Think Tank: How are schools and universities preparing for September in light of the threat of a second wave of Covid-19?

* 1. In August, the Schools Commissioner said that should be last to close and first to reopen in the event of a second wave of Covid-19. News reports have said that a new modelling study found that if schools in England were to reopen safely in September, the government’s test-trace-isolate strategy would have to be rapidly improved in order to avoid a second wave of Covid-19 later this year.

Facilitate has learned that some schools in London are splitting up entire year groups who will then attend at different times of day and be taught in large swathes lecture-style with smaller gatherings being taught in classrooms to allow for adequate social distancing measures. Lunch hours will be cancelled as children attend either in mornings or afternoons to limit numbers on site. School days will start later and end later in order to avoid rush hour commuting times.

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has also said that due to tight budget constraints schools will only be able to take very basic indoor air quality precautions - which makes the readjustments of school sites even more vital.

In light of this what are facilitates managers at schools and also universities doing to ensure a safe return for teachers, children and young people?

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