Have we really thought ahead beyond handwashing and using sanitizers? This is the importance of a thorough risk assessment and comprehensive emergency preparedness plan in every school. We might say but COVID-19 has never happened before. True but this is why your emergency preparedness plan must have a component that addresses epidemics/pandemics.

For example, it’s great to do all the prevention efforts but what is the plan for continuing education in the midst of a pandemic? We need to stay ready on all fronts so here are things we must begin to consider going forward:

• Keeping children and staff safe

What actions or procedures must we implement in order to ensure the safety of all? Frequent handwashing, using disinfectant to wipe frequently touched surfaces, encouraging sick pupils and staff to stay home, encouraging coughing and sneezing into elbows not hands,  immediate disposal of handkerchiefs after use and avoid touching faces.

• Communication of preventive efforts

These new actions or procedures must be communicated clearly to all from the smallest child in school to the oldest staff on the premises. Everyone including teaching and non-teaching staff must know what is expected per time. Ensure use of simple and clear words.

• Plans for continuing education 

Education helps people cope with other life issues. We must begin to consider possible methods of continuing education and the resources needed if schools get shut down. This is the time to try out technology tools and options available to see what can work. Distance learning and flexible learning options must be explored.

• Update your emergency preparedness plan

By now, you must have identified the lapses in your school system not just because of COVID-19 but other safety issues that can arise. Invite safety professionals to help you craft an effective emergency preparedness plan to ensure students, staff and education investments are safe 

It’s back to school season again. Unfortunately, some children and staff are afraid to resume school because of a “bully”. Anyone can be bullied and so school owners have a responsibility to take leadership.

Do you have an anti-bullying policy? If you do not, you are indirectly supporting bullying and making your school an emotionally unsafe space. An anti-bullying policy is a great way to boost confidence in both students and teachers.

Here are some important aspects that must be covered by your school’s anti-bullying policy:
1) Your school’s vision and approach
This is a description of what connotes bullying, who can be affected, how it impacts victims and what your school aims to achieve with this policy

2) Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders
Here, identify all the key stakeholders and assign roles. Everyone has a role to play from school leadership to students, staff and parents/caregivers

3) Prevention and response to bullying
Quick and effective response is important, so state the details of the strategy that would achieve your vision. This includes steps to be taken to aid prevention and how to respond when a case arises.

4) Stakeholder communication
Communication is key. A policy that is not communicated to relevant stakeholders will not be effective. State how you will do this

5) Impact assessment and periodic review
Evaluation must be done to see how well the policy works in its entirety. State how you plan to assess the policy. Also, a specific duration must be set for a review e.g. every 3 years

I hope this was helpful? Share with school owners