ACCS Information Briefing - Phased Return to school + State Examinations & SEC Accredited Grades for LC 2021
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ACCS Information Briefing
Phased Return to school +
State Examinations & SEC Accredited Grades for LC 2021
February 2021
Sr. Claude Meagher (RIP)
Our sympathy to Sr. Claude’s family and
many friends, her sisters in Presentation
and especially the sisters who
supported her in her many endeavours
throughout the years and cared for her
so well in her final days.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal dílis.
2
Phased & Cautious Return to School
Letter to Principals
1. Appendix 1 –Framework document
2. Appendix 2 – Health Protection
Surveillance Centre (HPSC) guidance on
the reopening of schools
3. Appendix 3 – Summary of additions to
COVID-19 Response Plan
Framework Plan: phased return of post-primary school
education
An interim arrangement as the Department and the education partners work together to ensure in
post-primary schools can safely reopen for priority groups in line with public health advice at the
earliest opportunity.
A. Public health supports, messaging and risk mitigation measures in the classroom and in
schools.
B. An interim model for phases 1 & 2 including flexible provisions for management, staff and
children
C. The sequencing and timeframe for re-opening.
A. Public health supports, messaging and risk
mitigation measures in the classroom and in schools.
1. COVID-19 Response Plans: Some new additions/revisions required. No significant change.
See Appendix 3 Summary of additions to COVID-19 Response Plan required by Work Safely
Protocol’ in section order as they appear in the school COVID-19 response plans.
The ‘Work Safely Protocol’ is a revised version of the ‘Return to Work Safely Protocol’
containing the same elements and features of the original guidance but is updated to reflect the
latest advice issued by Government and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to
reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
1. Guidance Note: infection prevention and control measures
• specific guidance on what infection protection and control measures must be in place. in line with the
guidance issued from the HPSC (Health Protection Surveillance Centre). Funding will be provided to
schools to comply with IPC guidance.
See Appendix 2 Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) guidance on the re-opening of schools.
Appendix 3 Summary of additions to COVID-19 Response Plans required by ‘Work Safely Protocol’ Sec 4.2 Procedure for Returning to Work (RTW) & Appendix 6 Checklist for School Management Sec 5 Infection Prevention Control Measures - To prevent Introduction and Spread of COVID-19 Sec 5.3 Hand Hygiene Sec 5.4 Physical Distancing Sec. 5.5 Use of PPE in Schools Sec 8 Dealing with a Suspected Case of COVID-19 Sec 9 Staff Duties Sec 11 Employee Assistance Service Appendix 2 Pre-Return to Work Form COVID-19 Appendix 7 Checklist for dealing with a suspected case Appendix 6 Checklist for School Management Appendix 9 Checklist for cleaning
Appendix 2 Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) guidance on the re- opening of schools • General Management of COVID-19 in Schools (update plan, staff review of training materials, pre return to work form confirmation of unchanged details, review Risk Assessment Template, continue to implement controls e.g., hand hygiene, physical distancing etc.. Implement cleaning arrangements) • Specific advice relating to the work of SNAs in close contact settings, e.g. PPE, • Practical Measures for Harm Reduction Related to COVID-19 when addressing Additional Care Needs • Environment and Cleaning • Isolation for people who develop symptoms or signs in the educational setting
School Planning and compliance
Update COVID-19 response plan in advance of the phased reopening.
Update See summary of additions to COVID-19 Response Plan doc.
To support all required measures incl. provision of appropriate PPE for
Funding SNAs and Teaching staff (HPSC guidance Jan 2021)
covid19_alert@education.gov.ie
Lead Worker Representative and/or the deputy/assistant LWR should be
Lead available if required to deal with any concerns arising regarding
compliance with the guidance for the phased reopening.
Time-bound temporary flexibilities in staffing arrangements in advance
Time of phased re-opening.
Public Health: (phased approach to the reopening of schools is in line with the current public health position.) Weekly reports (HSE) on the results of mass testing of close contacts in schools consistently show low detection rates in adults in schools for COVID-19. Strict adherence to the infection control and prevention measures in place for schools since September is required at all times. These measures are still considered highly effective for risk mitigation against transmission of COVID-19 +variants. Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or is a close contact of a confirmed case must stay at home. The agreed framework for physical distancing – see classroom layouts for PP schools and SEN classrooms.
