Regulations and Guidelines

The Covid-Safe regulations and guidelines which apply to Islamic Schools (Madrassa) come from Governments ‘Out-of-School Setting’ (OOSS) documentation and these are regularly reviewed and adhered to.

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Continued Risk of Covid-19

There continues to be a contagion risk of the Covid-19 disease in the community and this should drive all considerations when planning for the safe reopening of our Islamic Schools.

Fomite Transmission

 

This is when an infected person coughs or sneezes and some of the droplets splash onto a nearby surface, or the person spreads the germs by touching a tap, handle, or surface before washing their hands.

Studies show that coronavirus can last up to three days on plastic and steel, but once it lands on a surface, the amount of viable virus begins to disintegrate in a matter of hours. That means a droplet on a surface is far more infectious right after the sneeze (same day) and reduces as time passes.

 

BAME Community

 

Many studies have shown the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community to be at significant risk of serious illness, major complications and increased probability of death if exposed to Covid-19. When compared to White ethnic groups, is was 43% higher in the Asian group and 45% in the Black group.

Underlying Health Conditions

 

Among deaths with Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate, a higher percentage mentioned diabetes, hypertensive diseases, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and dementia than all cause death certificates. Diabetes was mentioned on 21%  of  death  certificates  where  Covid-19  was  also  mentioned. This

 

 

finding is consistent with other studies that have noticed a higher risk of death from Covid-19 among patients with diabetes.

Age

 

Although Covid-19 can affect any group, the older you are, the higher your risk of serious disease. The vast majority of Covid-19 cases has been those aged 70 and over. Although children do not seem to exhibit major symptoms, it is widely acknowledged they may be asymptomatic carriers of Covid-19.

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Covid-19 Safety Officer

To ensure the smooth and safe reopening of the Al-Naseeha Saturday School, we have one COVID Safety Officer to coordinate all activities relating to the School. This person will engage with teachers, parents, children and stakeholders and be a focal point for re-opening preparations.

The COVID Safety Officer(s) will represent Al-Naseeha in the event of any ‘Test and Trace’ cases linked back to the School.

 

Responsibilities of the Covid-19 Safety Officer(s):

• A full risk assessment has been conducted prior to any reopening of the school.

• Has coordinated the planning of the phased school pick-up timing,

• Purchased PPE.

• Ensured all volunteers and staff are trained in the Covid-19 safety procedures

• Engaged and set expectations with the parents so they know what to expect when the School reopens

• Establish and maintain links with the local council and Public Health England

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Risk Assessment

Social distancing will significantly change the way our buildings and surrounding areas are used. A formal review and fresh risk assessment has been done.

 

 

In summary the risk assessment covers:

• Entrance / Exit Procedures

• Responsibilities

• Class Sizes

• Educational Bubbles

• No congregational prayer time

• Cleaning Procedures

• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for staff

• Safety and escalation procedures (suspected Covid case)

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Teacher – Health & Safety

Before deciding on to reopen the school we have consulted the staff members to ensure that they are available to work. An employee health questionnaire has been undertaken and clinically vulnerable individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness (for example, people with some pre-existing conditions like diabetes) have been advised to take extra precautions or continue shielding if necessary.

 

School Hours

It is recommended that staggered exit times are implemented for the following reasons:

• To maintain class bubbles and social distancing

• Ease bottleneck issues at the entry and exits points

• To maintain one-way flow, the lower carpark will be point of entrance and upper car park as exit point.

• Staggered exit time from 13:15- 13:30

• If siblings are in more than one group, then they can be picked up collectively in the latter group.

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Class Bubbles

The principle behind a ‘bubble’ is to wherever possible reduce the variation on class location, have a fixed set of children always being taught together and with the same teacher(s).

The integrity of the bubble will be maintained at all times by restricting visitors (such as parents) and strict hygiene.

 

Decisions on group sizes is based on the current government guidance on social distancing.

 

• Class will not have more than 20 children and 2 teachers

• Children under 11 years of age are encouraged to wear face covering in communal areas

• Children over 11 years of age must wear face covering in communal areas.

• Student will be allocated a fixed position on a table and a digital list of the children in each class will be kept for ‘Test and Trace’ purposes

 

 

In the event of a covid-19 case, the entire bubble will be required to isolate for 14 days and online classes will be conducted.

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Parents Responsibilities

Parents must comply with all of Al-Naseeha rules and regulations states in this document regarding covid-19 and in addition to the following

• All children’s contact details should be updated

• Ensure children have all the books and stationary as no sharing of educational material will be allowed between children.

• Follow any instruction that are stated on School posters, signs and barriers.

• Must wear face covering at all times, failure to do so will result in prohibition to enter the premises.

• Maintain a 2-meter social distancing while on the school premises

• If your child shows symptoms of covid-19, please do not send them to school.

• If any member of your house holds tests positive for covid-19, please inform the school and self-isolate for 14 days.

• Pick-up children on-time

• Park their vehicles responsibly

• Parent must continue to pay online and keep communication via phone /text or email.

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 General Procedure

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Ventilation

• Wherever possible, all doors and windows will be left open to reduce the need for individuals to touch handles and to circulate air.

Please Note: This does not apply to fire doors.

 

 Shared Resources

There remains a small risk of picking up Covid-19 from paper and carboard.

• It is mandatory that students only use their own educational books and stationery as no resource borrowing from other children or the office will be allowed

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 Hygiene

 

Hand Washing / Sanitiser Stations

• All children are expected to sanitize their hands at the point of entrances to the School which will be managed by school staff.

• During school hours and meal times children will be required to wash and sanitize hands.

 

Cleaning Procedures

A clear and regular cleaning regime is established at the School and is conducted before and after the school hours.

• All commonly touched surfaces will be wiped with disinfectant.

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Food and Water

No open food will be distributed or served during school. Students should bring their own water bottle and food. No sharing of food items and drink will be allowed.

 

Caretaker

The caretaker will be available during School hours to deal with any cleaning and hygiene issues.

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Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)

As an employer, it is our responsibility to ensure our staff are provided with PPE. PPE packs will be prepared for each member of staff containing the following:

• Face Shield

• Gloves

• Hand sanitiser

• Disinfectant wipes

 

Regulations state that students and teachers are not required to wear face coverings in educational bubbles. However, we highly recommended that strict social distancing is maintained and face shields should be worn at all times.

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‘Test and Trace’ Procedures

Where a cluster of suspected cases is identified, new regulations will allow of a local lockdown of an area, street, or building. If the school building that is shared by multiple users is identified at being a Covid-19 hotspot then the authorities will close the premises as a full deep clean of the premise is required. The Covid Safety Office, Risk Assessment and supporting documentation will be required if a case occurs involving the School.