Our country has been hit by the novel Coronavirus and government was forced to implement Lockdown Levels in order to curb the spread of the virus. With this, came a number of measures that would need to be followed so that we are all safe from being infected by this virus. We as Storyville Montessori, have also put measures in place and this is how we ensure that our Montessori is COVID-19 free.

 

 

Herewith, our protocols and measures put in place of our daily routine at school:

Daily routine at school
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Arrival/before breakfast:
● Children will play in classes in designated taped off areas. No more than 2 children per table at opposite ends, we have Perspex screens to divide the tables.
● Children playing outside:  in designated blocks painted on the cement areas, or free play under strict supervision of staff to control and enforce social distancing.
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Meals:
● Hands will be washed and sanitized.
● Face shields will be adjusted so that the children can eat, without taking them off.
● Tables and chairs will be sanitized after each meal.
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Toilet routine:
● Children will be supervised at all times.  
● Only two children will be allowed in the bathroom at one time, using toilets 1 and 3, basins 1 and 3.
● The next 2 children will use toilets 2 and 4, basins 2 and 4 while toilets and basins 1 and 2 are sanitized and cleaned.
● All children will wash hands with soap and water after bathroom use.
● Nappy changing area will be sanitized before and after each nappy change.
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Free play inside:
● Children will only play in marked blocks or at tables, opposite ends.
● Limited toys will be taken out per group.  Toys will be sanitized after each group before it is stored.
● No soft toys will be allowed until further notice.
● Hands will be sanitized upon entering the classroom and on the way out.
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Free play outside:
● Hands will be washed with soap and water at the entrance to the playground.
● Children will be allowed to play in marked blocks.
● Limited daily toys will be taken out and sanitized before storing.
● Staff will move around continuously to promote social distancing.
● Only 4 children at a time will be allowed in the jungle gym.
● Hands will be washed with soap and water when leaving the playground.

Screening during the day:
●Temperature will be taken on arrival, after snack time, after nap time and on departure.  Parent will sign document at the end of the day.
●Any child with a temperature, snotty nose, cough, vomiting and/or runny tummy will be sent home immediately.
●Should your child arrive with any of the above symptoms, he/she will not be allowed to attend school.  You should keep your child home for at least 72 hours.
●Please do not send your child to school if they are sick or have any flu like symptoms.

 

Academic program:
● Children will sanitize hands upon entering every classroom.
● The staff will wear mask.
● No more than 8 (depending on the return of children) will have access to a classroom activity at a time.
● We will continue with online classes for children who have opted for this option. A separate class has been planned.
Naptime:
● Children will sleep head-feet, spaced away from each other.
● Mattresses will be sprayed with disinfectant at the end of nap-time and all covers will be washed daily by the school.
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Departure:
● Parents will only be allowed to the sanitation area.  Please bring along a mask for your child.
● Staff will bring the child out to the sanitation area for the hand over.
● The lunch box/cooler bag will be sanitized before handed over to the parent.
● The face shield will be taken off and sanitized before it is sealed in a zip lock bag.
● The child’s temperature will be taken and recorded.
● Half day option is highly recommended, should a parent not be able to pick up at 13:00, after care will continue until 17:00 pm sharp as teachers will need to sanitizer and prepare the environment for the next day before they leave.
● Children need to be collected promptly at the end of a school day.
Sanitation of building at the end of the day:
● The playground equipment will be sprayed with a sterilizing agent.
● All classrooms and equipment will be sprayed or fogged.  This includes door frames, handles, walls, floors, PVC carpets, tables, chairs, windows, cots, changing areas.
● Toys will be sprayed with sterilizing agent after each use.
COVID-19 Related Questions:

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While every effort and precaution will be taken to avoid infections within the school environment, we do need to be realistic with the knowledge that
COVID-19 will be around for some time. It is for this reason that the Department of Health has put protocols in place for schools to follow. 

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WHAT WILL THE SCHOOL DO IF THERE IS A SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED CASE OF COVID-19 ? 

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If a child appears ill or displays symptoms associated with COVID-19 while at school: 
a. If the child display symptoms, they will be given a face mask to wear and taken to the designated sick room and parents will be notified immediately.
A teacher will wait with the child until parents arrive. The child is not required to wear a face mask while in the isolation room, only for movement between the sick room and other areas and when leaving the property. 
b. If a staff member displays symptoms, they will be asked to leave the property immediately. If they need to wait for transport or assistance, they will be directed to the designated sick room and isolated. They will also be given the required N95 medical mask to wear, and to update us on their symptom progression.
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 If a child or staff member is confirmed to have COVID-19: 
a. It will be the responsibility of the parent or staff member to inform the school immediately.
b. The relevant health officials will be contacted who will then conduct a risk assessment and provide recommended precautions for the management of the remainder of children and staff at school. 
c. In most cases a school closure will not be necessary, however we will be directed by the Department of Health in this regard. 
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If a child or staff member may have been exposed to someone who is suspected of having COVID-19: 
a. No restrictions are required while awaiting the outcome of laboratory tests. 
b. There is no need for that child or staff member to stay at home. 
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If a child or staff member were exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case: 
a. All close contacts of confirmed cases are required to quarantine at home for 14 days while being monitored for symptoms and may not attend school. 

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