Board-approved arrangements to partially 

re-open Paradigm Trust schools from 1 June (If Government confirms it is safe to do so at end May)

 

If you have feedback or questions/suggestions on this document, and you are a                         

member of staff, please share it initially with your line manager/principal. If you                         

are a parent/carer, or a member of staff/other stakeholder who wishes to make                         

a broader response, please send this to: 

consultation@paradigmtrust.org 

This document takes careful account of a wide range of DfE and gov.uk                         

guidance: 

● Planning guide for primary schools 

● Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education             

and childcare settings 

● Opening schools and educational settings to more pupils from 1 June:                     

guidance for parents and carers 

● Opening schools for more children and young people: initial planning                   

framework for schools in England 

● Actions for education and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening                     

from 1 June 2020 

● Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings,                   

including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) 

● Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care 

● Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) 

● Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus                   

outbreak 

● Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak 

● Managing school premises during the coronavirus outbreak 

 

 

Board-approved arrangements to partially re-open Paradigm Trust schools from 1 June│2 

● Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider                   

opening from 1 June 2020 

● What parents and carers need to know about schools and other                     

education settings during the coronavirus outbreak 

● Coronavirus (COVID-19): safeguarding in schools, colleges and other               

providers 

● Planning guide for early years and childcare settings 

● Guidance for secondary school provision from 15 June 2020 

It also takes careful account of the Health and Safety Executive’s advice on risk                           

assessment: Managing risks and risk assessment at work 

Principles and overarching rationale 

Paradigm is a values-led organisation. When we are faced with difficult situations                       

and decisions, and the current global health crisis definitely fits that description,                       

we need to fall back on our vision statement... 

To develop and sustain great schools where we can make the biggest                       

difference to pupils. 

...and our values: 

● integrity - doing the right thing even when no one is watching. 

● community - working together; learning from, and supporting, others. 

● excellence - enabling everyone to achieve more through education. 

There are tensions and legitimate anxiety about whether schools should be                     

preparing for a wider re-opening. Government is clear that, subject to further                       

public health guidance which we expect in late May, now is the right time to                             

make those preparations. Given that Paradigm does not have direct access to                       

 

 

Board-approved arrangements to partially re-open Paradigm Trust schools from 1 June│3 

its own world-leading expertise in epidemiology, we need to trust, critically (not                       

unthinkingly), the advice, guidance and direction we receive from Government                   

(comprising elected representatives and permanent civil servants, including               

independent scientific advisers). 

There is a fine line to walk - as an organisation premised on education and care,                               

we do not want to put our pupils - and their families - and our staff at                                 

unreasonable risk. Having said that, even in normal times it is impossible to                         

remove all risks from our everyday life. 

There are risks associated with moving beyond self-isolation and restarting                   

aspects of our country. We know that people who contract coronavirus                     

experience it in many ways - from no or mild symptoms to significant illness which                             

requires a significant period of recovery, all the way through to death. However,                         

there are also risks associated with continued school closures, and many of these                         

risks disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in our society: 

● interruption to the transformative power of education, which has the                   

potential to stunt emotional and physical development for the youngest,                   

and to reduce life chances and choices for all, and particularly those at                         

school transition points (e.g. those at the start and end of their primary                         

and secondary careers) 

● removal of a key protective measure for many vulnerable children who                     

are at risk of abuse or domestic violence (during lock down the amount of                           

urgent referrals to social care has reduced by more than 50% at a time                           

when it is likely that need for social care involvement has, in fact,                         

substantially increased) 

● creation of obstacles to parent/carer employment, where this is                 

dependent on the provision of childcare which is a by product of the UK’s                           

education system. The long-term impact of a deep recession, particularly                   

 

 

Board-approved arrangements to partially re-open Paradigm Trust schools from 1 June│4 

on the poorest families, and including in health terms, will be very                       

damaging. 

There are no easy answers but that cannot be a licence to sit on the fence. Our                                 

commitment in our vision statement to make the biggest difference to pupils                       

means that it is right to plan to gradually re-open our schools, when Government                           

tells us it is safe to do so. But, in turn, we must make that re-opening as safe as we                                       

possibly can. Our risk assessment approach needs, in line with our values, to: 

● achieve excellence (it must be thorough and meaningful) 

● be collaborative and iterative (working with our community including                 

pupils, parents/carers and staff) 

● be underpinned by integrity - we are clear on why we are doing what we                             

are doing, and we do, thoroughly, everything that we say we will do                         

(even if no one is watching). Our risk assessment document cannot ‘just’                       

be words. 

For Paradigm, this way of working is business as usual, even if the context is                             

anything but. 

This document outlines the Trust’s identification of risks associated with the                     

gradual, partial re-opening of our schools, together with our intended ways of                       

working to minimise those risks as far as is reasonably practicable (as required by                           

the Health and Safety Executive). In terms of process, this document: 

● was developed initially by Exco (senior managers within Paradigm                 

including principals of each school and heads of operational services,                   

including the CEO) 

● was shared with all staff, and regional union representatives, with                   

comments and suggestions invited. The document was then revised                 

based on that feedback 

 

 

Board-approved arrangements to partially re-open Paradigm Trust schools from 1 June│5 

● was then shared with the Trust Board for review. The Board held a meeting                           

on 26 May and, after careful consideration and challenge, endorsed this                     

document as the basis on which to begin the gradual re-opening of                       

Paradigm schools, from 1 June, subject to Government confirmation that                   

it is safe to do so. 

The finalised document will now be reshared with staff and shares with                       

parents/carers. We will continue to invite feedback and will update and reissue                       

the document, as required, to take account of that feedback and to reflect                         

evolving Government guidance. It will be published on our web site. There will be                           

a formal review by Exco, including the CEO, on a weekly basis - with issues                             

escalated as appropriate to Paradigm’s Board.  

The CEO will require confirmation from each principal and service head that all                         

protective measures specified are in place before schools are permitted to                     

gradually and partially re-open. Where, exceptionally, measures are not fully in                     

place, the CEO will carry out a dynamic review of the risk assessment before                           

determining whether a school can re-open, seeking advice from the Board as                       

required. 

A separate working practices document has been developed to address                   

specifically those staff working in administrative and office-based roles across                   

Paradigm. This closely reflects the Government’s Working safely during                 

coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance. We expect to be able to display the Covid-19                       

secure poster in all of our schools by the first day of (partial) school re-opening: 

 

 

Board-approved arrangements to partially re-open Paradigm Trust schools from 1 June│6 

 

None of our schools closed fully, for a prolonged period, during lockdown - so full                             

estates recommissioning checks are not required. Even despite this, we have                     

commissioned a range of premises health and safety checks and tasks. We are                         

confident that all requirements in terms of estates health and safety legislation                       

and good practice have been met. 

The DfE has only recently published its guidance for secondary schools. Given                       

this, the Board was unable to determine whether Ipswich Academy should begin                       

 

 

Board-approved arrangements to partially re-open Paradigm Trust schools from 1 June│7 

to re-open to Y10 pupils from 15 June (the target date that DfE has provided). As                               

a consequence, the local arrangements relating to Ipswich Academy have                   

been removed from this document, pending revision and then separate                   

consideration by the Board (likely to take place week commencing 8 June). 

Continuation of remote learning offer 

For the foreseeable future, there will continue to be some year groups which we                           

are not yet able to welcome back to school. For these year groups, we will                             

continue to provide a comprehensive programme of distance learning, in line                     

with our current models, including a blend of elearning and paper resources. The                         

vast majority of pupils now have access to elearning resources (in some cases                         

due to Paradigm’s capacity to lend devices and Internet access points to                       

families) so it is likely that the need to produce hard copy resources will begin to                               

decline. 

There will be some pupils in year groups which we have re-opened who are                           

either unable to attend due to e.g. a clinical requirement to socially distance, or                           

whose parents/carers do not yet wish them to attend. We will continue to do our                             

best to provide an ongoing remote learning offer for those pupils but our                         

capacity to do this in the way that has been the case until now will, necessarily,                               

reduce as more staff are required to teach in school. 

The Government has been clear that there will be no fines or similar enforcement                           

actions for non attendance by pupils at this stage. 

 

 

Board-approved arrangements to partially re-open Paradigm Trust schools from 1 June│8 

Clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable           

adults 

Paradigm Trust follows the UK Government and DfE advice re clinically                     

vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable adults: 

Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals are advised not to work                 

outside the home. We are strongly advising people, including                 

education staff, who are clinically extremely vulnerable (those with                 

serious underlying health conditions which put them at very high risk of                       

severe illness from coronavirus and have been advised by their                   

clinician or through a letter) to rigorously follow shielding measures in                     

order to keep themselves safe. Staff in this position are advised not to                         

attend work. 

