Supporting the Safe Provision of Schooling - Final Report

Please click on the above link to read the report

WHAT IS A SUPPORTING THE SAFE PROVISION OF SCHOOLING (SSPS) REPORT?

The safe and sustainable provision of schooling in the context of the current public health pandemic is an important national priority. Ensuring that schools are safe learning and working environments for all is vital and the detailed guidance issued by the Department of Education to all schools and settings is designed to support the ongoing provision of schooling. The guidance provides key messages to minimise the risk of COVID–19 for staff, learners, families and the wider community while recognising the importance of the safe and sustainable provision of schooling for the health and wellbeing of students and of society as a whole.

The Inspectorate carries out a programme of SSPS visits to schools and centres for education in order to provide an assurance to the public that the Department’s guidelines are being implemented and to support schools in implementing them.

An SSPS report is a report that is published following an SSPS visit.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SUPPORTING THE SAFE PROVISION OF SCHOOLING VISIT?

During a SSPS visit, inspectors engage with: Principal

Lead Worker Representative(s)

Staff members

Inspectors review:  COVID-19 Policy Statement  School’s risk assessment to see that Covid-19 is added as a risk  School’s contact log/arrangements for signing in and out

Inspectors observe:  Physical distancing arrangements  COVID-19 signage  Sanitising units  Isolation area

Inspectors also conduct level 1 Child Protection Checks

HOW TO READ THIS REPORT

The checks conducted during this inspection are based on the COVID – 19 Response Plans for the safe and sustainable reopening of schools.

The response plans are, in turn, aligned with advice and regulations set out by the Health and Safety Authority for all workplaces.

The checks are grouped into four main areas:

1. Planning 2. Appointment of a Lead Worker Representative (LWR) 3. Provision of staff training 4. Implementation of control measures

Each main area has a number of checks; these are the specific actions that a school should take in relation to the each area.

When the inspector determines that the school has not fully implemented one of the checks, the report provides some additional comment on the check. It also advises on actions that the school should take in order to fully implement the guidance provided.

The report also indicates whether or not the school met the requirements in relation to the three child protection checks conducted during the visit.