We would expect employers to support their BAME and other vulnerable staff and seek to identify any existing underlying health conditions that may increase the risks to them when working with children. It will take time to build confidence.”. This means we social distance where working from home is not possible. This is an extract from the Government’s latest FAQs on what you can and can’t do, which focuses on those in Vulnerable groups, those who are shielding, and those aged 70 years and over. From 2nd December 2020 the government will only reintroduce formal shielding advice for those that are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable in the very worst affected local areas and for a limited period of time. This is general advice which is also relevant to teachers. But with the new guidance released on Thursday, it is clear that this will change when all students return in September. How will the new guidance for September change things? Employers must be especially careful and take extra steps for anyone in their workforce who is vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19). It's full of useful advice and information on getting support. On the face of it, the government expects all previously shielding teachers and school staff to return because "the risks to all staff will be mitigated significantly, including those who are extremely clinically vulnerable and clinically vulnerable.". The Government has ended its shielding advice to individuals who were previously classed as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), citing the reduced prevalence of Covid-19 in the community. This website and its content is subject to our Terms and The new advice will help this higher risk group better protect themselves from the virus, without needing to follow more restrictive shielding guidance. Information about your device and internet connection, including your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps. orking remotely and in roles that allow for social distancing are options available to schools, and therefore leaders should do their best to accommodate this type of working for staff most at risk. It states that school leaders should be "flexible in how those members of staff are deployed to enable them to work remotely where possible or in roles in school where it is possible to maintain social distancing.". Just know that if you are worried, your GP, school and union can help. It will take time to build confidence.”. The survey of members found that one in five teachers who were shielding because they were clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus had been asked to go into school. Does the guidance suggest these teachers should return to teach in schools? It only takes a moment and you'll get access to more news, plus courses, jobs and teaching resources tailored to you, Grainne Hallahan is Tes recruitment editor and senior content writer at Tes. We reiterate our advice that staff who fall into the clinically extremely vulnerable, or clinically vulnerable group, or who live with/care for those who are themselves vulnerable, should not be required to return to the workplace. Questioning Education Secretary John Swinney in Parliament this afternoon, Mr Greer noted reports of schools in different council areas refusing to put in What are the 5 best Christmas gifts to get a teacher? James Bowen, policy director at the NAHT, agrees. It meant staying at home almost all … Unless pregnant with a pre-existing heart condition (guidelines in the who is extremely vulnerable), you are just in the clinically vulnerable group. However, at this time, it is only advice. Addressing the education committee this morning, Nick Gibb said schools should be able to ask clinically vulnerable staff – those who are at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus – to come back to work at school. Some people are at high or extremely high risk of becoming severely ill if they catch coronavirus ('clinically vulnerable' or 'clinically extremely vulnerable'). "Employers may need to undertake individual risk assessments in addition to those covering the site more generally," Voice says. 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Pregnant women fall into the vulnerable category. The guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable has been updated in line with Tameside being placed onto the ‘Very High’ COVID-19 Alert Level. This will only apply to some, but not all, Tier 3 areas. While no one can sensibly guarantee safety, it may be possible to further mitigate risk for the clinically vulnerable and, perhaps most importantly, help everyone to feel safe and supported at work. registered in England (Company No 02017289) with its registered office at 26 Red Lion This suggests working from home should still be an option for some, despite earlier suggestions that it was safe for all staff to return. Voice is aware of the concerning evidence emerging about the unequal impact Covid-19 is having on BAME workers. Rates of transmission during the second wave of Covid-19, however, have become higher than when strict shielding requirements were still in place. by Press Association. UK News Published: Nov 27, 2020 Last Updated: Nov 27, 2020. places people who are more at risk into two categories: vulnerable and extremely vulnerable. "It remains a legal requirement for all employers to assess the risk in the workplace. 27/11/2020, 6:49 pm. Fresh advice has been issued for those who are extremely and clinically vulnerablein areas of Tier 2 lockdown. Advice I have had is that being pregnant means you are in the exceptional risk category Not true. Barton says that the reintegration of vulnerable staff into the school environment will be "very challenging" and that leaders will need to be aware that, "understandably anxious and nervous and it isn’t going to be a quick fix. Since March, teachers who are vulnerable, ... “The issue of clinically vulnerable and extremely clinically vulnerable staff is a complex one. There’s also extra advice for those at higher risk from coronavirus, which you can choose to follow as well.. You can also find more information for people at higher risk from coronavirus at mygov.scot. This includes information about work, school and transport. Clinically vulnerable teachers are safe to work in schools, provided social distancing measures are in place, the schools minister has said. Over 60s classed as ‘clinically vulnerable’ for second Covid lockdown in major clinical change to shielding guidance. Government guidance outlines the key workers who must remain active to deliver this education provision in England, which includes childcare, support and teaching staff, social workers and specialist education professio… It is one of the areas of the guidance that we feel still needs further clarification, both for the staff themselves and also for school leaders.”, Barton says that the reintegration of vulnerable staff into the school environment will be "very challenging" and that leaders will need to be aware that many of those staff will be "understandably anxious and nervous and it isn’t going to be a quick fix. The 3 tiers are Tier 1: Medium , Tier 2: High and Tier 3: Very High . Government guidance says that: “Children who live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable, but who are not clinically extremely vulnerable themselves, should still attend school,” and that, “More evidence has emerged that shows there is a very low risk of children becoming very unwell from coronavirus (COVID-19), even for children with existing health conditions.” We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through the use of cookies and similar technologies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. London WC1R 4HQ. Further advice for clinically extremely vulnerable people in Tier 3: Very high - BSL. The National Education Union (NEU) said it is not safe for clinically extremely vulnerable … Teachers and school staff who are most at risk from coronavirus should not return to the classroom