Clinically vulnerable individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness                     

(for example, people with some pre-existing conditions as set out in                     

the staying at home and away from others (social distancing)                   

guidance) have been advised to take extra care in observing social                     

distancing and should work from home where possible. This includes                   

pregnant women. Education and childcare settings should             

endeavour to support this, for example by asking staff to support                     

remote education, carry out lesson planning or other roles which can                     

be done from home. 

If clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable)               

individuals cannot work from home, they should be offered the safest                     

available on-site roles, staying 2 metres away from others wherever                   

possible, although the individual may choose to take on a role that                       

does not allow for this distance if they prefer to do so. If they have to                               

spend time within 2 metres of other people, settings must carefully                     

 

 

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assess and discuss with them whether this involves an acceptable                   

level of risk. 

If a member of staff lives with someone who is clinically vulnerable                       

(but not clinically extremely vulnerable), which includes those who are                   

pregnant, they can attend work. 

If a staff member lives in a household with someone who is extremely                         

clinically vulnerable, as set out in the guidance on shielding and                     

protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely               

vulnerable, it is advised they only attend work if stringent social                     

distancing can be adhered to. If stringent social distancing cannot be                     

adhered to, we do not expect those individuals to attend. They should                       

be supported to work at home. 

At this stage, we envisage that clinically vulnerable adults will still be able to work                             

from home. If that position needs to change, we will work on an individual basis                             

and consider personal circumstances carefully and supportively, as is our normal                     

practice. 

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published analysis of COVID-19 related                     

deaths by ethnic group in England and Wales between 2 March and 10 April.                           

This provisional analysis has shown that the risk of death involving COVID-19                       

among some ethnic groups is significantly higher than that of those of white                         

ethnicity. 

Further research is needed to understand why some ethnic groups have higher                       

death rates from COVID-19 than others. The exact reasons for the increased risk                         

associated with COVID-19 in Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) populations                     

are not known, and there are a number of factors that could underlie this. 

 

 

Board-approved arrangements to partially re-open Paradigm Trust schools from 1 June│10 

Paradigm Trust will factor analysis into risk assessment decisions at an individual                       

level. BAME staff, who have pre-existing medical conditions which may make                     

them more vulnerable to coronavirus, are requested to identify themselves to                     

their manager, to enable appropriate, respectful, proportionate and supportive                 

deployment decisions to be made. 

Summary of Trust-wide operational arrangements 

Area of operations  Approach 

Making sure that children and adults do not come to school if they or a member of their household have symptoms of coronavirus 

We will tell pupils, staff, parents/carers and any visitors not to enter our schools if they are displaying any symptoms of coronavirus (following the COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection). 

Arrangements to support pupils with additional needs 

We will work closely with parents/carers and their children to agree an individualised approach for each child, in advance of that child returning. Where there is a reliance on external support to meet pupil needs, careful consideration will be given as to whether that external support is available and, if not, whether the needs of the pupil can be met safely and adequately. If not, it may be necessary for a pupil to remain at home, for as short a period as possible, while a solution is found. 

Support with pupil mental health 

We will plan for an appropriate blend of PSHE/pastoral support/’check in’ when pupils first return to school. It may well be that some of our more vulnerable pupils only begin to re-attend after a period of time and, if so, it may be necessary to make provision for a rolling re-induction/check-in process for those pupils, prior to them rejoining their default year group and core provision. 

Keeping class sizes small 

The maximum class size will be 15. It is likely, particularly at the start of the re-opening process, that maximum 

 

 

Board-approved arrangements to partially re-open Paradigm Trust schools from 1 June│11 

class size will be lower than 15. We do not intend to use a rota model re staff deployment.  In line with DfE guidance, we recognise that, unlike older children and adults, early years and primary age children cannot be expected to remain 2 metres apart from each other and staff. The government has indicated that, in deciding to bring more children back to early years and schools, it (including the independent scientists in SAGE) has taken this into account.  NB The protective measures we are being asked to put in place are not the same as the social distancing we have been asked to do in the community for the last eight weeks. Nursery and primary age children cannot be expected to remain two metres apart from each other and staff.   Paradigm Trust has worked through, and continues to do so, the hierarchy of measures set out in implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings:  

● avoiding contact with anyone with symptoms ● frequent hand cleaning and good respiratory 

hygiene practices ● regular cleaning of settings ● minimising contact and mixing 

 It is still important to reduce contact between people as much as possible, so children, young people and staff where possible, should only mix in a small, consistent group and that small group should stay away from other people and groups. Where we can keep older children within those small groups 2 metres away from each other, we will do so. We recognise that, while in general groups should be kept apart, brief, transitory contact, such as passing in a corridor, is low risk.  We will arrange for assemblies to take place with individual groups in their allocated classroom spaces 

 

 

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rather than bringing children from different classes together into one hall or large space.  We will arrange for children and staff to safely queue up, if needed, on arrival in order to access a handwashing sink or sanitiser. 

Keeping class layouts safe (and ensure good ventilation) 

Desks will be spaced out as far as possible and/or each pupil will be seated at his/her own desk (which would normally seat e.g. two pupils).  Windows and doors will be kept open as far as possible. We will avoid, as far as possible, the use of rooms with fewer windows.  Every classroom in regular use will be provided with handwash (or soap, if there is a sink in the classroom); an ample supply of tissues and a lidded bin (although there is a recognition that supply chain issues may on rare occasions make this difficult to achieve. Where that is the case, local management will conduct a dynamic risk assessment and put in place an appropriate response). 

Behaviour management approaches and expectations 

Specific behaviour management approaches and expectations are set locally in Paradigm schools. Changes to local arrangements are summarised in the relevant school section (below). Where new rules and routines are required we will:  

● proactively teach new rules to staff, pupils and parents 

● regularly and rigorously reinforce behaviour throughout every day 

● consistently impose sanctions when rules are broken, as well as positively reinforcing well-executed rules through encouragement and rewards. 

 Intentional coughing or spitting at or towards any other person will not be tolerated and will be regarded as a serious disciplinary matter, with appropriate action taken in line with the Trust’s behaviour policy and local arrangements. Pupils will be made very aware of this 

 

 

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stance as part of their re-induction into school. This is a key measure to support staff in feeling confident to work in our schools.  If there is a developing need to restrain a pupil, staff should make every attempt to de-escalate. There will clearly be some occasions when restraint has to be done e.g. the proverbial child about to run in front of a car situation. If there is time for staff to put on appropriate PPE, they should do that (along the same lines as when carrying out first aid or supervising someone with suspected coronavirus symptoms). If there is not time - or even if PPE has been put on - the restraint should be carried out for as short a period of time as possible (and if that means removing other pupils from the scene even quicker than normal, so be it); the member/s of staff restraining should do their best to keep their face facing away from the child's face, and as soon as the restraint is concluded the member of staff should wash any exposed skin.  Where there are pupils who are at relatively higher risk of needing restraint, individual risk assessments will be reviewed and consideration will be given to staff who are working with those pupils wearing PPE on a consistent basis. Such situations will be dealt with on a case by case basis.  We will follow the DfE’s advice on working with pupils who spit. 

Uniform/staff dress code 

DfE guidance states that: ‘There is no need for anything other than normal personal hygiene and washing of clothes following a day in a school. Uniform that cannot be machine washed should be avoided.’  We recognise that it may be difficult for some parents/carers to wash uniform every night etc. And some items of secondary uniform would not withstand that regime. Given this, we will ask parents/carers to support us by arranging for their child/ren to wear clean clothes every day. Where it is possible for this to be school uniform, that is fine (but NB not blazer and tie for secondary).  

 

 

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 If that is not possible, or parents/carers would prefer for their child to wear other clothes, this is acceptable but we will ask for items of clothing to be a) suitable for school and b) have as few logos as possible, and any logos must be inoffensive. Pupils may wear trainers, as this will avoid the need to change footwear for more active lessons. The principal, or other staff as delegated, will determine what is acceptable clothing.  Nobody should feel anxious about attending school because of their clothing.  Similarly, staff are encouraged to wash/change their clothes on a daily basis. Beyond that, staff are free to wear suitable clothes given their role. Ties are not to be worn. In the unlikely event of a dispute, the principal, or service head, will determine what is acceptable clothing.  The Trust reserves the right to vary these uniform/dress expectations, reasonably, at any time. 

