Reopen rules for schools

Union education ministry's guidelines include cleaning and disinfection of the premises, flexibility in attendance and no assessment for up to 3 weeks

States and Union territories to frame their own standard operating procedures (SOPs) for health and safety precautions based on their local requirements

PTI   |   New Delhi   |  06.10.20   :  The Union education ministry released guidelines on Monday for the reopening of schools from October 15, which include thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises, flexibility in attendance, no assessment for up to three weeks and ensuring a smooth transition from home-based schooling during the lockdown to formal schooling.

It also asked the states and Union territories to frame their own standard operating procedures (SOPs) for health and safety precautions based on their local requirements.

“Schools must arrange and implement for thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas, furniture, equipment, stationery, storage places, water tanks, kitchens, canteens, washrooms, laboratories, libraries and ensure air flow in an indoor space,” the ministry said.

The ministry recommended that the schools adopt flexible attendance and sick leave policies. “Flexible attendance and sick leave policies may be developed and implemented to encourage students and staff to stay at home when sick. Students may attend schools only with the written consent of parents... There shall be no assessment up to 2-3 weeks of school reopening and use of ICT and online learning shall continue to be encouraged,” it said.

According to the guidelines, schools can implement re-adjusted school calendar and redesigned Annual Curriculum Plan, remedial classes or conduct back-to-school campaign among other steps.

“Physical distancing and social distancing should be ensured while planning the seating plan, functions and events should be avoided. There should be staggered entry and exit timings, points of schools and timetable. All students and staff should arrive wearing a face cover or mask and continue wearing it all through, especially when in class, or doing any activity in groups, such as eating in the mess, working in the laboratories or reading in the libraries,” the ministry said.

“Schools should all students have access to prescribed textbooks before school reopens,” the guidelines added.