG and consider identifying additional non-contact days as COVID related expenditure.

Funding will present challenges to schools in light of the communication from EANI on 5^th April. https://www.eani.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-04/COVID-19%202022-23%20Expenditure%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions_1.docx

“Any school facing financial difficulty should contact their Finance Officer, in the normal way.

In order for this expenditure to be tracked please continue to code all COVID-19 related expenditure separately using the following codes:

Function Code 82093 goods/services

Function Code 8890    non-teaching staff

Alpha Code CV            temporary teacher costs.

VG/GMI schools should continue to have separate arrangements in place to monitor this expenditure.

Any work undertaken during holiday periods is voluntary and staff cannot be compelled to work.

All staff who volunteer to work additional hours beyond their contract must be remunerated and this should be agreed in advance.

Provision of materials for remote learning and all other activity associated with remote learning should cease for the duration of the holiday period.

The Principal will have discussed with the teacher a reasonable workload that can be completed from home. A teacher working from home should first and foremost manage their own home life situation and their wellbeing and that of their families. Regarding work it would be advisable to split the day into routines. Perhaps in the morning for an hour email etc. In the afternoon for an hour remote learning support. You need to organise time/work that works for you. This advice will be updated as the situation develops.

Further Guidance can be found here:

Working From Home: Getting the Balance Right and Making it Sustainable

INTO have always advised members to be cautious when contacting pupils at home, especially from their own home, or personal mobile phones.  INTO must also be mindful that this practice of telephoning pupils at home, coupled with the perceptions of both pupils and parents, may have child protection issues and INTO strongly advises its members not to contact pupils directly at home.

Further guidance can be found here:

https://www.into.ie/ni/2020/04/02/contacting-pupils-at-home-into-advice/

Working from home: https://www.into.ie/ni/2020/10/14/working-from-home-getting-the-balance-and-making-it-sustainable/

Communications with parents must be included within the 1265 directed hours.

The school must have agreed guidance with staff and parents on all phone call or tele-conferencing.

As with all health appointments teachers should try as far as is possible to get appointments/vaccinations outside of school times, however, where this is not possible members should inform their principal of the time as soon as it has made available to them.

DE have produced guidance for Principals and Boards of Governors Guidance

You may also request a referral to Occupational Health through your principal/line manager to discuss a return to work and reasonable adjustments.

From 01 July 2023 all sickness absence linked to COVID-19 will be treated in accordance with normal sickness absence procedures.

Scenario 3: Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, they should self-isolate and follow the latest rules and advice around self-isolation periods per NI Direct Guidance. ABSENCE, PAY AND STAFFING GUIDANCE RELATING TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Advice for Principals, Managers and Staff (Updated May 2023)(PDF) 4 | P a g e: All sickness absence will be processed via contractual sick pay in line with the relevant absence management procedures.

No. If you have been identified as a positive case of COVID then there is an understanding that you are on COVID leave for 5 days which is similar to sick leave in that there is no expectation that you should be carrying out duties associated with your employment.

Simply respond to the school and advise that you have COVID and are too unwell to undertake any working duties.

It is assumed that a teacher will return to work on the date specified on TR160, as confirmed by the Department of Education, and no further notification of return to work is required.
However, a teacher who wishes to return to work before or after the specified date, whether from ordinary or additional maternity leave, must give 28 days’ notice of the date on which they wish to return to work.

Teachers can discuss using up to 10 Keeping in Touch (KIT) days “without losing SMP/MA or bringing her maternity leave to an end as a result. This provision is intended to help to ease the teacher’s return to work.”

On return there should be a return to work meeting which should be supportive and informative.

There is an expectation of a “re-orientation or re-introduction” for returning staff, the key focus should be on health, safety and wellbeing.

Risk assessments and school guidance relating to changes due to managing COVID-19 should also be shared. This may include individual pupil risk assessments.

Individuals should be facilitated with an individual meeting to discuss any adjustments and/or any ongoing support they may need to facilitate an effective return to the workplace. With regard to COVID-19 this may include individual risk assessments due to personal health conditions. These risk assessments are available at:

https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/guidance-supporting-staff-return-schools.

Members may also need to discuss a new working arrangement, especially if their domestic situation has changed because of the pandemic. Principals have the Responsive Working during COVID-19 A Managers Toolkit (Aug 20) outlining supports available.

Yes

COVID – 19 Absence Pay and Staffing Guidance: Updated 31 August 2022 states:

“Scenario 6: Staff who have a dependent who is required to self-isolate as a result of COVID-19

The exceptional circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic have particularly impacted on staff with dependents. It is recognised that in an emergency situation a member of staff may be unable to attend school/workplace in their usual capacity at very short notice due to their child being required to self-isolate for a period of time due to COVID-19 and there being no one else available to care for their young child.

