School reopening guidelines: Education ministry issues SOPs

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 issued new guidelines for reopening of schools, colleges and educational institutions after October 15.

The Ministry of Education headed by Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has issued a detailed guideline for the reopening of schools. It states:

• No assessment till up to 2-3 weeks of school reopening. The use of ICT & online learning shall continue to be encouraged.
• The SOP also provides for guidelines on ensuring emotion well being of students and teachers with a reference drawn to Manodarpan initiative
• Precautions are to be taken for preparing and serving midday meal in schools.
• The alternative academic calendar of NCERT may be followed.
• Checklist for a safe school environment, as adopted from UNICEF India guideline is provided for schools parents and students to contain the spread of coronavirus.
• Students may attend schools only with the written consent of parents. There will be flexibility in attendance norms. Students may opt for online classes rather than physically attend school.

Here are the highlights:

As per para -1 of @HMOIndia‘s order no. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 30.09.2020 for reopening, States/UT Governments may take a decision in respect of reopening of schools and coaching institutions after 15th Oct in a graded manner. #SchoolGuidelines pic.twitter.com/JLfJ97qJsF

— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) October 5, 2020

• The SOP also provides for safety protocols to the followed after the opening of schools such as maintaining physical/social distancing norms by keeping a minimum 6 feet gap between each other, wearing of masks at all times in the classroom, laboratory and play areas, maintaining hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette and screening before entry into the school and students may attend schools only with the written consent of parents.
• Plan for academic calendar changes for all classes.
• Ensure availability of a full-time trained health care attendant/nurse/doctor.
• Flexible attendance and sick leave policies for both students and staff.

Read: School reopening status and MHA guidelines

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