The steady increase in diagnosed cases of swine flu has the potential to disrupt the provision of education in children’s centres, schools and elsewhere. Members who are looking for guidance on the management of a swine flu outbreak in their school or the local community should only heed advice from “official” sources. Because of the nature of this outbreak and Government attempts to limit the spread of the virus, members are advised to follow advice that they receive from either their employer, the Government or the Health Protection Agency. The Government will be making decisions and relaying information regarding the safety and health of the community which may require the implementation of national emergency strategies especially if the virus spreads during the summer, or as is more widely predicted, in the autumn and winter. Schools will be part of these strategies.
The Department for Children School and Families has published information on its website http://www.dcsf.gov.uk which applies to schools in England. This advice is currently structured as follows:-
- The home page contains an update on the present situation with links to other documents including;
- Emergency Planning Guidance which sets out an overview on the management of an Influenza Pandemic
- General planning guidance (issued in July 2006)
- Model plans for schools and FE colleges (issued in December 2006)
- Infection Control and Guidance
- Frequently Asked Question
If any members have any queries in relation to the management of a flu pandemic they should raise them in the first instance with their local authority or the Health Protection Agency. The NAHT is advising its members to follow any such advice, but if there are any difficulties this should initially be raised with the branch secretary.
A link to the summary advice issued by the Department for Children Schools and Families provided here: http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/_doc/13524/Shortversionofguidanceforschools.doc
The Local Government Association has also prepared advice which is available at www.lge.gov.uk
Members in Northern Ireland should monitor the Department of Education website and speak to their employing authority:
http://www.deni.gov.uk/index/85-schools/5-school-management/schools-management-31-swine-influenza.htm
Members in Wales should monitor the Welsh Assembly Government website and speak to their local authority: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/publications/guidance/pandemic_influenza/?lang=en
Further assistance can be found on the attached documents from DCSF
