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WQ.335/2021
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND EDUCATION
BY DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 5th JULY 2021
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 12th JULY 2021
Question
Will the Minister inform members what preparation, if any, is being undertaken for the return of schools in September, in light of the prospect that children may not have been vaccinated against Covid-19 and that some Covid-19 restrictions affecting schools may therefore still be in place?
Answer
The following preparations are being undertaken for a safe return to schools in September:
Senior officers are in regular meetings and discussions with colleagues from Health and SPPP (Strategic Policy, Planning & Performance), to review schools' return guidance and mitigation measures, which form part of the safety planning and risk assessment process. Regular briefings are provided to the Children and Education Ministerial Team.
Communication and consultation with Unions, Head Teachers and the Office of the Children's Commissioner will continue.
Following departmental/corporate strategic meetings the note of visit inspections has commenced with schools and business areas with safety plans and risk assessments being reviewed and updated.
The department's Covid risk management framework, self-evaluation and continuous improvements process has ensured the following mitigations are implemented:
• PCR and LFT (Lateral Flow Test) for all staff
• Good hand sanitising/hygiene messaging
• School ventilation systems and methods are being reviewed
• Masks are being worn in communal areas
• One-way systems implemented
• Bubble groups maintained
• Physical distancing maintained
• Safety signage and Government messaging reviewed and where required updated
• Cleaning strategies reviewed, with frequencies for horizontal surfaces and touch points increased
• Suitable and sufficient PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) provided
• Self-isolation areas
All the above is subject to change and dependant on the Government's reconnection strategy and meetings with colleagues from Health and SPPP planned during the summer.