This series of newsletters covers the advice regarding the management of school premises during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and includes The Department for Education (DfE) latest guidance to help schools achieve good estate management.

You should already have various risk assessments and related controls in place. However, these controls are based on the level of risk during the normal occupation of the school. During the coronavirus outbreak the level of risk may have changed for a number of reasons:

• Contamination from COVID-19 – This new virus may be spread via respiratory droplets that people sneeze, cough, or exhale, or by landing on surfaces where they are picked up on the hands of others. The virus is transmitted when people touch their eyes, mouth or nose with infected hands. Robust infection control and prevention protocols are key to tackling a viral outbreak. These controls include social distancing and vigilant personal and general hygiene.
• Reduced occupancy – As fewer people are on site and some areas may be totally closed, many risks increase as there is less chance of a problem being spotted early and remedial action taken before the problem can develop and become serious. The risk of problems developing in certain systems can increase due to the reduced use of the systems.
• Defective equipment – Planned preventive maintenance and scheduled inspections may be postponed because engineers or inspectors are not available. Schools should contact your contractors and suppliers to check on any special interim arrangements in place due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Delayed emergency response - In all educational settings, a member of staff should be identified with responsibility for managing premises. During the coronavirus outbreak there is an increased likelihood of staff absence, due to illness or self-isolation. Hence, cover arrangements should be reviewed to ensure keyholders and other emergency contacts will be available at all times.

The Judicium template ‘Managing Premises Functions’ has also been updated to reflect the latest advice and can be find on the Judicium Education website under Health and Safety templates. Please consult your Judicium Education consultant for further advice, if required.