In these specific circumstances, the member of staff may be facilitated to work from home. If the nature of the individual’s job prevents this the member of staff, in these circumstances, may request provisions contained within the relevant exceptional leave provision subject to Principals/Line Manager’s approval.

Scenario 4 outlines that it is possible in many situations for a parent/carer to attend work when a member of the household has tested positive.

In all other circumstances staff with dependents should continue to investigate and source all care options available to them in order that they can attend the school/workplace.

INTO negotiated the inclusion of pay protection for substitute teachers in the event of self-isolating while working at a school. DE Guidance on Absence applies to all staff. This includes both substitute teachers and non-teaching staff providing emergency cover for the period of time they have been engaged to work.

Isolation guidance is produced by the PHA.

If a teacher is off with COVID symptoms, they will be tested for COVID. If the test result is positive the area & room that they are working in should have had a deep clean in line with EA Guidance on cleaning available in the EA FAQs. Current guidance is that the class (P1-Yr14) will be isolating until they receive a negative PCR test.

Cleaning materials should be available within the school for use. These will be stored securely in the classroom for health & safety reasons. C2K exchange has sector specific risk assessments. Each teacher should be provided with hand sanitiser and a basic cleaning kit.

If you have concerns about the health of a child in your class you should follow the school procedures, these will be laid out in the school guidance which must be provided and explained to you on your arrival.  Symptoms of COVID are a high temperature, persistent cough, change in sense of taste or smell. If you have not been provided with guidance you should bring your concerns about the health of a child/YP immediately to the attention of the school leadership and request a copy of the procedure for future reference.

Schools should all have completed a whole school risk assessment as well as individual risk assessments if necessary. There is no directive to complete a risk assessment specifically for substitute teachers, but this should be reflected in the whole school risk assessment. It is good practice that a risk assessment explicitly demonstrates that temporary staff and visitors to the school have been considered when developing mitigating measures to minimise risk.

If a school has produced guidance for its staff team this should provide you with clear advice and explanation.

DE Guidance on Risk Assessments states “Risk assessments of individual settings should be undertaken to ensure that health and safety legislation and guidance is fully adhered to. These should be kept simple and accessible. It is a legal requirement that employers must consult with the health and safety representative selected by a recognised trade union or, if there isn’t one, a representative chosen by staff.”

PHA guidance identifies pregnant women as being in the category of clinically vulnerable.

A principal will carry out a risk assessment to ensure that support measures are in place for a safe working environment.

Risk assessments used by all schools for pregnant teachers are available at DE https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/guidance-supporting-staff-return-schools

DE Guidance on supporting staff provides useful links and advice for all pregnant staff.

Advice is based on personal circumstance. We advise you contact pay in Derry to discuss your personal details:

https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/contacts/teachers-pay-team

No.

If you have received a directive to self-isolate, then you would not be available to work. When the school is booking you through NISTR they are booking you with the assumption that you are available to work at their school.

Retired teachers in the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Pension Scheme, can take on substitute teaching without impact to their pension as long as they do not earn more in retirement than they would have if they remained in employment.   If pension plus substitute earnings are greater than the “salary of reference” (the salary on which the pension was based uprated for inflation), the pension is abated.

There is scope for a retired teacher to work before they reach the point of exceeding their salary of reference and abatement of pension takes effect so this should have a limited impact in the short to medium term.

INTO have clarified the following with DE

• Abatement is only a feature of the Final Salary pension scheme and is not included in the more recent Career Average Scheme.
• There is no discretion within the NITPS regulations for abatement to be dis-applied.
• Any change to the current rules would require the regulations to be to be amended following a consultation process.

INTO further advise retired teachers to contact INTO and discuss reinstating their membership while providing substitute cover.

Yes.

Teachers’ Salaries and Conditions Committee wrote to principals in January 2022
https://www.into.ie/app/uploads/2019/07/2022_01_14_PRSDSuspension_Letter-to-Schools.pdf

“In the circumstances presented by the ongoing pandemic and recognising the adverse impact it continues to have, PRSD for the academic year 2021/22 will be discounted ( as it was in 2020/21). Therefore, Teachers eligible for threshold or progression through UPS in September 2022 will not require evidence of PRSD Review Statements for 2020/21 and 2021/22. In relation to Leadership posts, PRSD Review Statements for the academic year 2021/22 will also be discounted.

It is the intention of TNC that PRSD will recommence in September 2022 – the PRSD meetings from September 2022 will only have the Planning element of PRSD (i.e. agreeing three new objectives for the 2022/23 academic year) and no review of previous objectives. Therefore all Principals, Vice Principals and Teachers will have three new objectives agreed for the 2022/23 academic year, which will be reviewed in June/September 2023 at which time three new objectives will also be agreed for the 2023/24 academic year thus allowing PRSD to return to its normal annual cycle.”

