Coronavirus / Covid-19 Policy – Geek School Tutoring

Geek School Tutoring Limited recognises the importance of advanced planning to maintain services and limit the spread of the new coronavirus, known as Covid-19, within our setting.

Covid-19 is a viral infection similar to flu, spread from person to person by close contact. It typically causes fever and a dry cough, and in some cases, may progress to viral pneumonia, which antibiotics cannot treat. Symptoms of Covid-19 can include:

– Dry cough
– Sore throat
– Fever
– Tiredness
– Difficulty breathing

The initial symptoms are not dissimilar to other colds and flu-type illnesses. Still, the combination of a recent onset of fever and a new continuous cough seems to be present in many cases of Covid-19.

Infection or suspected infection


Any child who becomes ill with symptoms could be Covid-19, while at one of the Geek School Tutoring Venues will be isolated from the other children by at least two metres until they can be collected by his or her parents. On collection, we will ask parents to let Geek School Tutoring know if any Covid tests on the child are positive. We will remain open unless advised otherwise by the local Health Protection Team, but parents and staff will be informed, especially those in high-risk groups.

If any staff or children have returned from a high-risk area, they will be asked to stay take their lessons with Geek School Tutoring online for 10 days from their date of return. This period may change according to government guidance.

If any parents have returned from a high-risk area, they will be asked not to attend our venues but to allow their child to undertake subsequent lessons for 10 days after their date of return.

If any staff or children experience a recent onset of a new continuous cough and/or a high temperature – even if they have not been to an increased risk area or been in contact with anyone who has – they must stay at home and self-isolate for 10 days, even if the symptoms are mild.

Infection control


Like the common cold and flu viruses, Covid-19 is spread by:
• Infected people are passing the virus to others through large droplets when coughing, sneezing, or even talking within a close distance.
• Direct contact with an infected person: for example, if you shake or hold their hand, and then touch your mouth, eyes or nose without first washing your hands.
• Touching objects (e.g. door handles, light switches) that have previously been touched by an infected person, then touching your mouth, eyes or nose without first washing your hands. Viruses can survive longer on hard surfaces than on soft or absorbent surfaces.

We will limit the risk of catching or spreading Covid-19 at the respective Geek School Tutoring venue by:


• Regular handwashing by staff and children
• Minimising contact between our hands and mouth/nose
• Covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing; using a tissue whenever possible; disposing of
the tissue promptly and carefully (bag it and bin it); washing hands afterwards
• Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles, light switches, tables, etc.) with sanitiser frequently
• Encouraging the children at Geek School Tutoring to follow the guidance above
• Instructing staff to remain at home if they display any relevant symptoms or sending them home if they first show signs while at work.
We will promote infection control through the methods above, and also we will:
• Display posters and information to promote infection control
• Ensure that adequate supplies of cleaning materials and protective equipment (e.g. disposable gloves and aprons) are available within the all Geek School Tutoring venue.
• Dispose of waste promptly and hygienically.
• Provide tissues and suitable facilities for their disposal.

Closure

The latest advice is that individual closing setting is of limited benefit in stopping the spread of the disease. However, there may be some occasions when we have to consider temporarily closing the respective Geek School Tutoring venue because we have too few unaffected staff to run sessions safely. If this occurs, the manager will contact [Early Years or Childcare team at our local authority] for further support and guidance.

Geek School Tutoring will also have to close if advised to do so by the local authority or Health Protection Team in the interest of safeguarding the children in our care.

In the event of closure, the manager will notify parents or carers as soon as possible. The managing director will also inform the Early Years or Childcare team at our local authority and other relevant parties, e.g. feeder schools, other users of shared premises, etc. The managing director will also notify Ofsted of the closure.

Advance planning

In preparation for dealing with Covid-19, Geek School Tutoring will ensure that all contact details for staff, children and parents are up to date.

We will prepare letters of notification for parents and staff to be distributed immediately if an outbreak occurs.

We will endeavour to build a bank of relief or supply staff who can provide cover should staffing levels fall below the required legal minimums. Any relief staff will be DBS checked at the time of joining our team so that they are legally able to work with children should the situation arise.

Geek School Tutoring will regularly update its information regarding Covid-19 by checking the latest guidance from Public Health England and the local authority and will inform parents and staff of any changes to our emergency plans.

Useful contacts
Bromley Safeguarding Team: 0208 464 3333
Lewisham Safeguarding Team: 0208 464 3333

Ofsted: 0300 123 1231
Health Protection Team (HPT): 0344 225 3861