The Council HR department have issued current advice regarding clinically extremely vulnerable (shielding) and clinically vulnerable (non-shielding) school based employees, with regards to being able to work.

Staff who have been classed as clinically extremely vulnerable due to pre-existing medical conditions have been advised to shield. These staff have been identified as having a serious underlying health condition which puts them at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus and have been advised by their clinician or through a letter from the NHS to rigorously follow shielding measures in order to keep themselves safe. It is not expected that people in this category will be attending school and they should continue to work at home as much as possible. 

Clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable) who are at higher risk of severe illness (for example, people with some pre-existing conditions as set out in the Staying at home and away from others (social distancing) guidance) have been advised to take extra care in observing social distancing might have also received a letter but this is not to be confused with a shielding letter.

Where possible, these employees should work from home, and . Education and childcare settings should endeavour to support this, for example by asking staff to support remote education, carry out lesson planning or other roles which can be done from home.

If clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable) individuals cannot work from home, they should be offered the safest available on-site roles, staying 2 metres away from others wherever possible, although the individual may choose to take on a role that does not allow for this distance if they prefer to do so. If they have to spend time within 2 metres of other people, settings must carefully assess and discuss with them whether this involves an acceptable level of risk

Please note:

•a member of staff who lives with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable), including those who are pregnant, can attend school.

•if a staff member lives in a household with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable, as set out in the guidance on shielding, it is advised they only attend school if stringent social distancing can be adhered to. If stringent social distancing cannot be adhered to, it is advised for those staff to not attend. They should be supported to work at home.

•staff should not attend if they have symptoms or are self-isolating due to symptoms in their household.

•protective measures will be put in place for staff and pupils, as far as is possible, to ensure that the risk of transmission is reduced.