Cleaning arrangements 

Cleaning arrangements will be enhanced, in line with DfE guidance and guidance from Public Health England. All frequently touched surfaces, equipment (including the lids of bins and e.g. printers), door handles and toilets used during the day will be cleaned thoroughly at least once each day using standard products, such as detergents and bleach (again, in line with Government guidance)  Waste from bins will be double bagged.  ‘DIY’ cleaning kits will be provided for use in classrooms (e.g. disinfectant sprays) by (non cleaning) staff as required e.g. to wipe down a table.  We are confident that sufficient cleaners will be made available by our cleaning contractors to enable safe operations to be achieved. If this were not to be the case, and it could not be rectified very swiftly, we would consider closing or partially closing the school 

 

 

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until the problem was resolved.  

General hygiene arrangements 

Soap and water will be provided in every bathroom (and many classrooms). Children will be inducted into the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach - and will receive regular reminders and encouragement to comply. Adults will model regular hand washing (at least 20 seconds) and pupils will be directed to wash their hands - under close supervision as appropriate depending on level of maturity - on a regular basis.  All pupils and adults will be required to wash their hands on arrival (ideally with soap and water but, where this is not practical, using a handwash dispenser/sanitiser station).  Children will be required to wash their hands after using wheeled bikes, trikes and other large, movable toys. Children will be encouraged not to touch their faces or to put objects in their mouths.  Unicef guidance is clear that, ‘Cold water and warm water are equally effective at killing germs and viruses – as long as you use soap!’ Unicef also states that hand sanitiser, when used, should contain at least 60% alcohol. The sanitiser that Paradigm has purchased contains 70% alcohol.  Hand dryers will not be used. Paper towel dispensers and covered bins will be provided instead. 

Arrangements for first aid, including if a child or adult develops symptoms while at school 

We will ensure that, as usual and as required, we always have one person with paediatric first aid training available for work in school. We have procured enhanced PPE for staff to use either when dealing with non coronavirus-related first aid situations, or in situations where coronavirus is suspected. We recognise that (in line with DfE guidance) if, exceptionally, a paediatric first aider is not available to work with EYFS pupils, it is acceptable to carry out a written risk assessment and ensure that someone with a current first aid at work or emergency paediatric first aid certificate is on site at all times. 

 

 

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 Guidance on how to use PPE can be viewed via these links:  https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IPC-Appx-5-How-to-put-on-and-remove-PPE.pdf  https://hpspubsrepo.blob.core.windows.net/hps-website/nss/3027/documents/1_nipcm-appendix-6.pdf  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGNVX2mrwus  Staff who may be required to use PPE are required to view these guides. If you need time to do so, please request that of your line manager.  If first aid is provided, the adult in question should liaise with admin staff to arrange for a notification to be sent to parents/carers, and for them to acknowledge receipt of this.  In the event of a child developing coronavirus symptoms while at school, we will follow the prevailing DfE advice, which currently states:  If anyone becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, or has a loss of, or change in, their normal sense of taste of smell, in an education, childcare or non-residential children social care setting, they must be sent home and advised to follow the guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection.  If a child is awaiting collection, they should be moved, if possible, to a room where they can be isolated behind a closed door, with appropriate adult supervision if required depending on the age of the child. Ideally, a window should be opened for ventilation. If it is not possible to isolate them, move them to an area which is at least 2 metres away from other people.  If they need to go to the bathroom while waiting to be collected, they should use a separate bathroom if 

 

 

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possible. The bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected using standard cleaning products before being used by anyone else.  PPE should be worn by staff caring for the child while they await collection if direct personal care is needed and a distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained (such as for a very young child or a child with complex needs).  In an emergency, call 999 if they are seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk. Do not visit the GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital.  If a member of staff has helped someone who was unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, they do not need to go home unless they develop symptoms themselves. They should wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after any contact with someone who is unwell. Cleaning the affected area with normal household disinfectant after someone with symptoms has left will reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people. Read guidance about cleaning non-healthcare settings.  When PPE is used, it is essential that it is used properly. This includes scrupulous hand hygiene and following guidance on how to put PPE on and take it off safely in order to reduce self-contamination.  To dispose of waste from people with symptoms of coronavirus, such as disposable cleaning cloths, tissues and PPE, we will: 

● put it in a plastic rubbish bag and tie it when full ● place the plastic bag in a second bin bag and 

tie it ● put it in a suitable and secure place marked for 

storage for 72 hours  Waste should be stored safely and securely kept away from children. We will not put waste in communal waste areas until the waste has been stored for at least 72 hours. Storing for 72 hours saves unnecessary waste movements and minimises the risk to waste operatives. 

 

 

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This waste does not require a dedicated clinical waste collection in the above circumstances. 

Minimising use of shared objects (e.g. learning resources; toys; computers) 

Classrooms and other spaces will be emptied of resources which are not essential. What remains will be subject to the enhanced cleaning arrangements described above.  For younger children, the resources made available for child-initiated learning will be carefully considered. For example, malleable resources, such as play dough, will not be shared and careful consideration will be given as to whether it is safe to use those resources, depending on circumstances.  Pupils will not use computers until such time as we are confident that we have an appropriate cleaning regime in place, unless arrangements can be made to ensure that each pupil only uses his/her ‘own’ computer. Fingerprint recognition systems e.g. for cashless catering or library borrowing will not be used for the time being.   Resources for activities such as painting, sticking, cutting, small world play, indoor and outdoor construction activities, or specialist equipment for pupils with additional needs, will be washed before and after use and, where possible, children will be discouraged from sharing these. It is likely that, in order to build staff confidence and also just from the point of view of effective logistics, we may need to ask non-cleaning staff to play a (minor) role in sanitising this equipment (e.g. wiping down or submerging in some disinfectant solution). Discussions with staff by managers will be approached sensitively, respectfully and pragmatically.  We will ask parents/carers to ensure that children bring in a water bottle each day. We will arrange for this to be taken home every day, with families asked to arrange for it to be washed and returned, full, the following day. Water fountains will not be used. Air conditioning systems will not be used until clear and credible guidance is provided as to their safe use. 

 

 

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Server rooms are exempted from this restriction, with access only to be granted on an emergency basis as agreed with a senior Trust officer in advance.  Staff will be directed not to mark work completed in pupil books. Pupil books should not be taken to and from home/school. Staff will be told to wash their hands before and after handling pupils’ books. Library books will not be accessed, unless appropriate sanitisation procedures are in place. 

Arrangements to ensure contractors operate safely 

All contractor firms will be briefed by a Trust officer. A briefing sheet will be provided to all visiting contractors and they will be required to read and sign before gaining access. Other than in exceptional circumstances, contractors will not be permitted access without an appointment.  Catering contractors have been involved in discussions about how meals will be served. We are confident that there will be sufficient catering and lunchtime supervision staff to ensure that children can safely eat their lunch.  We are confident that sufficient catering staff and supervision staff will be available to enable safe operations to be achieved. If this were not to be the case, and it could not be rectified very swiftly, we would consider closing or partially closing the school until the problem was resolved. 

Provision of safety equipment and signage, including re parent/carer gatherings  

All schools have ordered a range of equipment/resources:  

● hand sanitiser and dispensers (bulk orders) ● protective screens for e.g. reception areas and 

serveries ● floor markings ● awareness posters ● disposable towel roll and cloths ● face shields/masks/gloves/aprons (for use in line 

with DfE guidance re PPE in schools) ● soap (bulk order) ● anti bacterial spray (bulk order) 

 

 

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● emergency cones and tapes ● lidded bins. 

 For reference only, the total cost of the above materials is in excess of £30,000 across the Paradigm schools. Principals were asked what resources they needed to operate as safely as possible and everything they requested has been approved and purchased without consideration of existing budgets.  In line with DfE guidance, at the present time parents/carers may not gather in the playground or at/near the school gates to talk to other parents/carers. We ask for parent/carer support with this. 

Arrangements for PE/swimming 

In line with DfE guidance, PE lessons may continue to take place. When PE lessons do take place, they will be strictly non-contact and will not involve more than any one temporary group at a time.  To start with, at least, swimming will not be taught. 

Use of face masks  DfE guidance is that wearing a face covering or face mask in schools or other education settings is not recommended.  

Face coverings may be beneficial for short periods indoors where there is a risk of close social contact with people you do not usually meet and where social distancing and other measures cannot be maintained, for example on public transport or in some shops. This does not apply to schools or other education settings. Schools and other education or childcare settings should therefore not require staff, children and learners to wear face coverings. Changing habits, cleaning and hygiene are effective measures in controlling the spread of the virus. Face coverings (or any form of medical mask where instructed to be used for specific clinical reasons) should not be worn in any circumstance by those who 

 

 

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may not be able to handle them as directed (for example, young children, or those with special educational needs or disabilities) as it may inadvertently increase the risk of transmission. 

