While returning to school is crucial for children’s academic development, it’s equally important for the staff in education settings to make sure the health and safety of their students is the top priority.
That said, staff members of the faculty will have to ensure that all the vital government-issued guidelines and other precautionary measures are in place to create a safer learning environment. That way, school leaders not only minimise the risk of transmission but also make sure all students receive a high-quality education.
Schools will have to be prepared for the possibility of a local lockdown while having a plan in place to not disrupt the learning process.
With that in mind, at Doorway Services, we’ve compiled a list of our top 8 tips to help you create a safer school environment.
Closely Follow the Government-Issued Guidelines
As schools are expected to welcome all students back this autumn, the government, with advice from Public Health England (PHE), has prepared a set of guidelines that every educational institution has to follow in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
By following these principles and maximising strict adherence to control measures, education leaders can keep their students safe while effectively minimising various health risks.
Place Physical Distancing Stickers on the Floor
In a busy school, implementing social/physical distancing can be a tad difficult but faculty members need to take advantage of the available resources and create a safer environment for both students and staff.
One of the best ways to ensure that your students are adhering to the 2-metre rule would be to place foot stickers on the floor.
You could also post signages in corridors and other communal areas to effectively communicate the social distancing measures and make sure everyone is following it properly to create a safer school environment.
Avoid Conducting Assemblies
Although it might be tempting to gather all the students and staff in one place, in the current situation, conducting assemblies is a big no!
Rather than crowding everyone in one spot, you could pass on crucial information through regular announcements or on virtual school groups.
This will not only help you avoid the need for assemblies but also ensure the necessary messages are being delivered at the right time and to the right people.
Space Out the Opening Time
Staggering the opening time is another effective way to create a safer school environment for your students. By doing so, you can avoid a huge influx of children entering the school at the same time.
You could try spacing out the opening time as per the year group. This will ensure that social distancing is being maintained between your students, as advised by the official authorities.
Stock Up on Hand Sanitisers
As a school leader, it’s your responsibility to ensure proper hygiene and cleanliness are being maintained throughout the premises, and that every student and teacher is adhering to it.
That said, make sure you have enough soap, hand sanitisers, and other safety and cleanliness essentials in place. You should also hang handwashing posters wherever possible.
Install Automatic Doors
We all know the guidelines around the transmission of germs through surfaces, and we all know manual doors require your staff and students to use their hands to open them, and the one thing that you need to avoid during this time is physical contact with surfaces that are likely to transmit the virus.
To eliminate pushing open a door with bare hands, why not install commercial automatic doors in your school?
This will not only create a safer environment but also curb the risk of virus transmission in your institution.
To find out more about automatic door installation and other repair services, contact a professional door supplier like Doorway Services today!
Provide Your Staff With Special Training & Protective Gear
Since there’s still a lot we don’t know about the virus, it’s better to offer special training to all your staff and ensure that the entire school is being thoroughly cleaned and sanitised.
Additionally, you also need to offer them protective gear like masks, gloves, and safety visors.
However, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) might be required only in specific situations.
To Sum Up
Reopening the school might seem overwhelming, and whilst there’s no possible way to ensure a risk-free environment, it’s best to adhere to the guidelines set by the government.
Create a Safer School Environment with Doorway Services
To create a safer school environment for your students, installing an automatic door is extremely important.
If you’re looking for a professional door installation company, then get in touch with our team today!