What should be done in preparation for reopening of schools- Summary of guidelines by the Ministry of Education

In preparation for re-opening, the Ministry of education has given an account of activities to be carried out by schools and teachers. Teachers return back to schools next week to prepare for learners’ reporting; expected in October 2020.

See also;

• TSC recruitment schedules for all Counties- Updated interview dates and venues
• TSC says mass recruitment of teachers is on and has not been cancelled

As teachers report back to schools they should ensure the following are done:

1. Build the capacity of institutional staff, learners, Boards of management and parents on the management of COVID 19.
2. Ensure adequate clean running water and sanitation facilities in the institution and procure water tanks where applicable.
3. Develop the protocols on hygiene and social distancing measures to be put in place before re-opening.
4. Stock up the institution with key supplies including disinfectants, liquid soaps, non-touch thermometers, face masks and first aid kits.
5. Collaborate with institution sponsors to ensure provision of psychosocial and spiritual services.
6. Map an emergency health facility that is within 10km and collaborate with the County Government to have some health personnel assigned to the institution for regular monitoring and sensitization.
7. Carry out risk assessment for suitability focusing on space, water, sanitation, provision of meals, transport of learners using the risk assessment matrix, provided by MoE and develop mitigation measures.
8. Ensure compliance to guidelines for issuance of letter of compliance to the institutions.
9. Communicate to parents, teachers and learners on:

• Health and safety measures
• Re-opening of the institution based on the calendar released by the ministry.

10. Constitute institutional COVID19 response committee to coordinate response strategies comprising of five members, one being a learner, non-teaching staff, one BOM member and teachers.
11. Ensure there is a designated room within the institution premises for use as a sick bay or for temporary isolation in case presumed cases occur in the institution.
12. Ensure revision of institution rules and regulations and daily routine to be responsive to the changes occasioned by COVID 19 pandemic.
13. Maintain positive demeanor on governments efforts to prevent the spread of COVID 19.
14. Maintain updated bio data of all learners and contact numbers and home addresses of the parents /guardians/caregivers for ease of management of emergencies.
15. Ensure that information of COVID 19 related measures is accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities, through sign language interpretation, captioning and easy read formats, among others.
16. Renovate, improve, or install (as necessary) age, disability and gender appropriate hygiene facilities like washrooms, toilets and bathrooms to ease congestion.
17. Develop learner’s movement protocols including designating entrances and exits for different learners’ cohorts, sectioned off common spaces and floor markings to direct foot -traffic flows.
18. Clean and disinfect institution buildings, including toilets using water and disinfectants and frequently touched surfaces.
19. Ensure adequate security and safety measures, including provision of a fence /barrier and guards to restrict entry to and exit from the institutional premise.
20. Restrict entrance of visitors in the institution and cancel institution events such as career days and motivation days until further notice.
21. Revise and adjust the institution budgets to reflect the current priorities addressing the impact of COVID 19 such as improved hygiene management.
22. Identify learners, teachers and other staff with pre-existing health conditions and ensure appropriate health attention.
23. Weekly progress report on the status on institution health and safety that might compromise curriculum implementation will be submitted to the Sub-County Director- Education.
24. Communicate regularly, clearly and accurately information to learners and staff to ensure that they are kept informed of important developments.