Director's Message - 28th September 2020
Dear Colleagues,
Following on from the PM's address to the nation last week with regards to the new Covid-19 restrictions, I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all school leaders who continue to try and keep staff, children and young people safe by implementing the necessary protective measures.
The Council has received concerns from residents about the behaviour of a minority of pupils outside of schools. Please could you take this opportunity to remind all pupils and families of the NHS guidelines (attached) and to regularly check that pupils are adhering to the rules.
The full update on Covid-19 guidance, including how schools should continue to ensure protective measures, can be accessed via our FAQs on LEAP. This week's key updates are:
1. Wellbeing for Education Training Sessions available to book now
This national training will enable education staff to promote and support the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. The training is one session that is repeated four times. Schools only need to book one place for one of the four sessions. Any further school places cannot be accommodated at this time. Most schools have sent us details of their school lead and this invite will be sent directly to them. This is usually your SENCO, Senior Lead for Mental Health, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Pastoral, PSHE Lead or a member of the Senior Leadership Team. If you need to change this or haven't provided a lead, you can simply book one space per school and we will retain this lead's contact details. Booking details are in the Wellbeing in Education flyer (PDF) [121KB](opens new window).
2. Making an order for additional Covid-19 tests
Schools and FE providers can order additional test kits if they are running out of test kits via the following link. Kits will be supplied in boxes of 10, with one box provided per 1000 pupils/students.
3. PPE for tracheostomy suctioning
Important Public Health England guidance change - Filtering Face Piece class three (FFP3) masks are not required for oral suctioning, but are required for tracheostomy suctioning. Standard infection, prevention, and control precautions are still required for oral suctioning. Please see attached guidance.
4. Use of the NHS Covid-19 app in schools and further education colleges
School staff should familiarise themselves with the features of the app which is available to download for anyone aged over 16. The guidance will help staff understand how the app relates to their setting's process for managing a positive case and/or an outbreak.
Action Card - Further education (PDF) [90KB](opens new window)
Action Card - Early years settings (PDF) [88KB](opens new window)
5. Remote learning further resources
The DfE has made available several school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice. Schools can refer to the BBC's Bitesize Daily for pupils in Year 1 to Year 10 or consider using resources from Oak National Academy.
6. Plan your relationships, sex and health curriculum
This newly released guidance provides information to help school leaders plan, develop and implement the new statutory curriculum.
Please continue to email the Education Team via education@hilingdon.gov.uk for any support.
Regards
Dan
