COVID 19 Policy Statement

St. Patrick’s Girls’ National School is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all our staff and a safe learning environment for all our pupils. To ensure that, we have developed the following COVID-19 Response Plan.

The BOM and all school staff are responsible for the implementation of this plan and a combined effort will help contain the spread of the virus. We will continue to monitor our COVID-19 response and amend this plan in consultation with our staff and provide up to date information to our staff and pupils on the Public Health advice issued by the HSE and Gov.ie We will display information on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and correct handwashing techniques.

We will agree with staff, a worker representative who is easily identifiable to carry out the role outlined in this plan. We will inform all staff and pupils of essential hygiene and respiratory etiquette and physical distancing requirements.

We will adapt the school to facilitate physical distancing as appropriate in line with the guidance and direction of the Department of Education. We will keep a contact log to help with contact tracing. We will ensure staff engage with the induction / familiarisation briefing provided by the Department of Education.

We will implement the agreed procedures to be followed in the event of someone showing symptoms of COVID-19 while at school. We will provide instructions for staff and pupils to follow if they develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19 during school time.

We will implement cleaning in line with Department of Education advice.

All school staff will be consulted on an ongoing basis and feedback is encouraged on any concerns, issues or suggestions. This can be done through the Lead Worker Representative(s), who will be supported in line with the agreement between the Department and education partners.

A signed copy is kept in the office.