School Public Health Risk Assessments, testing & tracing It has been agreed that those essential to education (i.e. teachers) are estimated at this time to be in the first one third of the population captured by the Vaccine Allocation Strategy. • Enhanced/ augmented Public Health schools teams will be available to fully support schools that are opening in this interim phase. • Full contact tracing and bulk fast-track testing within the school setting will resume immediately that any school reopens. • Phone numbers to contact teams or alert HSE are still in use and available to schools in this interim phase. HSE Live 1850 24 1850 • Close contact testing has resumed in the community. (Day 0 + Day 10) • WHO does not currently recommend the use of antigen testing in schools. (HSE – more accurate PCR testing will continue) This position will be kept under review.
PPE It is recommended that medical grade masks of the standard EN14683 are provided for SNAs and Special Education teachers. Ref: Guidance for Schools Regarding Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) Supporting Children and Young People with Additional Care Needs in the Context of COVID-19’. Revised Guidance – Jan 2021 Certain staff working with children who require Aerosol Generating Procedures will be provided with PPE in line with HSE advice. Funding available for PPE– Contact DE re additional funding/supply issues. Masks and visors should be put on, taken off and disposed of as demonstrated in available videos. Masks are more effective in reducing transmission of COVID-19 than visors. A visor may be worn in addition to (but not instead of) a mask to prevent rubbing of eyes etc.
Classroom ventilation
1. Updated guidance on ventilation in schools has been provided by DE.
2. Check boiler’s operation temperatures are set at the recommended
manufacturers’ guidance levels to maximise the available heat to the
school.
• Heating should operate for extended periods during colder weather /
the impact of windows being open - appropriate balance between
ventilation and comfort levels.Information for parents
• Short videos for parents - err on the
side of caution. (Keep Covid out of
school)
• Parents of students (or students who
are over 18) Complete the declaration
form when returning to school after
any absence.
• No congregation outside schools
during this interim phase.
• Requests to engage with staff - made
through the school and will be
provided by telephone or online.
Return to Educational Facility declaration form.pdf (hpsc.ie)Other supports
• Inspectorate – dedicated helpline + SEN
inspectors to advise on SEN + engaging
with schools re supporting T&L.
• NEPS – Revised “Supporting the
Wellbeing of Students with Special
Educational Needs (SEN) Returning to
School” + a return to an in-school
casework service, in line with the
blended model of service delivery
that was in place prior to the current
school closures.
• NCSE – dedicated phoneline + SENOs
available
school-staff-wellbeing-self-care-on-return-to-school-pp.pdf (education.ie)B. An interim model for LC classes in post-primary
schools including flexible provisions for management, staff and students (phase 2)
• All staff, including teachers & SNAs who work with special classes and LC
classes should return to work ex. in circumstances provided for in the
information note on temporary staffing arrangements, or where staff are on
approved leave.
• In instances where teachers are teaching mixed classes that include some
students from other year groups, those students can also attend class.School transport services
Bus Eireann local offices
School transport services -
continue to engage with
fully operational +
local Public Health Schools
additional hygiene + other
Support teams to ensure
measures introduced (Sept
that any concerns on school
2020) (50% capacity limit).
transport are addressed.• Utilise the whole of the school premises, as required.
Resume enhanced cleaning regimes.
• Enhanced School Inspection teams in place to support
schools.
Remember… • On–site provision can only cease on the advice of
Public Health and following engagement with the
Department of Education.C. The sequencing &timeframe for re-opening
provision.
Phase 1 - Special classes – Monday 22nd February 2021
Phase 2 - Leaving Certificate classes – Monday 1 March 2021
Planning will continue about the return of the next priority group – 5th
years during March with reference to public health.
