There is no official guidance on what schools should be asking of their Site teams.

It is a matter for each school to decide how they go about keeping the school clean and safe in the best way that ensures their staff remain as safe a possible too.

There is government guidance on educational settings available here.

Government Guidance

There is also dedicated helpline number for educational settings – please call 0800 046 8687 for any specific question not covered on the government information page.

Keeping the virus at bay.

Observe the hand hygiene rules and regularly wash your hands with Soap for 20 Seconds.

If you are able to close areas then do so  – “if an area can be kept closed and secure for 72 hours, wait until this time has passed for cleaning as the amount of virus living on surfaces will have reduced significantly by 72 hours”

The great news is the virus is killed by your normal methods of cleaning so Caretakers, Site Managers and cleaners play a hugely important roll (as always) in keeping schools safe places for those that are still using them.

Areas of regular use should be cleaned frequently. The virus is spread through contact with surfaces so regular cleaning will help to minimise the spread.

Decontamination Advice

PPE is very important

Regular PPE equipment:

• Gloves
• Apron
• If  an area is contaminated with bodily fluids then consider protecting eyes, nose and mouth too.

“Wherever possible, wear disposable or washing-up gloves and aprons for cleaning. These should be double-bagged, then stored securely for 72 hours then thrown away in the regular rubbish after cleaning is finished.”

Here are lots of useful resources for more information.

COVID19 Cleaning Guidance

Cleaning Materials Offer

2020.03.09 Handwashing Poster

Remember – try and look after yourselves while you are looking after others – you are vital members of the team and without you, things get even more difficult.  Rest when you can and pace yourselves.

Stay safe everyone and keep in touch with anything you want to share with colleagues and anything to help boost morale at this difficult time.