 Given that DfE does not recommend staff wear a face covering or mask, other than in very specific situations, it would be inappropriate for the Trust to either require staff to wear such coverings/masks, or to provide them.  However, it is clear from feedback that some staff would feel more comfortable if they were permitted to wear them. Given this, and given that we are committed to working closely with staff, we will permit those staff who wish to wear a face covering to do so.  A plentiful supply of disposable gloves will be provided by the Trust. Again, Government advice is that these do not need to be worn as a matter of course but if staff do wish to do so they can, as long as they change their gloves as regularly as they would otherwise wash their hands.  These arrangements are subject to review by the Board at any time. There is likely to come a time that e.g. community transmission of coronavirus is at such a low level, that it would be a reasonable instruction for staff not to wear face coverings. At that time, staff will be expected to comply with that reasonable instruction.  Given that is our position re staff, we need to consider pupils. The DfE recommendation is clear - that wearing a face covering or face mask in schools or other education settings is not recommended. We will communicate that to parents/carers clearly. However, if a parent/carer is clear on the recommendation and the risks, and still wishes his/her child/ren to wear a face covering or disposable gloves (supplied by the parents/carers) we will allow pupils, for the time being, to do so - with the same provisos as for staff - and the Trust will take no responsibility for supervising the 

 

 

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donning or wearing of such face coverings/disposable gloves.  Staff and pupils are welcome to wear face coverings as part of travel to and from school. If pupils were to leave school (e.g. to go on a supervised local walk), we would allow pupils to wear face masks, if that is their normal practice. 

How we will induct staff into these arrangements 

All staff will be invited to contribute to the development of these arrangements. Once finalised - by Trust senior leaders and by the Board - the arrangements will be shared with all staff. Managers will be required to brief staff on these arrangements and to answer any questions. Staff have a responsibility to ask questions if they are not clear on any points.  The earliest date we will begin to re-open to in scope year groups will be 2 June, with the exception of Y6 who may return at around 11am on 1 June. Provision for Y10 pupils may be further delayed, depending on when DfE publishes its secondary guidance. These timescales will depend on a) the Trust being satisfied that it is safe to reopen schools and b) Government confirming that is the case. This will enable staff briefing and induction to continue on 1 June and will create a brief window for Y6 staff induction on 1 June morning. 

Ways for parents/carers to contact school 

Parents/carers may contact the school via email or telephone. If parents/carers need to speak to a member of school staff in person, they should approach the school office - following good social distancing practice and displayed signage - and a member of staff will speak to the parent/carer as soon as possible. It may be necessary to wait for a long time due to staffing constraints. Apologies if so. Contact via email of telephone is likely to be most efficient, at this time. 

Arrangements for visitors (who are not parents/carers) 

For contractors, see above. We will keep to an absolute minimum any additional visitors. No visitor will be admitted without a prior appointment, other than in exceptional circumstances. The same process will then apply as described (above) re contractors. 

 

 

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Arrangements for use of communal/shared areas (staff) 

Staff will be expected to practise good social distancing in shared spaces e.g. staff rooms. Arrangements will be made in each school to create additional, temporary staff room spaces to reduce congestion. Staff are encouraged to bring their own cups/plates/cutlery in and to wash these up at home. Cleaning wipes will be provided for use to wipe down e.g. kettle and urn and water chiller controls. 

It is everyone’s responsibility to be vigilant 

These arrangements will only work if everybody - staff; pupils; parents/carers; other stakeholders - is vigilant and proactive in identifying possible issues/potential improvements and communicating those to relevant senior staff members in a timely and constructive manner. Health and safety and child protection are always everybody’s responsibility and, in the current exceptional situation, never more so than now. We need to work together.  Principals, or their delegate, will monitor that the systems described in this document are being complied with.  Senior staff will be visibly present around school during the day. Principals will request feedback on these arrangements from staff on a regular basis (initially daily, and then weekly) and all staff will also be able to share feedback and suggestions via: consultation@paradigmtrust.org 

Recording of attendance 

We will follow the prevailing DfE guidance. This is likely to change over time and we will respond to those changes. 

Safe staffing levels  All staff have been asked to let managers know if they are unavailable for work due to e.g. being clinically extremely vulnerable.  We have established a ‘best guess’ as to the number of pupils who are likely to attend during wc 1 June, by speaking with parents/carers by telephone. On those calls we have taken a ‘no pressure’ approach, clearly indicating to parents/carers that we know that some of them will feel comfortable to send their child in and 

 

 

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others will not, yet. We are keen to welcome children back to school but we are also respectful of parent/carer wishes at this time.  Based on the number of pupils who are expected to attend from 1 June, if gradual re-opening goes ahead, principals are confident that they are able to operate our schools in a safe manner, including ensuring availability of roles such as: principal; assistant principal; designated safeguarding lead; first aider; special needs co-ordinator; caretaker/premises manager; cleaning staff. If post holders of those roles were absent, and could not be covered adequately by recourse to staff drawn from elsewhere in the Trust, consideration would be given to closing or partially closing the school in question on a temporary basis. If needed, and available, supply teachers and other staff will be brought in. Senior leaders will be available to cover classes, if needed. It is anticipated that sufficient staffing will be available to monitor the safe arrival and departure of children at varying times.  If staff report symptoms during the school day they will be sent home and principals will put arrangements in place to provide cover as necessary.  Paradigm recognises its duties under health and safety law to protect the mental as well as physical health of staff. A range of mental health support is available to Paradigm staff, including an offer of 1:1 telephone or video counselling. Staff have been informed as to how to access this provision.  If staff are required to teach outside their usual year group/key stage responsibility, they will be supported by the relevant manager and, as far as possible, we will put in place team teaching (or similar) arrangements.  We are clear that it is important to ensure that staff workload is reasonable. This point will be made clearly to managers and staff are encouraged to let their manager (or principal if needed) know if they have workload concerns. Paradigm Trust is very focused on 

 

 

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ensuring efficiency of operations and has a strong track record of tackling workload issues appropriately. 

Arrangements in the event of a suspected or actual outbreak of coronavirus 

Paradigm Trust will follow the prevailing DfE and Public Health England guidance fully. Parents/carers will be kept informed to the fullest extent possible.  The DfE guidance currently states:  When a child, young person or staff member develops symptoms compatible with coronavirus, they should be sent home and advised to self-isolate for 7 days. Their fellow household members should self-isolate for 14 days. All staff and students who are attending an education or childcare setting will have access to a test if they display symptoms of coronavirus.  Where the child, young person or staff member tests positive, the rest of their class/group within their childcare or education setting should be sent home and advised to self-isolate for 14 days. The other household members of that wider class/group do not need to self-isolate unless the child, young person or staff member they live with in that group subsequently develops symptoms.  As part of the national test and trace programme, if other cases are detected within the child or young person’s cohort or in the wider education or childcare setting, Public Health England’s local Health Protection Teams will conduct a rapid investigation and will advise schools and other settings on the most appropriate action to take. In some cases, a larger number of other children and young people may be asked to self-isolate at home as a precautionary measure - perhaps the whole class, site or year group.  Where settings are observing guidance on infection prevention and control, which will reduce risk of transmission, closure of the whole setting will not generally be necessary.  Contact arrangements for Public Health England’s local health protection team can be found here: 

 

 

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https://www.gov.uk/health-protection-team 

Travel to work for staff  Government advice on safe travel is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers  There are no easy answers to the transport challenges which we face as a country at present. Paradigm Trust recommends that staff familiarise themselves thoroughly with the Government guidance. Where possible, and on request, we will seek to agree alternative or flexible working hours to enable staff to travel e.g. at off peak times. 

 

   

 

 

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Summary of local operational arrangements - Culloden             

Primary Academy 

Area of operations  Approach 

Safe entry of staff  All staff to enter through the main gates. Staff to bring their own pen to sign in on signing in sheets. Sanitise/wash hands immediately upon entry to school and go immediately to their classroom/work area. 

Safe entry of pupils  The main entrance to the school will be used as normal - with the EYFS gate open for parents/carers to exit the building. The main gates will be opened 15 mins earlier to prevent queuing outside the school. 2m distancing signs will be used at the entrance and exit points and outside each relevant classroom. Pupils will line up outside their designated classroom following the 2m distancing guidance. Pupils will have staggered arrival times as per below: * YN & YR 0900, Y1 0915, Y6 0930 

Safe departure of staff 

Staff to sanitise/wash hands before leaving the school after the pupils have left the site. Staff to use their own pen to sign out. 

