Schools will reopen on 1 June but will have to follow these seven conditions 

Grade 7 and 12 pupils will return to their classes on 1 June-however schools will follow stringent Standard Operating Procedures.

Picture from Adobe StockSchools wishing to invite pupils back to their classrooms after lockout would require strict health and safety guidelines, as provided by the Basic Education Department.

After a lengthy period of confusion about the 2020 school curriculum and delays to the original timetable of the department, Minister Angie Motshekga announced on Thursday evening her ‘back to school’ program. After having met multiple stakeholders Including teachers’ unions, the Council of Ministers of Education (CEM) and the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) — Motshekga announced a updated school calendar that would see Grade 7 and 12 pupils returning to classrooms on 1 June 2020.

However, the recommendation from the Department of Basic Education does come with a number of caveats. Motshekga was prompt to find out that it relies on many factors to enforce the updated school calendar, which implements a carefully controlled phased-in strategy.

To comply with the current timetable, schools would need to meet a range of prerequisites that show an appropriate state of readiness. Schools that refuse to show their precautionary abilities and effective protection procedures can be prohibited from reopening until both state and regional authorities have inspected them.

Criteria for reopening: What the schools need to do 

The reopening of schools must follow a three-tier strategy, including: preparedness, a program turnaround process and a set of basic operating practices, to be adhered to as agencies. 

Should pupils return, schools need to: you

See the return of school management teams and teachers (on May 25) to track the readiness of the school 

Sanitize all classrooms and buildings (as part of the Standard Operating Procedures)

Furnishing personal protection equipment (PPE) to all school staff 

Reconditioning classrooms to reduce social gap and restrict movement

Provide for a adequate number of facemasks (to be used by both learners and staff at all times) 

Ensure access to running water and sewage stations by hand

Ensure you have COVID-19 screening programs in operation 

Normal business procedures 

Besides the state of preparedness, schools that are considered fit for reopening will need to make dramatic improvements to the schedule of everyday education. Motshekga summarized the basic operating procedures which should be adopted by the schools. Shipped to all schools in the region, this booklet includes:

Physical differences in schools, with no more than 2 shared desks for learners; 

No handshakes or kisses 

Please prevent close communication 

Tuch masks to be used at all times by learners and teachers 

No major mass gatherings. No sporting events, choral services, festivals or eisteddfods are permitted

Extra classes should be arranged in small groups, which keep social distances 

Sanitize the classrooms before school day begins 

Sanitize hands on classroom entry 

Limits learner movement between classes 

No chairs grouped in classrooms 

Additionally, health and safety orientation sessions will be provided to school staff on how to help fight COVID-19 in classrooms.