ACCS/Info Bulletin 70/20

1.    Publication of Documentation on www.gov.ie

(i) Clarification on the use of face coverings in Post Primary schools.

(ii) Template Health and Safety Control of COVID-19 Policy for students.

2.   Planning Work Continuing on Future Department Publications.

3.   Publication of Pay Circulars.

1.         Publication of Documentation on www.gov.ie

(i) Clarification on the use of face coverings in Post Primary schools.

The attached clarification previously provided in ACCS Info Bulletin 69/20 has now been posted on gov.ie. This should be read in conjunction with the following guidance received by the Department from Public Health:

Public health advice is clear that cloth face coverings are optimum, in limited circumstances where cloth face coverings cannot be worn visors should be considered next.

Public health’s view is that there will be a very small number who are covered by the limited exceptions who cannot wear a cloth face covering or visor and that in these limited circumstances the arrangements in place for physical distancing (1m), hand hygiene, cough etiquette and cleaning would apply and should be strictly observed.

(ii) Template Health and Safety Control of COVID-19 Policy for students.

This attached policy is influenced by the need to minimise the risk of introduction of COVID-19 into the school community and to prevent its spread. As individual circumstances and codes of behaviour may vary from school to school, every school should therefore ensure that any adjustment required is made prior to adopting and implementing this template policy.

Section 3 of the Template provides useful guidance on Standards of Behaviour expected of students to help prevent the introduction or spread of COVID-19 in the school developed following consultation with the education partners.

Section 4 clearly articulates that failure by a student to comply with the standards of behaviour expected to help prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 will constitute a breach of the Code of Behaviour.

Schools are also reminded of the need to support the implementation of this policy by:

  • ·Focussing on creating a positive and safe environment for teaching and learning in the particular context of COVID-19

  • Ensuring that all students are made aware of the public health requirements as they relate to schools in a COVID-19 context and the particular context of the students’ own school

  •  Encouraging students to take personal responsibility for their actions and create and nurture a positive climate that reinforces good behaviour

2.         Planning Work Continuing on Future Department Publications.

The Department continues to work on guidance to assist schools to meet the challenges of teaching and learning in Covid times. 

Key pieces of work which will circulate to schools shortly include:

  • DRAFT Guidance document on the continuity of learning for Post Primary Schools in the event of a partial/full school closure. These guidelines will complement the Teaching and Learning Online, Safe Practice Guidelines for Online and Blended Learning in Coimmmunity & Comprehensive Schools which should have been received in all schools earlier this  month.

  • An FAQ document for school Principals when managing potential or actual Covid cases in schools.

  • HSE are completing webinars for schools.

The immense effort of all in school communities to ensure a safe re-opening of schools is very much acknowledged. The efforts of school management have been central to this success. ACCS personnel remain available to support you in your work in any way we can.

3.        Publication of Pay Circulars.

  1. Revision of Teacher Salaries with effect from 1 October 2020 – Circular 0060/2020 (attached)

  2. Revision of Salaries for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) with effect from 01 October 2020 – Circular 0061/2020 (attached)

  3. Revision of Salaries C and C Clerical and Maintenance Staff with effect from 01 October 2020 – Circular 0065/2020 (attached)

  4. Revision of Salaries Other Staff Paid by Schools with effect from 01 October 2020 – Circular 0062/2020 (attached)

The FSSU is preparing detailed analysis of the implications of these circulars for schools.

ATTACHMENTS

Liam Ryder