It is a difficult choice but the fact remains that at some point you are going to have to take the plunge. Life cannot remain in limbo indefinitely. So physical resumption time at school has come for your child – what do you do?
Inspect!
First inspect the school to ensure they are doing their best to provide a safe environment for the staff and students. Here are some questions you should ask to help you make your decision.
- How many students will be in each class? Which steps will be taken to ensure there will be minimal contact in the classroom?
- What are the cleaning protocols? Particularly in high risk areas such as shared areas and frequently touched surfaces?
- What is the procedure for a member of staff or student feeling unwell on school premises? Has provision been made to safely isolate and evacuate any one in this situation?
- Which of these protective measures will be taken? Face masks? Social distancing? PPE? Class bubbles? All of the above? None of the above?
- How will these protective measures be enforced?
- What will pick up/drop off routine be like? Staggered times? Enforced distancing for parents?
- Will there still be school buses? How will social distancing be enforced if so?
- Mealtimes – How can this be carried out safely? Dining hall or classroom eating?
- If a member of staff or student displays symptoms, what are the implications for their immediate colleagues and students? Which steps will be put in place to contain a possible outbreak? Is there any provision for testing?
- What is the position on co-curricular activities, school performances, circle time etc?
Educate
If you are satisfied with this, you then need to educate your child on the processes required to keep them safe. If they are already familiar – a refresher course would come in handy.
Sneezing into a tissue or an elbow, frequent hand washing or use of sanitizers, keeping a safe distance from other people at all times (difficult we know but it must be done), taking a bath immediately they get back from school and so on. Impress upon them the importance of these measures. Your family’s well-being may well depend on it.
(Click to see our previous post to get a visual schedule on hand washing https://rhimamory.com/washing-your-hands/ )
Equip
Provide your child with all the necessary requirements to see them through this time – hand wipes, sanitizers, face masks, clearly labelled and distinct feeding materials (plates, water bottles and cutlery), gloves – whatever you feel is most appropriate under the circumstances.
Of course these are applicable to students who absolutely have to return to school and navigate the new normal. The hope is that as time goes on and cases reduce, things can go back to some semblance of the old normal.
We wish your little ones all the best as they start a new school year – in whichever form!