The UK Government roadmap
On the 10th May, the UK Government set out their roadmap to lift restrictions indicating schools can operate if they are organised in a way that is compatible with minimising the spread of the virus. The next phase of measures will require the development of new safety standards to set out how physical spaces can be adapted to operate safety. One of the main protective measures that can be taken to reduce transmission is to have small consistent groups / class sizes / cohorts. For schools this will require careful planning.
The Government have suggested primary schools could open from 1st June if safety measures are in place and schools are able to demonstrate how pupils, parents and staff can be kept safe.
Covid secure classrooms #covidsecure
To help, Bellrock is working with schools to create Covid Secure classrooms and have developed the following services to assist in the development of the schools re-opening strategy.
Surveys and Consultancy
Capacity Study
A Capacity Study identifies areas of the school that are being reopened and assists in compartmentalising the site as to avoid further contamination and limiting it to designated, contained areas. This service includes phasing
plans of the building and identifying any possible segregation requirements within the school.
The Capacity Study is led by staffing numbers as ratios and cohorts would be solely dependent upon the number of staff available to work, including contingencies if they were to become ill.
Circulation Mapping
In collaboration with a Capacity Study, the Circulation Mapping assists in planning the movement and flow of occupants throughout the school and corridors, looking at how vital services such as toilets, dining rooms and communal areas could be accessed.
Circulation Mapping takes a detailed look at items such as signage to give visual clues to occupants. This may include advice around one-way systems, corridor segregation and movement plans, incorporating arrival and departure procedures to ensure it’s mapped out.
Operational Compliance
Evacuation strategies: looking at evacuation routes and alternative provisions required as a result of COVID-related changes to the building.
Drawings / plans: producing drawings, plans and imagery of the buildings for school use.
Evacuation test: Testing the school policies to document that suitable emergency plans are in place.
‘Invacuation’ zones – identifying areas for keeping pupils safe (within the school) from an external threat.
Supplementary Consultancy
Enhanced Cleaning
Cleaning regimes are planned out and focus on the type and frequency. Planning of cleaning provides an auditable trail of preventative measures being taken by the school. Reoccupation of areas require an initial ‘deep clean’ followed by established regular intervals of ‘standard’ cleaning.
Intervals of deep cleaning are established upon new groups / cohorts being introduced to the school (i.e. if cohorts change then a deep clean would be required).
Contractor Activity
Any “non educational” operational RAMS & PPE: Bellrock can manage the on-site activity of contractors to ensure that all risk assessments and method statements have been reviewed by a competent person and they are aware of the safety requirements of the site. This includes monitoring contractors to ensure that they have, and are working to, strict COVID-19 specific RAMS.
Property Compliance
Monitoring the Statutory Compliance of systems ensures that academies remain in full compliance with legislation. This includes the monitoring of PPMs to ensure that buildings remain fully compliant. Bellrock also offer contractor monitoring and enhanced site management services.
Click the button below to download the complete guide which includes further information on the project team and costing options.
*Information offered in this webinar is in line with UK Government guidance at the time of recording.