Safe departure of pupils 

Pupils will leave from the same points they entered and collected by their parents/carers. Pupils will have staggered exit times as per below: * YN & YR 1500 Y1 1515, Y6 1530 

Arrangements to reduce contact between groups of children (including one way systems) 

Movement around school kept to an absolute minimum. Staggered break and lunchtime for each class and pupils will have allocated toilet facilities to use that will be regularly cleaned. The lift will only be used in extreme cases. If a pupil needs transporting, they will enter the lift first, followed by a staff member who is in their class so 2m distance can be maintained. 

Arrangements to keep children and adults in constant groups (as far as 

Classes will be created consisting of 15 pupils (maximum) and up to four adults. Members of one class will not be interchanged with another nor mix together. Each class will have a designated classroom 

 

 

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possible)  and outside space.   

Arrangements for hand washing and access to toilets 

Handwashing soap and sanitiser will be available in all classrooms. After each teaching session and break the pupils will be directed to wash their hands.  

Managing break times 

Pupils will have staggered breaktimes to prevent congestion Pupils will be spoken to regularly about the importance of maintaining 2m distance at all times. Staff on duty will monitor this.   In the event of a wet lunch/break time, pupils will be managed by the midday meals supervisor in their class. Wherever possible, pupils will go outside as usual. If this is not possible due to lack of space under shelters, they will stay in classes under the guidance of the midday meals supervisor . 

Managing lunch times 

Pupils will have staggered lunchtimes to prevent congestion and eat their lunch in their classroom. If it is dry the pupils will take lunch and eat outside with their class, managed by the midday meals supervisor assigned to the class. 

Arrangements for use of communal/shared areas (staff) 

2m distancing signs will be placed in both the PPA and staff room and placed on the floor by the hot water dispenser. Staff will be reminded of the 2m social distancing guidance by the leadership team member who is operationally in charge on the day.  

Arrangements for use of communal/shared areas (pupils) 

All assemblies will be conducted in classes via video link. Use of shared areas will be kept to a minimum. All PE will be taken outside. ICT suites will not be used. 

Initial plans for curriculum - what will be taught and how? 

Pupils will follow the same curriculum that is being taught at home. Pupils at home will be able to join in lessons via live streamed link. Each class will be taught by a teacher with teaching assistant support. The plan is to provide as much as possible of a ‘normal’ day's teaching as soon as possible although we acknowledge that this may not be possible immediately. 

Arrangements for  All pupils will be spoken to about fire evacuation 

 

 

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building evacuation e.g. in event of a fire and how you we will induct staff/pupils into any arrangements if these have been revised 

arrangements in their new classes at the commencement of each day. In the event of a fire the pupils will line up on a designated class line outside the Y4-Y6 block.  

Arrangements for parents/carers to enter the building (only when absolutely necessary) 

Parents/carers will be encouraged not to enter the school building. There will be markings outside the main entrance and in the office lobby for parents/carers to queue if absolutely necessary and only x1 parent/carers will be allowed to sit in the parent/carer waiting room at any time.   

Arrangements to continue to accommodate vulnerable children and children of key workers (if those children are not in the returning year groups) 

The class will continue and be based initially in the Y4 classrooms, with separate Y4 staffing and breaks and lunchtime.  

How we will induct pupils into these arrangements 

Pupils will be spoken to on day one and shown a presentation that explains the importance and reasoning behind the new arrangements. Pupils will be reminded of the new arrangements as and when is needed.  

 

 

   

 

 

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Summary of local operational arrangements -           

Murrayfield Primary Academy 

Area of operations  Approach 

Safe entry of staff  From 7am until 8.30am all staff will enter through the gate from the carpark. This gate will be locked at 8.30am. Between 8.30am and 3.30pm all staff will enter and exit the school through the main school entrance. Staff to bring their own pen to sign in on signing in sheets.  Wash hands immediately upon entry to school and go immediately to classroom or work area. 

Safe entry of pupils  All parents/carers and pupils will enter the school site using the gate to the park and walk through the site leaving through the gate on Nacton Road (one way system). Two metre markings will be on the ground in appropriate areas. Pupils will be greeted by staff (following social distancing protocols) at the opening next to the year 6 classrooms and will line up outside the swimming pool following the 2m distancing guidelines. EYFS and key worker/vulnerable pupils (in years other than Y1 & Y6) will arrive at 8.45am and Y1 and Y6 pupils arriving at 9.00am. Pupils will wash hands (or use sanitiser station) on entry to school. 

Safe departure of staff 

At 3.30pm the gate from the carpark will be opened again to allow for staff exit. Staff to use their own pen to sign out. 

Safe departure of pupils 

All parents/carers will enter the school site using the gate to the park and walk through the site leaving through the gate on Nacton Road (one way system). Two metre markings will be on the ground in appropriate areas. Parents/carers will collect pupils from opening next to the Y6 classrooms. Pupils will line up following 2m distancing guidance. 

 

 

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Nursery pupils will be collected from the EYFS gate on Nacton Road at 11:50. All other EYFS pupils will be inside the building in their pod classrooms during this time. 

Arrangements to reduce contact between groups of children (including one way systems) 

One way system around school with direction of flow clearly signed. Y5 corridor only to be used for access to the toilet block and exit back into the one way system via external door. Movement around school kept to an absolute minimum. Staggered break and lunchtime for each pod. 

Arrangements to keep children and adults in constant groups (as far as possible) 

Pods will be created consisting of 12 pupils (maximum) and two adults. Members of one pod can not be interchanged with another nor mix together. Each pod will have a designated classroom and outside space.   

Arrangements for hand washing and access to toilets 

Access to toilets will be via the Y5 corridor using the one way system. A member of staff will supervise the number of pupils accessing the toilet block at any one time. All classrooms have handwashing facilities with soap, paper towels and covered waste bins. Every hour a member of leadership will ensure that handwashing has taken place. 

Managing break times 

Pods will have designated outdoor space for break and an allotted time. All five areas of outdoor space will be used in dry weather. Pupils will be reminded before and during (when necessary) about the importance of distancing. Staff on duty will monitor this (this will be one of the adults from the pod). During wet breaks, pupils will remain in their pod in their classroom. 

Managing lunch times 

Ordering of lunch will take place during registration time in the morning. This information will form a list which will be given to pod teachers and the kitchen informing of choice and free school meals etc. Pupils will have staggered lunch to prevent congestion with each pod receiving lunch at an individual time. 

 

 

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Pupils will queue outside the building, floor markings to ensure distancing, and will enter the dining area following the one way system. YR will eat lunch in the dining area ensuring social distancing guidance. Y1, Y6 and key worker/vulnerable pupils will eat lunch in their classrooms. Once all have finished, the pod will be taken outside to their designated area to play, again following distancing guidance. Safe distancing arrangements will operate in the dining area so that pupils can queue and collect lunch safely. During wet breaks, pupils will remain in their pod in their classroom once they have eaten. 

Arrangements for use of communal/shared areas (staff) 

The staffroom can accommodate four adults at any one time. Both doors to be kept open at all times. Two members of staff can use the PPA room at any one time. Additional space will be available for working in year 6 classrooms. Staff breaks will be staggered. 

Arrangements for use of communal/shared areas (pupils) 

Outdoor space will be allocated to pods on a rota, with pods having a defined area at a defined time. The school hall will only be used for PE if weather does not permit lessons to take place outside. All doors to be opened during the time hall is occupied. 

Initial plans for curriculum - what will be taught and how? 

A number of PSHE activities will take place over the first week to reinforce distancing, expectations and to support pupils wellbeing. Curriculum will follow ‘normal’ curriculum as closely as possible. Adjustments will need to be put in place as pods can not mix. English and mathematics will be taught every day with science, art, humanities, PE, music and PSHE across the week. This curriculum will be followed by distance learners as much as possible. 

Arrangements for building evacuation e.g. in event of a fire and how you we will induct staff/pupils into 

Each pod will leave the building using the marked fire evacuation routes. Pods will line up in designated areas, following distancing guidance, where registers will be taken. Procedures will be shared with staff and pupils during 

 

 

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any arrangements if these have been revised 

day one.  

Arrangements for parents/carers to enter the building (only when absolutely necessary) 

Telephone and email contact will remain parent and carers’ first line of contact. If parents/carers need to enter the building: Use main entrance from Nacton Road Wait outside until the lobby is empty - only one person in the lobby at any one time. If at all possible, parents/carers should ring the school to inform us that they are planning to come in. Pupils who arrive late will be received from the lobby entrance of the school, welcomed into the school and then follow washing hands etc procedure. 

Arrangements to continue to accommodate vulnerable children and children of key workers (if those children are not in the returning year groups) 

Two additional pods will be created for key worker/vulnerable pupils. They will arrive at 8:45am using the same process as other pupils. 

