The partial reopening of schools and ELC

As you may have hears the Scottish Government has announced the partial reopening of schools and ELC

Below is from the BBC

Scotland’s youngest pupils are likely to return to the classroom full time from 22 February as schools start a phased reopening.

The move will include all pupils in P1-P3 as well as pre-school children.

There will also be a part-time return, but on a very limited basis, for senior secondary pupils to allow them to complete work for national qualifications.

A final decision will be taken on the partial reopening in a fortnight.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-55904466

Attached is a copy of our recent survey of members and below a copy of our media release in response to the announcement.

These vital services are currently being delivered to many children and UNISON members have worked hard at creating environments safe for children and staff.   It will help no one if further opening up of schools and nurseries brings a greater risk of infection. Councils and Scottish Government need to be making sure that the measures in the jointly developed guidelines are delivered on the ground.

Lorraine Thomson, Chair of UNISON Scotland Education Issues Group said

“Employers must ensure that risk assessments are taking place, that staff are aware of these assessments and are trained so that they can work safely. Proper implementation of appropriate mitigations is the only way to keep staff, children and the wider community safe.

UNISON reps have been working throughout the pandemic supporting members in education. Ensuring that their health and safety is a priority. Members who see that guidelines are not being followed should contact their branch to ensure that appropriate action can be taken.”

There for You – a UNISON Charity for members

There for You the charity for UNISON members is here to help UNISON members get the practical and financial support they need.  Despite the current difficulties, we remain open and are here to help in any way that we can.

Currently all staff are working from home and we continue to respond to requests for help and are processing applications as quickly as possible.  Other than if there’s no alternative, please don’t send applications through the post as we’re only receiving mail once a week.  

Our general enquiry line remains open alternatively, you can send an email.  Just leave a message and one of our Support Team we’ll get back to you within 1 working day.  

Email: thereforyou@unison.co.uk

Call: 020 7121 5620

Testing for care home visitors gets underway

Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for designated visitors of care home residents has started this week with a trial across five local authority areas.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for designated visitors of care home residents has started this week with a trial across five local authority areas.

Lateral flow testing of designated visitors is being trialled in 14 early adopter care homes in North Ayrshire, Fife, Argyll and Bute, Inverclyde, and Aberdeenshire.

Testing kits will then be sent out to all care homes from Monday 14 December, as announced by the First Minister on Wednesday, once guidance and training materials have been finalised following the trial.

For any care homes unable to make use of lateral flow tests before Christmas, PCR testing of visitors will be available when necessary to facilitate visiting over the festive period.

Guidance, tools and resources on visiting, and supporting residents in care homes during COVID-19 (incl over the festive season)

Guidance on how care home visiting may be gradually increased while minimising risks to residents, staff and visitors has been issued. The guidance recommends care homes take a staged approach to resuming visiting. In addition, the guidance sets out actions to mitigate risks to residents, visitors and staff.  

For all care homes, regardless of Covid status, essential visits are to be supported where possible to do so safely, without a defined time limit.