Ten steps to staying safe

by Pat McKelvey, Cork Education and Training Board's Director of Schools

Following the ten basic steps below will help you to support the school as it navigates its way through what are likely to be very choppy seas.

1. Read carefully all communication from your school in relation to the return to school procedures. Know what is expected of you and your child.

2. Be conscious that nobody has been in this situation before. Schools will have to adapt and evolve as the return to school gets going and we learn what is working well and what is not.

3. Speak to your child about the return to school and what it is likely to involve. Make sure they are aware of the changes to their school routine and what the school expects of them.

4. Remind them of the basics of social distancing, hand washing, cough etiquette etc and practice these at home.

5. Emphasise the fact that by doing the right things we protect ourselves, our family, our friends and our community.

6. Acknowledge the concerns and fears of your child and try to reassure them.

7. Do not send your child to school if they show any symptoms that might be Covid-19 related.

8. If you have a question or concern contact your school. This is preferable to letting anxiety build either for you or your child.

9. Get your information from reliable sources ie government departments, the HSE, reliable media outlets and directly from the school itself in relation to school matters.

10. When speaking to your child consistently share a hopeful message of the future-stress the many positives that returning to school has for your child. We all need hope especially in times of great difficulty.