The announcement on Friday, 27 March in relation to essential work makes it clear that teachers should not be travelling to their place of work and should work from home. Effective 6pm, on Monday, 30 March, school buildings are no longer be accessible to school staff until Easter Sunday, 12 April (except in the case of school staff who are involved in planning for the distribution of school meals to vulnerable pupils- see update on school meals).

Education is an essential service and we need to ensure, so far as reasonably possible, that the children in our schools and classes continue to engage with a range of learning activities.

The letter from the Secretary General of the DES to teachers and principals on 25 March states “Education continuity is critical, in this crisis, for students at all levels of the education sector. In that respect, all schools are expected to proactively ensure that all of their staff contribute to the continuation of educational provision for their students during this period.”

Home-learning has posed challenges for many parents and guardians but since the outset of the closure teachers have provided much assistance in terms of sharing invaluable knowledge online to the benefit of others.

By offering guidance and practical advice, you’ll be providing vital tools to those managing home learning for the first time and can help keep children’s learning on track during this unprecedented time while schools are closed. Post links to recommended teaching resources that provide useful material for parents and guardians who may be continuing to feel the pressure of creating their own curriculum. It’s also a good idea to reassure families who are struggling that they’re not expected to re-create school at home. Children may be feeling anxious and if they’re finding it difficult to keep up with structured learning, they can learn other life skills at home through cooking, baking, physical exercise, play and meditation. INTO has compiled a comprehensive list of home-schooling resources for you to share.

The Professional Development Support Service (PDST) has assembled a list of resources for distance learning and this can be accessed at https://www.pdst.ie/DistanceLearning. In a recent trend, teachers are taking to social media to offer help to their online community. In a post, teachers state their area of expertise, whether they teach in primary or secondary, and offer their support to parents and guardians who are at home with young children or home-schooling. This can be a great support but ensure that you prioritise the learning of the children in your own school.

Members are reminded that if you are providing support online, consider setting up an email/social media presence specifically for professional purposes rather than providing access to your personal account.

No formal lessons or instructions should be provided by teachers during the Easter period. Schools should ensure that parents and pupils are aware that any home based/remote learning will not take place during this break. We are all in this together and parents need our help, so we are encouraging our members to provide some guidance to parents on activities for their children during the break (reading, useful websites for learning, activities on the theme of Easter, etc.). Pupils should be encouraged to keep up their reading and other learning activities.

If you are still unfit for work, you should continue to provide certification to your school and to apply for illness benefit (if you pay Class A PRSI). Paid sick leave will continue in line with the provisions set out in Chapter 1 of Circular 54/19.

If you recover, you should indicate to your school/principal that you are now fit for work, and they should update the OLCS accordingly. If you have been absent for a short-term illness, on a medical certificate ending during the current closure, the school/ principal will follow the dates of the certificate and can end the sick leave during the closure. The principal can accept the teacher’s own doctor’s confirmation of their fitness.

If a teacher has been absent for a longer period – more than twenty-eight days consecutively or cumulatively in the past twelve months – they must be referred to the OHS, Medmark, and be certified as fit to work in order for the school/principal to end the period of sick leave on the OLCS.

Medmark has confirmed to INTO that it is continuing to operate and will provide telephone consultations during this time, and will be in contact with affected members.

If you need to apply for Critical Illness Protocol, you should do so in the normal manner.

In summary, sick leave should be treated as if the school was in operation.

The information note issued by the DES Payroll on 12 March is very clear that leave cannot be changed where an absence has been recorded on the OLCS and a substitute has been contracted to cover the leave:

Scheduled leave absences which have already been recorded on the OLCS cannot be deleted/amended as a result of the government direction to close schools.  Where a substitute was scheduled to work in the period of the school closure, then the school should continue to record that claim.  The substitute will be paid for that scheduled absence.

Because observations cannot be conducted during the Coronavirus epidemic, they will have to be postponed. Also given that UPS movement is usually not signed off by principals until October each year, INTO will be requesting that when schools reconvene for the 2020/21 academic term that they use September to carry out the missed observations from the 2019/20 academic year.

In the interim INTO will be pressing EA to introduce a COVID-19 waiver similar to the maternity waiver.

No. Only children from the defined groups who cannot be safely cared for at home. This will help to limit the chance of them both catching and spreading the virus.

No. This changes nothing.  INTO’s advice in regard to teachers with underlying conditions teaching remotely from home remains.  Also, teachers with caring responsibilities for people with underlying health conditions should also teach remotely from home.

Simply put, pupils can only be accommodated in schools if stringent social distancing can be adhered to.

• Inform parents of exactly what is expected from children
• Schools should not have any unnecessary visitors
• Ensure small class sizes
• Stagger school starting and finishing times
• Stagger lunch and break times

This may be required by the school but can be obtained retrospectively.