Next phases:
5th years - Monday 15th March
All remaining post primary schools- Monday 12th April
It should be noted that if the public health environment allows, then
full re-opening of post-primary schools may occur in advance of the
implementation of any other phases.Temporary Changes to Leave Schemes and other temporary arrangements for teachers and SNAs
Childcare • Teachers and SNAs are deemed essential workers. • Childcare facilities remain open to provide childcare for children of essential workers. • A household of an essential worker can also form a bubble with another household for the purposes of childcare. • The Department of Children has provided FAQs and information on subsidies that may be available for education sector staff. The FAQs are available on www.ncs.gov.ie. • DES is supporting teachers and SNA in this regard with changes to Parental and Unpaid leave schemes
TCC Information Notes & ACCS Info Bulletins The Department has issued TCC Information Notes: • 07/21 teachers and • 08/21 - SNAs relating to the temporary leave arrangements in place during the partial re-opening period and also catering for the temporary arrangements for teachers and SNAs who are at a higher risk of COVID during this partial re-opening phase: • Teachers over 60 • Teachers (High Risk) • Pregnant Teachers • Details summarised in ACCS Info Bulletins 07/21 and 10/21
Changes to Parental Leave
To give a level of flexibility to teacher & SNAs in relation to Parental and Unpaid
Leave:
• From 1st March – Phase 2 re-opening - A teacher/SNA who is required by the school to be on
site to support students and cannot attend the workplace due to childcare considerations,
can avail of the temporary changes to the Parental Leave scheme.
• The 6-week notification - parental leave - waived during this period of phased re-opening
• Blocks of parental leave of less than one week can be approved, where a teacher/SNA is
eligible to apply for Parental Leave. E.g. a teacher may be unable to attend the workplace on
certain days during this period due to specific circumstances.
• Prior to the approval of such a Parental Leave arrangement, the employer and the
teacher/SNA must agree in advance, the pattern of workplace attendance, during this period
of phased return to school.Changes to Unpaid Leave During this period of phased return to school, an employer should ease the requirement to provide 6 weeks’ notice in advance for teachers/SNAs who cannot source childcare. The maximum amount of unpaid leave that can be taken is 10 unpaid school days in a school year. Note: • Schools are required to ensure that there are sufficient staff numbers on site to facilitate the safe operation of in-school teaching and learning. • The employer must take account of the availability of appropriately qualified replacement teachers, when considering applications for non-statutory leave.
Substitution arrangements
In circumstances where a teacher/SNA is:
Medically certified as unfit to attend the workplace or
On approved leave during this period of phased return to school
the school may appoint a substitute to replace this teacher/SNA in the classroom.
In the case of an SNA, the employer should firstly consider whether an existing SNA within the school could
be re-assigned to the class to replace the SNA on approved leave.
During this phase, the S&S scheme is suspended as most teachers will continue to work from home.
Where the Special class/ LC teacher is teaching other year groups remotely/online, the school should
facilitate that teacher in working from the school or home, where the timetable allows for travel.Other temporary time-bound arrangements for teachers/SNAs who
are at a higher risk of Covid during this partial re-opening phase
• Teachers/SNAs over 60: permitted to continue to work remotely and/or have more flexible
working arrangements.
Substitution: For the purpose of in-school teaching, a substitute can be appointed.
• Teachers/SNAs in high risk category (as categorised by Medmark): may continue, for the duration
of the phased re-opening of schools, to work remotely or may be assigned a list of other duties as
provided for in section 12 of CL49/2020.
Substitution: For the purpose of in-school teaching, a substitute can be appointed.
• Pregnant Teachers: should consider herself to be in the high-risk category and the teacher should
temporarily continue to work remotely.
Substitution: For the purpose of in-school teaching, a substitute can be appointed.Temporary time-bound staffing arrangements • Apply to the first and second phases of reopening and will be kept under review by the DES during this period of phased return to school. • The temporary adjustments to the leave schemes or temporary arrangements in no way constitutes a precedent for high risk or other staff being facilitated for remote working in subsequent phases or for longer term arrangements following the full re-opening of schools and are facilitated only in the context of increased flexibility available to schools because of the limited attendance patterns during this period. • All flexible arrangements should be approved by the Board of Management on a temporary basis in accordance with the TCC Information Notes.
Access to special leave with pay remains in
COVID-19: Special place for teachers/SNAs where appropriate
Leave with pay CL medical or HSE confirmation of COVID-19
diagnosis or recommendation to self-isolate is
49/2020 provided, in accordance with the HSE
Guidelines and Circular letter 49/2020.Employee Assistance Service – Spectrum Life
• Supportive resource for employees
• Freephone confidential line – 1800 411 057
• Spectrum.Life launched their Digital Wellbeing Series and
Digital Gym for school staff on 1st February 2021.
• This Wellbeing Series provides access to a monthly
themed based series e.g. the February series focused
on Managing Your Finances.
• The Digital Gym provides up to a 4 gym classes per
day (e.g. Fitness, Yoga, Pilates and Mindfulness).
