On behalf of the team at SCL, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks for everything you are doing to respond to the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19. It has been a challenging term as we all learn more about the new Omicron variant, but a strong team effort to ensure we have considered ways to keep our learners and staff safe.
The Department for Education has stated keeping education open is their top priority:
“The Government is clear on the critical importance of not disrupting the education of children and young people and the Government will prioritise keeping all education and childcare settings open.”
It is therefore essential we continue to work collectively to enable all learners access to their education by keeping sites open safely, while managing the Covid transmission risks.
SCL have the following health and safety measures in place:
- A designated Health & Safety Manager
- Support lines to both IOSH and the British Safety Council.
- A direct line to the Department for Education Helpline
- We are required to reportcovid cases to the Department for Education; we have implemented a Covid tracker to track and enable this process.
- All SCL staff have undertaken Covid risk assessment trainingprior to the end of term, which will enable them to implement our procedures in accordance with changing risks.
These measures will enable us to implement controlled measures to ensure we continue to offer face-to-face education.
The attached document will give you clarity on SCL’s education site requirements in line with our health and safety procedures.
If you have any concerns or require support, please contact Lawrence Blair in the first instance.
Site Closures Process
Decisions regarding closure to sites, therefore moving education on-line, must be done in consultation with Stuart Allen, Lawrence Blair, and Curriculum Managers to ensure this last resort of action has been carefully considered and there is no other safe alternative.
Working together to put learner safety first
To ensure we are working together to minimise any potential risk upon our return, all parents and staff have received similar communication highlighting the minimum control measures required on site. Learners and staff have been advised to take resources such as devices home with them. We are delighted to learn that many of our education partners continue to exceed these standards by implementing additional control measures as required.
Over the festive period, we will continue to learn more about the impacts of the Omicron variant. To prepare for any possible changes to Public Health Advice, could I ask that you review your existing contingency plans to ensure you are well prepared to implement them in case of any future changes; Lawrence Blair remains your nominated contact.
We will be meeting as a senior team on 31st December 2021 to review any changes at Government level which may occur after the close of business on Thursday 23rd December. We will again communicate should anything impact the January 4th return.