How we will induct pupils into these arrangements 

A letter will go out to parents/carers explaining the arrangements with a simplified version for pupils. Pictures/video to be posted on Google Classroom showing pupils what school will look like and how it will operate. Pupils will be taught on day one the new arrangements by the adults in their pod. These will be reinforced throughout. Included in information will be acceptable behaviour. 

   

 

 

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Summary of local operational arrangements - Old Ford               

Primary Academy 

Area of operations  Approach 

Safe entry of staff  All staff to enter through the main gates. Bring own pen to sign in on signing in sheets. Wash hands immediately upon entry to school and go immediately to classroom/work area. 

Safe entry of pupils  All three entrances to the school will be used. Year groups will have designated entrances. Gates will be opened by premises managers earlier than usual to prevent queuing. 2m distancing markings will be used on the ground in appropriate areas. Signs will be placed at all entrances reminding pupils/parents about safe distancing. Pupils will line up in designated playgrounds, following 2m distancing guidance. Pupils will all arrive at normal time through one of three entrances - this will be monitored. 

Safe departure of staff 

Staff will leave after pupils have left the site. Staff to use own pen to sign out 

Safe departure of pupils 

Pupils will leave from the same points they entered. Parents/carers to wait in playgrounds for pupils. YR and Y1 pupils to leave at 3.15pm, Y6 pupils to leave at 3.30pm 

Arrangements to reduce contact between groups of children (including one way systems) 

One way systems will be in place on corridors with clear direction arrows on floor. Staircases will be marked with directional arrows  Movement around school will be minimised. Lift will only be used in extreme cases. If a pupil needs essential transporting via lift, they will enter the lift first, followed by staff member who is in their bubble so 2m distance can be maintained 

Arrangements to keep children and 

Pupils and staff will be in ‘bubbles’ consisting of teacher, TA, midday meals supervisor. They will stay in 

 

 

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adults in constant groups (as far as possible) 

these bubbles throughout the day. There will be no contact with pupils or staff in other bubbles. 

Arrangements for hand washing and access to toilets 

Pupils will be reminded to wash hands upon entry to school, after break time, before lunchtime and once in the afternoon. Pupils will be monitored to ensure handwashing is being done correctly. Handwashing soap and sanitiser will be available in all classrooms 

Managing break times 

Pupils will have staggered break times in the playgrounds to play in their bubbles. Pupils will be spoken to regularly about the importance of maintaining distance at all times. Staff on duty will monitor this.   NB The protective measures we are being asked to put in place are not the same as the social distancing we have been asked to do in the community for the last eight weeks. Nursery and primary age children cannot be expected to remain two metres apart from each other and staff. Having said that, we can and should teach even the youngest to do a version of social distancing - some will do it really well and others just won't - and children will forget, just as adults.  In the event of a wet lunch/break time, pupils will be managed by the midday meals supervisor in their bubble. Wherever possible, pupils will go outside as usual. If this is not possible due to lack of space under shelters, they will stay in classes under guidance of the midday meals supervisor. 

Managing lunch times 

Pupils will have staggered lunchtimes to prevent congestion. If it is fine, pupils will take lunch and eat outside in their bubble groups. If not appropriate, they will collect lunch from dinner hall and eat in their classes. The midday meals supervisor attached to their bubble will manage the class.  If necessary, if/when numbers increase, pupils will have zoned areas in the playground to play with clear delineation between groups.  

 

 

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Safe distancing arrangements will operate in the dinner hall so that pupils can queue and collect lunch safely. They will be accompanied by the midday meals supervisor in charge of their bubble throughout.  

Arrangements for use of communal/shared areas (staff) 

In addition to the staffroom, the Y5/6 teaching room on the 2nd floor, the hub on the first floor and the old waiting room on the first floor will operate as additional staff rooms. Staff breaks will be staggered. Additional kettles will be purchased for tea/coffee making. 

Arrangements for use of communal/shared areas (pupils) 

All assemblies will be conducted in classes via video link. Use of shared areas will be kept to a minimum. All PE will be taken outside. ICT suites will not be used. 

Initial plans for curriculum - what will be taught and how? 

Pupils will initially follow the same curriculum that is being taught at home. Pupils at home will be able to join in lessons via live streamed link or to watch recorded lesson. Each bubble will be taught by a teacher with TA support. The plan is to provide as much as possible of a ‘normal’ day's teaching as soon as possible although we acknowledge that this may not be possible immediately. 

Arrangements for building evacuation e.g. in event of a fire and how you we will induct staff/pupils into any arrangements if these have been revised 

All pupils will be spoken to about fire evacuation arrangements in their new classes at the commencement of each day. Fire evacuation procedures are displayed near the entrances of all rooms. 

Arrangements for parents/carers to enter the building (only when absolutely necessary) 

Parents/carers will be encouraged not to enter the school. There will be markings outside the main gate and in the office corridor for parents/carers to queue if absolutely necessary.   

Arrangements to continue to accommodate vulnerable children 

These will continue. Where possible, these pupils will be incorporated into existing bubbles with their peers. 

 

 

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and children of key workers (if those children are not in the returning year groups) 

How we will induct pupils into these arrangements 

Pupils will be spoken to on day 1 and shown a presentation that explains the importance and reasoning behind the new arrangements. 

   

 

 

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Summary of local operational arrangements - Piper’s             

Vale Primary Academy 

Area of operations  Approach 

Safe entry of staff  Staff will enter via the main entrance. They will be asked to bring their own pen to sign the signing in sheet. There will be social distancing markers. Staff wash their hands upon arrival and go to the classroom of their assigned ‘pod’ via a specified route. 

Safe entry of pupils  Parents/carers will not be permitted to enter the playground. Strips of tape will be stuck to the pavement outside of the gate 2 metres apart so that when parents/carers are waiting to send their children in they can socially distance.   Nursery children will come in past the main entrance, via the nursery entrance. EYFS children via the gate on Raeburn Road (by the field), Y6 via the ‘pen’ and in through the Y6 doors, Y1 via the football pitch gate and in through the doors to 1D.  Y6 children will wash their hands in the Y6 activity area, EYFS children in the ‘activity ‘ area and the toilets.  Y1 children will wash their hands in the toilets in 1D and the sink in that class by the door. Nursery children wash their hands in the nursery.   The key worker/vulnerable pod will queue by the gate to the main car park (socially distanced). They will then be brought into school via the playground, they will enter via the entrance adjacent to the hall and will wash their hands in the downstairs adult toilets and travel to the community room, which is the base of their ‘pod’.  Gates will open at 08:40 and close at 09:00.   As soon as a group of around four children are in from one pod, they will be directed to their entrance and 

 

 

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handwashing station.   

Safe departure of staff 

Staff will leave via the door near the front office whilst maintaining social distancing.   Children will depart at 15:00 from assigned gates. Pavements outside marked to promote social distancing.  

Safe departure of pupils 

Pupils will leave via the same entrances as they come into school in the mornings. Pupils will be socially distanced and there will be strips of tape outside of the school, to enable parents/carers to be socially distanced whilst waiting to collect their children.  Parents/carers will not be permitted to enter the playground.   

Arrangements to reduce contact between groups of children (including one way systems) 

Only ground floor in use to pupils, lift not needed at this point.   Children all to walk on the left hand side. Y6 will need to leave their classrooms to use the toilets- they just need to turn left out of their classrooms, corridor doors will be pegged back. The pod in 1S will need to walk along the corridor to use the toilets in 1D. They will turn left and walk along the corridor (opposite to Y6) and the corridor doors will be pegged back.  

Arrangements to keep children and adults in constant groups (as far as possible) 

Children are assigned to ‘pods’. Each ‘pod’ currently has two adults assigned to it. The adults working with each ‘pod’ will be consistent and the pupils within each pod will remain the same, as will their classroom.  

Arrangements for hand washing and access to toilets 

Every pod apart from the key worker / vulnerable pod has sinks in the classroom, Every 15 minutes a different group of children will wash their hands.  The key worker pod will use the toilets on the ground floor to wash their hands and this can be supervised (socially distanced) by an adult.  

Managing break  Break times for all pods will be 10:00 until 10:30. Aside 

 

 

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times  from Nursery, all pods will be assigned a zone. The equipment from each pod’s ‘zone’ will be cleaned at the end of each day and that equipment will stay in that ‘zone’ for the whole week. Each ‘pod’ will use the same zone over the course of a week. During subsequent weeks, each pod will use a different zone so the equipment they use will be varied. The zones are large enough for the pupils to socially distance when they are outside on their breaks. If there are adverse weather conditions and the pupils need to stay in at break time, they will stay within their pod and sit at their own table. They can have a snack (if appropriate) and watch some appropriate content on the whiteboard. 

