Steps to making schools safer after Covid-19!

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in December 2019, everybody has been forced to adapt in a variety of ways to protect and prevent. From national lockdowns to closed borders, the virus had a significant effect on the social, economic, and political climate. It is fair to say that, although effects are still being felt in some areas, the situation is now manageable, but this may lead to complacency for some, falling back into bad habits which helped to excel this virus to the dangerous state that it became.

One area which must continue to practice many of the new ways of working is within educational establishments. This is essential in protecting children from any future viruses, as well as reassuring parents that their children are being protected and their health is being maintained.

Here are several steps which schools can take to continue to keep their students as safe as possible:

Washing/sanitising hands is one of the key steps; after play time/lunch time, upon entering/exiting the school as well as after any outside classroom activities like drama in the assembly hall or PE on the playground/field.

Cleaning surfaces, especially ones which are frequently touched. Disinfectant spray should be used on all surfaces which have been touched throughout the day. This will mainly take place at the end of the school day to ensure it is safe for when the students are back in the morning.

A deeper clean can take place on Friday evenings. This will involve cleaning all floors and surfaces, even ones which are infrequently touched to ensure that everywhere in the school is disinfected.

Doors and windows should be left open when possible. This will help the room to ventilate and keep the air fresh in the building.

Students should be taught how to correctly wash their hands, as well as being taught to cover their mouths and noses when sneezing/coughing. They should further be taught how to dispose of waste such as used tissues.

Advising parents to allow their children days off when they appear unwell.

Tip: It is important to keep these extra rules fun and memorable amongst the students. Perhaps songs or interactive games to help reinstate the information about washing hands and covering your mouth when you sneeze/cough could be useful.

To find out more about how you can make schools safer after Covid-19, take a look at our Cleaning Services framework: https://www.procurementservices.co.uk/our-solutions/frameworks/facilities/cleaning-services