Covid-19 Policy & Procedures

The following procedures relate to face to face teaching at Pathways. Should there be either a localised or national lockdown then TDA will revert to ZOOM teaching.

To create this policy and operational procedures we have used the following government guidance

Protective measures for out-of-school settings (OOSS) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for teachers, school leaders, carers, parents and students
Guidance on working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
NHS guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

We will continue to review and update these procedures in line with the relevant government guidance. Please check for updates.

Control Measures

TDA will do the following to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Ensure good hygiene for everyone
Maintain appropriate cleaning regimes, using standard products such as detergents
Keep occupied spaces well ventilated
Follow public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of COVID-19

Stepping Measures up (updated 10/09/2021)

During times where case number rise significantly within the setting TDA will increase control measures as follows:

All Students will be asked to apply hand sanitiser on entry and between classes.
Our Teachers will wear masks in communal areas and corridors.
We ask students age 11+ to consider wearing masks in communal areas and corridors.
Students will be encouraged to maintain social distancing wherever possible.
We will enhance the cleaning of touch points and shared equipment.
We will delay the handing out of Scripts to allow them to be quarantined.

Cleaning and PPE

There will be a 1 in 1 out policy in all toilets. Each facility will have Antibacterial wipes/ spray in place and all students/ teachers will be asked to clean all touch points with a wipe on leaving the facility. Touch points will be regularly cleaned.

Health and Safety

All parents will be made aware of our COVID-19 procedures. These will include:

Now that lateral flow tests are available to all members of the public we would strongly advise all of our families and students to take twice weekly tests to keep us all safe. All of our teachers and helpers will be requested to take tests.
We will no longer stagger class times or operate in bubbles unless advised to change procedure by the government due to a significant outbreak.
No parents allowed in the building unless waiting during weekday evening private lessons. Social distancing & the wearing of masks is encouraged.
Socially distanced queues for arrival and departure are encouraged.
One-way system in use for arrival and departure on a Saturday. Please arrive at the Main Pathways Centre Door on Baptist Walk and Leave via the Ministers Entrance (access via the church carpark)
Nobody should come to class who is displaying symptoms of COVID-19, are awaiting COVID-19 test results or if they have been advised to self-isolate.
Students must only use their own water bottles and they must be named or they will be discarded if left behind.
Until further notice use of props and costumes will be limited.
Paperwork will be limited.
Anyone found breaching guidelines will be asked to leave.
Any students who have a break between their classes may wait in the Cafe area. Social distancing & the wearing of masks is encouraged.
There will be no waiting room for Parents or Students on Saturdays or Thursday Evenings until Further Notice.
The use of masks will not be compulsory unless government guidelines are in force, however you may choose to wear one if it helps you feel safer to do so.
We will follow the governments Catch it, Bin it, Kill it guidance. If a student or teacher uses a tissue they must dispose of it into the rubbish bin and then wash their hands.
We must minimise food brought into the Pathways Centre.

Administering First Aid

Debbie, Louise, Ellie, Phoebie, & Matt are all trained First Aiders.
We will only operate First Aid when necessary.
PPE in accordance with government guidelines will be worn.

Procedure for when a student develops symptoms of COVID-19

If a student develops symptoms during class they will be moved to Pathways Covid-19 first aid room by a designated first aider and a parent will be called to collect them as soon as possible.
The current NHS guidance specifies that if you get symptoms of coronavirus you must self-isolate.
The student must remain at home and self-isolate for the amount of time specified by the government at the time.
They should request a test and if this is found to be positive contact TDA who will speak to relevant departments to ascertain whether further action needs to be taken regarding the self-isolation.
If the test is negative they can return to class as soon as applicable.
We will not be able to refund fees for missed lessons under any circumstances.

Procedure for when a Teacher develops symptoms of COVID-19

The teacher must remain at home.
They should request a test and if this is found to be positive contact TDA who will speak to relevant departments to ascertain whether further action needs to be taken regarding the self-isolation.
If the test is negative they can return to class as soon as applicable and anyone in the bubble self-isolating can end their self isolation.

If a Teacher cannot take a class at Pathways due to a positive test:

Either a substitute teacher will teach the class or the teacher will teach the class Via ZOOM from their home to Pathways where a DBS checked assistant will be responsible for the students.

This document was reviewed and updated on 10/09/2021