Managing lunch times 

Pupils who bring in a packed lunch can keep them in their pods. Senior leadership team members will collect hot lunches from the kitchen and deliver them to the classrooms using a trolley. The order of the pods that the lunches will be delivered to are:  Key Worker / vulnerable pod 1S pod 6A pod 6I pod RN pod RL pod 1D pod And then the trolley will be taken back to the kitchen via the playground  Children will eat at their desks. They will clean their desks prior to lunch and wash their hands.  School packed lunches/hot lunches will be delivered to the classes via a trolley and plates and cutlery will be collected.   The playground will be zoned into 7 zones, each pod will be assigned a zone and a box of equipment and they will be in that zone and have that box of equipment for a week (equipment will be cleaned at the end of each day).   If wet break/lunch, children will remain in their pod, in their classroom and watch a video etc.  

 

 

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 The one midday supervisory assistant able to return to work will oversee the free school meal collection and support with the distribution/collection of meals and plates.  

Arrangements for use of communal/shared areas (staff) 

There will be a rota of lunch and breaks for staff. Each pod has two staff members assigned, so staff can relieve one another for breaks/lunches.   There will be a maximum of 7 people on a break at one time (lunch).  Furniture will be arranged in the staff room to enable staff to socially distance. There is an urn and there is a kettle so staff can make themselves hot drinks. Staff will be asked to use one cup, one plate and a set of cutlery. 4I will also be converted into a ‘staff room’ for as long as that is not needed as a teaching space.  Tea/coffee/cups etc shall be placed in there, as well as some comfortable seating.  

Arrangements for use of communal/shared areas (pupils) 

There are no communal areas being used, other than the main corridor on the ground floor and the pupils are to be regularly reminded to walk on the left hand side of the corridor and a maximum of one pupil per pod to use the toilet at any one time. 

Initial plans for curriculum - what will be taught and how? 

We are going to continue with the distance learning format that we have been using. This allows consistency and means that adults can monitor what the children are doing and offer feedback etc, via the use of Impero.  Children will also practise handwriting daily, they will practise times tables, children will be given books to read (one book per week, and books will be ‘quarantined’ in advance) and they will use ‘My book blog’. They will e.g. practise their number bonds etc. There will be speed lessons delivered by class teachers to the younger children. As far as possible, each child will have an exercise book, chrome book and stationery assigned to them.  Lessons will be streamed/recorded as appropriate, but not during the first week.  

 

 

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Arrangements for building evacuation e.g. in event of a fire and how you we will induct staff/pupils into any arrangements if these have been revised 

In the event of evacuation; Y6 will leave the building via their external doors to the main playground, the 1D pod will leave via their external doors to the playground, EYFS will leave the building via the entrance to the playground next to the leadership room, the 1S pod will leave the building via the entrance to the playground opposite the ‘Y6’ toilets, as will the nursery pod. The key worker pod will leave the building via the entrance to the playground next to the hall. Admin staff/principal/senior leaders will conduct a search of the building as fire marshals and leave the building once they are satisfied that the building is empty. There will be markers on the lines outside for the children  

Arrangements for parents/carers to enter the building (only when absolutely necessary) 

There will be social distance markers outside of the school. Parents will be able to buzz the intercom and communicate with the admin team. Should they need to come into school, the front door can be opened and they can come up to the front desk. There is a screen and a microphone to enable staff to talk to parents/carers safely and parents/carers returning anything etc can leave it things in a box on the ledge.  Only one parent/carer to be in the building at one time.  

Arrangements to continue to accommodate vulnerable children and children of key workers (if those children are not in the returning year groups) 

There is a vulnerable / keyworker pod for pupils who are in non-eligible year groups (Yrs 2 /3 /4 / 5), this can accommodate up to 15 pupils. This pod will be based in the Community Room and will have two adults assigned to them for consistency. This pod will have their break time at the same time as the Y6 pods but will be in their own marked out ‘zone’ in the playground. They will eat their lunch in their ‘pod’ and this will be delivered to them by a member of the senior leadership team.  

How we will induct pupils into these arrangements 

On the first day back, the principal will live stream the arrangements to pupils, again before break, before lunch and at the end of the day. This will be repeated daily for the first week and reviewed after the first week.  

 

 

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Summary of local operational arrangements - Solebay             

Primary Academy 

Area of operations  Approach 

Safe entry of staff  All staff to enter through the main entrance door.   Bring own pen to sign in on signing in sheet. Wash hands immediately upon entry to school and go immediately to classroom (if you are in a pod/work area) 

Safe entry of pupils  Y6 pupils will arrive at 9am and go straight in by side doors (a leader will be waiting to send them directly to their pod).   Y1 will arrive in the park at 9.15 am and line up at a coloured cone at a distance (parents will be asked to leave immediately) (met by the teacher and TA that is running the Y1 pod).  YR will arrive at the park at 9.30am and line up at a coloured cone at a distance (parents will be asked to leave immediately) (met by the teacher and TA that is managing the Reception pod.  YN will arrive at the main entrance at 9.30am (few numbers and can be managed for at least first 2 weeks) (met by the teacher and TAs managing that pod).  Parents will be asked not to enter the building when dropping off nursery pupils.  Key workers pupils and vulnerable pupils will continue to be dropped at the main entrance at 9am and collect them at 3.30pm. (if this number is larger than six pupils then changes of time for collection will be put into place) 

Safe departure of staff 

Staff sign out and leave without loitering in any area (when they are not in their work area they must leave 

 

 

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the building). 

Safe departure of pupils 

There will be staggered departure times to avoid mixing of pods and parents.  Y1 and YR will leave at 3.00pm for collection in the park.   YN will be collected from the main door at 2.45 (parents/carers will be asked to wait outside on a coloured cone (2 m apart) until their child is released to them. (small numbers so will be manageable)  Y6 pupils will be taken to the park at 3.15pm. 

Arrangements to reduce contact between groups of children (including one way systems) 

The lift will not be used unless it is agreed with the principal (any staff member with an appropriate reason will agree that in advance).  If a child needs the lift in the case of a medical reason one teacher can take one pupil in the lift while maintaining social distancing as far as possible. 

Arrangements to keep children and adults in constant groups (as far as possible) 

As far as possible it will be the same teacher and TA with the same pod (this will be reviewed by the leadership team fortnightly - or when government guidelines change).  Where there is a job share that person becomes part of the pod (e.g Y1 has 2 teachers and a TA in one pod).  One way up to move around the building and one way down so that pods do not pass each other on the staircase. 

Arrangements for hand washing and access to toilets 

Every hour a member of the LT will be managing and supervising handwashing across Y6 (while adhering to social distancing regulations).  Designated additional members of staff will do the same on the 1st floor with Y1 and the same on the 2nd floor with early years. 

 

 

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Managing break times 

Initially breaks will be taken on the playdeck. There will be slots for each pod during the day. We will review taking separate pods to the park at lunchtime from week 2. 

Managing lunch times 

To minimise pods mixing lunches will be consumed by each pod in their designated classroom.  The midday meals supervisors will deliver lunch to a table outside the classroom for the teacher and TA to manage in their pod. This will be a packed lunch for week 1. This will be reviewed for week 2 and may include a hot main dish instead of a sandwich.  The kitchen staff have been working throughout with our critical worker and vulnerable pupils so they will continue to follow the strict hygiene measures they have in place. 

Arrangements for use of communal/shared areas (staff) 

The staffroom can only have 2 members of staff in at any one time. The classroom opposite the staff room will be set up with a kettle for break times for adults. Adults must adhere to 2m distancing - only four adults in the additional room at any one time.  

Arrangements for use of communal/shared areas (pupils) 

The playdeck will have a rota for pods to take their break/s throughout the day. 

Initial plans for curriculum - what will be taught and how? 

Week 1 settling in with PSHE activities. Maths and reading lessons will be taught each day. A gradual increase of all curriculum areas. 

Arrangements for building evacuation e.g. in event of a fire and how you we will induct staff/pupils into any arrangements if these have been revised 

Each pod will leave together and gather together at our assembly point.  All staircases will be used for leaving the building in an emergency.  Pods will remain together and apart from other pods while registers are completed. 

Arrangements for parents/carers to enter the building 

Parents and carers will be asked not to enter the building unless their issue cannot be addressed over the telephone or email. 

 

 

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(only when absolutely necessary) 

Only 2 parents/carers will be allowed in the lobby at any one time.  Any later comers will be taken from the parent/carer at the front door and will be signed in by the admin team. 