next week when England’s national lockdown ends, a leading union has said. Teachers and school staff who are most at risk from coronavirus should not return to the classroom next week when England’s national lockdown ends, a … use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available. Yes. Since March, teachers who are vulnerable, extremely vulnerable or share households with those who are vulnerable, have been protected by the shielding guidelines. What is the guidance for vulnerable staff in September? Where staff feel vulnerable, or where they have concerns for those they live with, we would expect the employers to be sensitive. Individuals in this group will have been identified through a letter from the NHS or from their GP and may have been advised to shield in the past. Definition of clinically extremely vulnerable groups - British Sign Language. Square “School leaders will rightly be concerned for the wellbeing of all their staff ahead of a return to school in September,” says Bowen. If you fall into the extremely vulnerable category, you would have received a letter instructing you to shield. If you or your child… Scottish Greens Education Spokesperson Ross Greer MSP has called on the Scottish Government to end the postcode lottery of whether home working and alternative arrangements are being put in place for vulnerable teachers. Clinically vulnerable teachers and … The government has asked schools and childcare providers to provide care for children who are vulnerable, and children whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response and cannot be safely cared for at home. A representative from Voice: The Union for Education Professionals suggests affected staff should ask for their individual needs to be taken into account. This guidance offers additional advice to the clinically extremely vulnerable over and above the rules for the tiers, which apply to everyone. People in England who are clinically extremely vulnerable will receive a letter this week urging them to stay at home as much as possible, including not going to work if they cannot work at home, and only to leave the house to exercise outdoors or to attend health appointments. At what age do you hit your peak as a teacher? What has changed This updated guidance is for everyone who has been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable.If you are in this group, you will previously have received a letter from the NHS or from your GP telling you this. Find out more about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. The unions believe that the guidance is not clear enough for school leaders to be able to make decisions about vulnerable staff. Previously, the advice was that all those aged 70 should stay at home. "Where staff feel vulnerable, or where they have concerns for those they live with, we would expect the employers to be sensitive. Shielding updates – advice for clinically extremely vulnerable people. The guidance to the most vulnerable … Here is the latest version of the letter from the government to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable. However, CEV people can return to work and school from 2 December. Guidance from the NHS places people who are more at risk into two categories: vulnerable and extremely vulnerable. Clarity about the public health reasons for this decision would help build confidence.”. “It is a big leap to go from advising them that they should isolate in their homes to it now being safe to return to busy environments when we know that coronavirus has not gone away. Clinically vulnerable teachers and school staff should work from home – NEU. ... members should contact their union for advice … You can change your choices at any time by visiting Your Privacy Controls. Clinically vulnerable teachers and school staff should work from home – NEU. To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select 'I agree', or select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. The advice for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) people in Blackburn with Darwen is similar to that issued in October when the borough first went into Tier 3. Staff - for example, teachers - who are clinically extremely vulnerable are advised to work from home. “We would urge the government as soon as possible to provide clear information about the rationale for deciding that it is safe for people in vulnerable health categories to return to work and schools,” he says. try to stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with (or anyone not in your support bubble) wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds. Pregnant women fall into the vulnerable category. Yahoo is part of Verizon Media. wash your hands as soon as you get home. If you fall into the extremely vulnerable category, you would have received a letter instructing you to shield. For clinically extremely vulnerable people, the guidance reaffirms that shielding has been paused, but may be reintroduced in certain circumstances, stating, ‘We may advise more restrictive formal shielding measures for the clinically extremely vulnerable in the worst affected Tier 3 areas, based on advice from the Chief Medical Officer. This guidance aims to strike a better balance between providing practical steps to help keep you safe while reducing some of the potentially harmful impacts on mental and social wellbeing that were associated with previous strict shielding. Who are the vulnerable and extremely vulnerable? All residents who are over 60, vulnerable, clinically extremely vulnerable or have been told to self-isolate by Test and Trace and are worried about how you will source food and essentials, can call the council’s Ealing Together helpline on 020 8825 7170 for advice. He stresses that working remotely and in roles that allow for social distancing are options available to schools, and therefore leaders should do their best to accommodate this type of working for staff most at risk. Shielding was a way of protecting 'clinically extremely vulnerable' people who are at a very high risk of severe illness and needing to go to hospital if they catch coronavirus. Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said those who had been told until now to shield for their own safety “will feel very uncertain about returning to the workplace”. Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus (COVID-19), including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women. Letter to clinically extremely vulnerable people from Matt Hancock PDF, 1.34MB, 8 pages This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has updated its guidance for employers and pregnant women in a joint statement.. Rather they should be allowed to work from home. Conditions. I am a TA with asthma and am currently working from home as per the government advice for clinically vulnerable staff in schools.Is anyone else in th Tes Global Ltd is The clinically extremely vulnerable group includes those with conditions affecting the immune system, certain cancers and organ transplant recipients among others. Page 2. Most secondary year groups to start next term online, Use judgement this Christmas – unless you're a teacher, DfE risks a long, dark legacy by threatening schools, Making schools into 'field hospitals' may be 'too much', ‘Extremely vulnerable’ teachers expected back in school, 'Clinically vulnerable' teachers under pressure to work, 1 in 7 schools asks vulnerable teachers to come to work. This is in line with NJC guidance. If you are on the shielding list, you should follow the same advice as everyone else in your protection level. 2 December anyone in their workforce who is vulnerable to coronavirus ( Covid-19 ), including your address. Ip address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps are in the workplace to! Two categories: vulnerable and extremely vulnerable category, you would have received a letter you... Protecting the clinically extremely vulnerable category, you would have received a letter you... 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