• Schools will have received full details of the series, gym
and accessing the service at the end of January for
circulation to staff in the school.either
Students’ performance in LC examinations in any subject
including, where appropriate, their performance in the
completion of additional components (coursework, orals, etc.)
or
Leaving Cert Students’ SEC Accredited Grades in each subject based on
Results – schools’ estimates of students’ likely performance in the
examination and a national standardisation process.
August 2021 Students will receive the combined outcomes of their SEC
accredited grades and their examinations (if they choose to sit
examinations) at the same time following the issue of Leaving
Certificate results.
Where, in any subject, a student has also sat the examination,
he/she will be credited with the better of the two results.
The candidate’s results will be transferred to the CAO to facilitate
progression to higher education.The two
processes are
Two Pathways - One Destination completely
separate - It
will not be
possible to mix
elements of
accredited
grades with
components of
examinations.
Leaving Certificate 2021 State Examinations Commission
Examinations Accredited GradesKey Priorities…
put supports in place
the need to protect ensure that school
for schools and
students’ tuition time communities adhere
teachers to be able to
for the remainder of to public health
conduct all aspects of
the school year requirements
the examinations.Leaving Certificate The Government, on Wednesday 17 February 2021, confirmed
that the written Leaving Certificate 2021 examinations will be
2021 held in June with related components also proceeding as far as
Examinations possible subject to public health advice.Option available to ALL students
State Examinations: • Leaving Certificate Applied: Advice for management and teachers of
Leaving Certificate (LCA) 2020/21
• Adjustments to written examinations 2021
Applied
• Separate guidance will be provided on the detailed arrangements for LCA
examinations.Student
Portal
The SEC’s Candidate Portal
is expected to open in the
week of 8th March
Students choose to opt in
to Examinations and/or
Accredited Grade
providing details on:
• Subjects
• LevelsState Examinations Commission Accredited Grades
All Leaving Certificate 2021 school students will be able to opt to receive SEC Accredited Grades on
a subject by subject basis.
As part of the process, schools will provide the SEC with school-estimated marks in all subjects for
all students:
• An in-school alignment process
• Approval at school level
• A national standardisation process
The SEC Accredited Grade process provides contingency for any circumstance - there will be no
alternative sitting of examinationsOral examinations will be arranged by schools during
Oral the Easter period and shortly after, outside tuition
time and subject to public health advice.
Examinations
The tests should be undertaken in school by a teacher
- Coursework of the school, wherever possible.
Coursework will proceed in subjects where it forms a
normal part of the examination.
In a small number of subjects, it will not be possible
to proceed with additional assessment components
given public health considerations.Indicative Dates ACCS Info 9/21
May 14th Closing date for collection of evidence of learning from 6th
year student for the purpose of establishing an estimated mark.
May 28th Schools will close for all students to allow the final week for
completion of alignment process and data entry related to SEC
Accredited Grades by schools.
June 4th Closing date for schools to enter/return all data from the
school to the SEC relating to SEC Accredited Grades.
June 9th Written Leaving Certificate examinations to commence in
schools.
The SEC will issue revised dates for submission of Leaving Certificate course work and the
scheduling/arrangements for LCA tasks and interviews in the coming days and weeks.One Destination Students who opt for both will have their better grades in each subject reflected in their results.
Allocations
• Delay in issuing letters to school
2021/22 To be agreed:
1. Covid Posts
2. PLC Allocations
• Redeployment 21/22
• ACCS Webinar when allocation letters have
issued to schoolsSupplementary Programme This is to cater for Education/Care needs for students with Complex Needs. A 4-week programme (20 hrs), commencing February 22nd, running until the end of April. Intended to supplement existing school provision and cannot be delivered during the school day. It can be delivered outside the normal school day and/or at Weekends/Easter break. Participation is voluntary for teachers/SNAs. Parents will engage tutors/SNAs directly, like the Summer Programme. Tutors/SNA’s will be paid through the DE payroll upon receipt of claim forms from the parents
Post-Primary Eligibility:
Students enrolled in Special Classes.
Students accessing the highest levels of support at School Support
Plus/Support for a Few level of the Continuum of Support in mainstream.
Includes students with Autism, Downs Syndrome, sensory impairments,
and other disabilities; also, students identified for the Summer
Programme 2020.
Schools also have flexibility to identify students who require the highest
level of support at any given time, including pupils presenting with
exceptional needs due to school closures.QUESTIONS & DISCUSSION Míle buíochas
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