www.boarding.org.uk No images? Click here Dear membersThis week’s Covid-19 communication covers:
As ever the update is issued by BSA in conjunction with our partners BAISIS and ISC. BSA reminds all schools that it is not a medical, statutory or legal authority and any advice is given on that basis. A.1: What has changed UNESCO reports that 168 countries still have country-wide school closures, although the number with localised reopening arrangements is growing. In Europe, this now includes Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland and Austria, although each country is taking a different route towards more normal operations. In Asia, things remain very cautious, with a further reopening in China and Vietnam, but with schools in most other countries remaining closed. WHO now lists 4 million confirmed cases, with 274,361 deaths, an increase of 36,000 since last week. In the UK, 31,855 people have now died compared to 28,446 the previous week. The thoughts of the BSA team continue to be with all those who have lost loved ones or friends as a result of the pandemic. A.2: Reopening schools in the UK For the time being the guidance is:
The Government is also amending its guidance to clarify that paid childcare, for example, nannies and childminders, can take place subject to being able to meet the public health principles (at Annex A of the document), because these are roles where working from home is not possible. This should enable more working parents to return to work. In Phase 2, which will be from June 1 at the earliest, the guidance mentions a phased return for early years settings and schools:
The Education Construction Network, in conjunction with the-learning-crowd has produced some useful guidance for schools., and BSA is grateful to them for sharing with us. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have made it clear that they do not see June 1st as a realistic date for reopening schools. The Scottish Government published guidance on looking beyond lockdown, click here to view this and the Welsh Government also issued Wales lockdown recovery guidance. And other parts of the British Isles and Channel Islands have also issued guidance: Isle of Man; Jersey; Guernsey. Northern Ireland plans to issue further guidance tomorrow (May 12, 2020) A3: Reopening boarding in the UK BSA continues to represent the particular concerns of the State Boarding Forum and has also been working closely with ISC and its constituent associations to ensure the views of boarding schools are heard and understood as new guidance is formulated. Both BSA and IAPS have pointed out to the Government that transition years are not the same for those moving from prep to senior school as they are for most state primaries. BSA is co-hosting with AGBIS a webinar for boarding school governors and senior leaders on Thursday 21st May at 5 p.m. Booking can be made on the BSA website. ISBA has issued further advice to members, which is available through the members’ portal. In advance of any further guidance, BSA advises schools to consider carefully the concerns and worries of parents, carers and pupils. Parents of international pupils have made it clear that allowing their children to wear masks is a particularly important factor to them if they are to allow their children to return to the UK. Furthermore, the guidance issued today states:
BSA is also working towards producing some specific advice for nursing and medical staff, and details will be available in next Monday’s update. BSA is aware that some schools are hoping to get international boarders back early for the September term so that they can serve any potential quarantine period. BSA is seeking clarification that a boarding house will count as “accommodation” for the purposes of the guidance, so that pupils can re-enter the country knowing that they will be safely looked after at school or, where appropriate, by guardians. Schools are reminded to be mindful of Tier 4 considerations when planning for both current pupils and new arrivals. The latest guidance (update as of April 20) can be found here. In particular member schools are reminded that new immigration arrangements will apply to new arrivals from Europe who enter the country on or after January 1, 2021. Please continue to contact bsa@boarding.org.uk with any particular thoughts and viewpoints you feel need to be considered, and these can then be reflected in our checklist and in conversations with Ministers and other Government officials. A.4: Reopening boarding worldwide For schools planning to reopen, colleagues at ABSA shared their Australian guidance and colleagues at NZBSA (New Zealand Boarding Schools' Association) shared their own NZBSA guidance, as well as from their Ministry of Education and an explanation of their alert levels. Since last week, concerns about international travel have grown further, with the UK the latest country to consider quarantine arrangements for visitors arriving in the country. A.5: Previous guidance
The Scottish Government issued the following: The Welsh Government advice is below: A.6: #BSAheroes Please continue to send good news stories to us at bsa@boarding.org.uk and nominate anyone worthy of a special mention by using the hashtag #BSAheroes. A.7: Regional guidance A.8: Inquiries If you would like further advice from the BSA, please email bsa@boarding.org.uk. Best wishes
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