The Department for Education have published new guidance for schools on restricting attendance during the national lockdown. On 5 Jan, both England and Scotland went into lockdown. Rushed government reopening plans have led to guidelines on ‘safe’ class sizes being ignored by some schools, according to a survey published by UNISON today (Friday). Join UNISON and get essential cover wherever you work. He added that a statement will be published today. The joint unions, including UNISON, continue to believe that staff should only attend the workplace when it is sufficiently safe for them as individuals to do so. UNISON’s advice is that you should explain your situation to your employer, and we would expect your employer to be reasonable in accommodating your circumstances. For many children they would be better served by receiving a remote education. Statement on government announcement that schools and nurseries in England will remain open during the forthcoming lockdown, Letter from Jon Richards, UNISON head of education, about important issues that need addressing for schools and colleges to operate safely, School Food Plan Alliance checklist for COVID-19, UNISON head of education writes to Gavin Williamson asking why support staff have been ignored in government guidance and praise. We are dismayed that the new DfE guidance does not address concerns that UNISON and other unions have raised about the impact that new definitions of vulnerable and critical workers’ children will have on attendance and the ability to prevent viral transmission in schools. The point of a bubble is to minimise the risk of infection by minimising contact and mixing and to allow easier identification of contacts. A specialist cleaning team may have to be established. There are many government-backed schemes available to companies who provide school meals to help them through this time and reduce the effect on staffing. There is additional advice published by the Department for Education on cleaning the environment, which includes toys and equipment. Government guidance outlines the key workers who must remain active to deliver this education provision in England, which includes childcare, support and teaching staff, social workers and specialist education professio… Primary schools in the Tier 4 areas hardest hit by the new coronavirus variant are due to open on 18 January. We are taking these messages to the DfE and continue to urge them to change their position on keeping early years settings open. The section called ‘Ensuring good respiratory hygiene’ sets out the measures your school should be taking in this regard. Reopening delay is sensible to make school mass testing work, says UNISON. Please read the detailed advice we have produced for vulnerable employees. If you are instructed to carry out deep cleaning duties and you are not employed as a cleaner you should make clear to your manager that this is not your role. Evidence shows that pre-school children are less susceptible to infection and are not playing a driving role in transmission.’. The pandemic has affected everyone in different ways, and you might need support with anxiety about being in the workplace, stress from juggling caring responsibilities or coping with bereavement or isolation. To read in full go to: www.tuc.org.uk/news/education-unions-statement-safe-reopening-schools It’s back to school, but far from ‘back to normal’ for UNISON members and the wider community Posted in #BeOnTheSafeSide #OneTeam2K activist education Covid-19 economy health and safety member learning nhs pay regional secretary's blog schools reopening se education Given that whole year bubbles may be leading to an increased spread and largescale closures, ensuring that bubbles are of a workable size will minimise the risk of infection spreading throughout the school. The arrangements adopted by schools for minimising contact and maintaining social distancing are vital for staff and student safety. We will notify members by email when new FAQs are added. capability etc. You can also contact your local UNISON health and safety rep or local branch for further information and support. "Instead of creating chaos for parents and exposing workers to risks, the prime minister should be talking to trade unions about what steps are needed to make sure all schools are COVID-secure.". Opposition: Demand for rethink of 'rushed' school reopening plans In a tweet posted last night, Mr Richards said that, until the unions settle on a joint position, Unison members should not engage with planning for a return on 1 June. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player. The prime minister has announced an easing of lockdown and the relaxation of … PPE such as disposable gloves, aprons and medical grade face masks must be made available following a risk assessment and where it is not possible to implement government guidance on social distancing. The health and safety responsibilities owed by school and college employers. During this time many staff have stretched the boundaries of their job roles to help schools out while vulnerable colleagues were forced to stay away from work or while other colleagues were re-assigned to other areas. However, changing your hours of work is a change to the terms and conditions that you agreed to when you took the job and must not be done without your consent. If your employer still refuses, contact your local branch. The DfE’s guidance has a section called ‘Prevention’ which specifically deals with this. If you have any concerns about your educational setting or need support please contact your branch for advice. Lessons to be learned by government after limited schools’ reopening, says UNISON Survey highlights safety failings with some schools ignoring ‘safe’ class size guidance coronavirus schools risk assessments safe class sizes schools reopening social distancing If there are no school-based reps then schools should contact the local UNISON branch. UNISON does not believe that it is either possible or appropriate for a special school, college or alternative provision to be able to remain open to all pupils whilst ensuring the health and safety of pupils, carers and staff during the lockdown. There is also a model letter for you to send to your employer should you need it. The DfE guidance says most staff in education settings don’t need Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) beyond what is required for their normal work and that it is only needed in a small number of cases. Schools with a confirmed case of coronavirus can contact DfE’s dedicated schools coronavirus helpline on 0800 046 8687 to seek advice on what action is needed. But echoing his health secretary Matt Hancock, Boris Johnson insisted "schools are safe" and that the "risk to teachers is no greater than it is to people in any other line of work". It follows a longer statement addressed to the secretary of state for education on Friday (8 May), which fully detailed the principles and tests necessary for the safe reopening of schools. Many special and AP schools will also have higher numbers of vulnerable children and behaviour issues. The prime minister has insisted schools are safe, despite parents' anxiety and confusion. Significantly the government and Public Health England have now admitted the role of airborne transmission, particularly in poorly ventilated places where groups of people spend long periods of time together (this crucial new information is particularly important for schools). To undertake cover supervision, TAs should have skills and knowledge of at least level 3 and be paid at the appropriate grade for this level (see the NJC model job profiles). All risk assessments should be periodically updated or as and when local and or individual circumstances change. 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