Arrangements to continue to accommodate vulnerable children and children of key workers (if those children are not in the returning year groups) 

Key worker children and vulnerable pupils will arrive at school at 9am at the front entrance and will be collected at 3.30pm at the main entrance. (No change to current arrangements). A consistent teacher and TA will be allocated to that group for the day. They will be based on the ground floor in the music/or meeting room.  

How we will induct pupils into these arrangements 

Live stream this week to explain to the pupils, who may return on 1st June, the new arrangements. This will be recorded and put on to Google classroom so that pupils and parents/carers can refer back to it.  A letter will go out to all families with lots of detail. They will be asked to talk through the arrangements with their child/ren. Pupils will be taught on day 1 the new arrangements by their teacher and TA. This will then continue to be promoted. Included in this induction to the pupils will be that our high expectations of them will be shared and that they must follow the new rules in place and the consequences of poor or inappropriate behaviour. 

   

 

 

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Risk identification and responses - where these are               

common across the Trust 

Identified risk  Response (reference to relevant ‘area of operation’) 

Coronavirus is brought into school by the infected (pupils; staff; parents/carers; visitors) 

● Making sure that children and adults do not come to school if they or a member of their household have symptoms of coronavirus 

● Arrangements to ensure contractors operate safely 

● Provision of safety equipment and signage, including re parent/carer gatherings 

● How we will induct staff into these arrangements 

● Ways for parents/carers to contact school 

● Arrangements for visitors (who are not parents/carers) 

● Arrangements for use of communal/shared areas (staff) 

Pupils with additional needs do not receive the support they need to a) flourish and b) keep themselves and others safe 

● Arrangements to support pupils with additional needs 

● How we will induct staff into these arrangements 

● Ways for parents/carers to contact school 

Infection is transmitted within pupil groups 

● Keeping class sizes small ● Keeping class layouts safe (and 

ensure good ventilation) ● General hygiene arrangements ● How we will induct staff into 

these arrangements 

Pupils do not behave in a way which is in keeping with safe working practices 

● Behaviour management approaches and expectations 

● Provision of safety equipment 

 

 

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and signage, including re parent/carer gatherings 

● How we will induct staff into these arrangements 

Infection spreads due to contamination of e.g. surfaces and touch points 

● Cleaning arrangements ● General hygiene arrangements ● Arrangements to ensure 

contractors operate safely ● Arrangements for PE/swimming ● Minimising use of shared 

objects (e.g. learning resources; toys; computers) 

● How we will induct staff into these arrangements 

● Arrangements for use of communal/shared areas (staff) 

Staff become affected due to either a) need to conduct first aid or b) need to supervise a child who is displaying symptoms pending collection by a parent/carer 

● Arrangements for first aid, including if a child or adult develops symptoms while at school 

● Use of face masks ● How we will induct staff into 

these arrangements 

Risk assessment process is purely paper-based, and there is no/limited buy-in from staff (other than predominantly management) 

● It is everyone’s responsibility to be vigilant 

● How we will induct staff into these arrangements 

An outbreak or suspected outbreak occurs and it is not well managed, which increases the risk, and rate, of infection 

● Arrangements in the event of a suspected or actual outbreak of coronavirus 

● How we will induct staff into these arrangements 

There is a lack of clarity about which pupils are on site at any one time and/or uncertainty about which pupils have not been seen for a period of time, raising questions about safeguarding 

● Recording of attendance ● How we will induct staff into 

these arrangements 

There are insufficient staff available to  ● Safe staffing levels 

 

 

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operate the school safely and/or key roles are not filled e.g. designated safeguarding lead (DSL) 

School premises may have become unsafe during the lockdown period  

● None of our schools closed fully, for a prolonged period, during lockdown - so full estates recommissioning checks are not required. Even despite this, we have commissioned a range of premises health and safety checks and tasks. We are confident that all requirements in terms of estates health and safety legislation and good practice have been met. 

 

 

   

 

 

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Specific additional local risks - identification and             

responses - Culloden Primary Academy 

Identified risk  Response 

Parents/carers not remembering to socially distance.  

Reminder sent out in initial letter. Staff on duty in playground in mornings monitoring 

Congestion at entry points  Signs will be placed reminding parents/carers about 2m rule. Entry points will be designated for year groups to ensure that the majority of pupils go through the correct entrances (we acknowledge this may not be possible e.g. for parents/carers with pupils in two different year groups) 

 

   

 

 

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Specific additional local risks - identification and             

responses - Murrayfield Primary Academy 

Identified risk  Response 

Parents/carers wait on the school site until their child has entered the building, potentially gathering around the opening near year 6 classroom. 

Procedures for pupil arrival to school will be outlined in the information letter sent to parents/carers informing them of the need to vacate the school site. Signs will remind parents/carers of the procedures along with social distancing. 

Parents/carers dropping off/collecting children from different year groups with different drop off/collection times, therefore having to wait on site. 

All children from one family will be received/dismissed at the same time (earlier slot). Parents/carers will be informed and children will be supervised/collected where necessary. 

Collection of nursery pupils at 11:50am. 

All other pupils with access to EYFS outdoor space to be in their classroom during nursery dismissal. Gate to Nacton Road to be opened, parent/carers to wait outside of the school site. Nursery pupils will be handed individually to parents at the gate while remaining nursery pupils wait inside with an adult. 

   

 

 

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Specific additional local risks - identification and             

responses - Old Ford Primary Academy 

Identified risk  Response 

Parents/carers not remembering to socially distance.  

Reminder sent out in initial letter. Staff on duty in playground in mornings monitoring 

Congestion at entry points  Signs will be placed reminding parents/carers about 2m rule. Entry points will be designated for year groups to ensure that the majority of pupils go through the correct entrances (we acknowledge this may not be possible e.g. for parents/carers with pupils in two different year groups) 

   

 

 

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Specific additional local risks - identification and             

responses - Piper’s Vale Primary Academy 

Identified risk  Response 

Parents not remembering to socially distance.  

This will be included in the letter going home to families explaining the need for them to be aware of the risk of a gathering of people. Cones will be out to support this. Parents will be spoken to by a member of the leadership team and asked to move away immediately. 

Parents congregating near gates at dropping off/collection times.  

This will be included in the letter going home to families explaining the need for them to be aware of the risk of a gathering of people. Cones will be out to support this. Parents will be spoken to by a member of the leadership team and asked to move away immediately. 

One parent having children in differing year groups and having to be at differing gates at the same time.  

Those families with more than one child attending in different pods will be contacted individually and a separate dismissal plan will be given to those relevant parents.  

   

 

 

Board-approved arrangements to partially re-open Paradigm Trust schools from 1 June│54 

Specific additional local risks - identification and             

responses - Solebay Primary Academy 

Identified risk  Response 

A crowd of parents/carers gather around the main entrance where social distancing is not being followed.  

This will be included in the letter going home to families explaining the need for them to be aware of the risk of a gathering of people. Cones will be out to support this. Parents will be spoken to by a member of the leadership team and asked to move away immediately. 

Too many members of the public in the park during drop off or collection. 

We will review drop off and collection locations if it is not possible to maintain effective social distancing with the public. 

Staffing in the kitchen is low due to illness and cannot be covered. 

Parents/carers may be asked to provide a packed lunch for their child/ren in this instance. 

 

   

 

 

Board-approved arrangements to partially re-open Paradigm Trust schools from 1 June│55 

ANNEX - Principles for staff (taken from DfE guidance                 

and adopted by Paradigm) 

● Do not come to work if you have coronavirus symptoms, or go home as                           soon as these develop (informing your manager), and access a test as                       soon as possible. 

● Clean your hands more often than usual - with running water and soap                         and dry them thoroughly or use alcohol hand rub or sanitiser ensuring that                         all parts of the hands are covered. 

● Use the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach. ● Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes. ● Clean frequently touched surfaces often using standard products, such as                   

detergents and bleach. ● Think about ways to modify your teaching approach to keep a distance                       

from children in your class as much as possible, particularly close face to                         face support (noting that it’s understood that this is not possible at all                         times, which is why hygiene and hand cleaning is so important). 

● Consider avoiding calling pupils to the front of the class or going to their                           desk to check on their work if not necessary. 

● Help your class to follow the rules on hand cleaning, not touching their                         faces, ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ etc. including by updating your classrooms                         displays with posters. 

● Prevent your class from sharing equipment and resources (like stationery). ● Keep your classroom door and windows open if possible for air flow. ● Limit the number of children from your class using the toilet at any one                           

time. ● Limit your contact with other staff members, and don’t congregate in                     

shared spaces, especially if they are small rooms. ● Make sure you’re familiar with the school’s updated behaviour                 

management arrangements and know what role you’re being asked to                   take.