Safety for Boarders In Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic
"Our stunningly rural position and large open campus, make it easy for Sibford to implement the required social distancing, which also allows boarders to enjoy the safety and calm beauty of the Oxfordshire countryside."
Contents 1. Introductions 2. Special Arrangements for Boarders 3. BSA’s COVID-Safe Charter and the Safe Schools Initiative 4. Health & Well Being 5. PPE 6. Boarders' Mealtimes 7. Staff & Visitors 8. Testimonials 9. A Final Word from our Link Governor for Boarding 10. Summary of Measures for September 2020
Introduction from the Head Caring for all in our community has always been at the heart of what we do There is something very special about walking through the doors of Sibford School. When lessons are being taught there is a remarkable sense of calm and peaceful study. However, at all other hours the sounds of our happy, engaged and energetic community are very much evident. This is the ‘normal’ world that we are working to return to in September 2020. Sibford is a family school which is built upon outstanding pastoral care and a values-based approach to education. Small class sizes and strong relationships built upon mutual respect are the bedrock of all that we do. Knowing each pupil as well as we do however means that we can support and encourage them to achieve their aspirations whatever these might be.
The grounds of Sibford School
Introduction from the Head Although we are primarily a day school we also have a thriving boarding community and beyond the classroom I have rarely known so many opportunities laid before our pupils. Sport, Music and Drama play a central part of the lives of many pupils and Outdoor education is also a central part of our holistic education. We are fortunate that we will be able to offer a wide range of activities safely on our campus even if the outside world still faces restrictions. Underlying all of this is a warm and close-knit community which has, for over 175 years been guided by Quaker principles such as equality, peace, integrity and stewardship. I am proud to be the Head of such a wonderful school. As parents, Jill and I are also delighted that our children are growing up and learning in such a rich and stimulating community.
There is always a warm welcome at Sibford School and caring for all in our community has always been at the heart of what we do. Our primary focus has always been the wellbeing and safety of our young people. This literature has been put together to highlight the measures we are taking to ensure the safe return of all of our boarders. We hope that this will reassure you all, and especially perhaps, parents of international students who need to feel assured that their children are safe away from home – we understand this completely. Toby Spence, Head
Introduction to Boarding & Excellent Pastoral Care Boarding at Sibford School is an enriching, positive experience. We are proud that we have always been successful in providing an environment where all of our students feel valued, respected and part of the community. The main aim of our boarding provision has always been to provide a safe ‘home from home’ environment for our boarders and the community atmosphere of Sibford School and the whole school nurturing environment is supportive and fulfiling for all our boarders.
Our houses are run by houseparents who work hard to create a family style environment; they live at either end of the boarding houses and get to know our boarders well; smaller numbers in houses and a personal approach means that all boarders are well supported academically and pastorally – and any issues are quickly identified and addressed.
Introduction to Boarding & Excellent Pastoral Care Previous ISI inspections have recognised that Sibford provides an exceptionally high standard of pastoral care and boarding provision has consistently been rated as excellent in every respect. Boarders thrive in an environment where staff believe that instilling confidence in students will lead to success in all areas of their school life. We are proud of the wide range of backgrounds that boarders bring with them to Sibford and feel this adds an international dimension to a rural school. This in turn adds to the diversity of Sibford and provides increased understanding of different cultures for all. Our boarders feel valued by their whole school community and in return are excellent at supporting each other, developing life-long friendships with both UK and International Students. They enrich each other’s school experience and global perspective.  Bunny Baker, Head of Boarding
Introduction to Boarding & Excellent Pastoral Care As a Quaker School one of our core beliefs is that every person has a unique ‘light’ and purpose. You need not be a Quaker, or indeed have any particular religious affiliation, to believe in the fundamental good in people. Importantly, Sibford School believes in the capacity of students to achieve their unique potential, providing excellent support every step of the way. These values are not imposed on pupils, they are reflected daily in the purposeful, calm atmosphere that is palpable just walking around the school. Students are also encouraged to “let their life speak” finding opportunities to use their gifts and talents in the service of others. Quakers have long welcomed diversity of culture and faith as it serves to increase understanding, underscoring the rich heritage of an international boarding community.
Special Arrangements for Boarders Autumn 2020 Arrival of New & Returning International Boarders We have been working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of our international boarders for the beginning of the Autumn Term in August 2020. Our plans and procedures have been put in place to cover a range of possibilities and are ready to adapt to any changes to current government policy. We recognise the need to go ‘above and beyond’ in terms of safety guidelines, as we are clear that the safety and wellbeing of our community is the main priority. Possible Quarantine Arrangements UK Government guidelines suggest that boarding students may need to complete a period of quarantine. If this is the case, we are offering boarders the opportunity to spend this time with us in the comfort of the boarding houses and within our extensive grounds. We are preparing for boarding facilities to open 14 days prior to the start of the Autumn term. It is hoped, therefore, that international boarders may be able to return as early as 6 pm on Thursday 20th August 2020. Regardless of UK government quarantine requirements, we will be open for international boarders 7 days prior to the start of term (from 6pm on Wednesday 26th August). This will also enable new boarders to complete a full induction programme of activities and also give them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with our beautiful campus and the surrounding area. There will be no additional charge for this service but it will ensure that all pupils have completed a period of quarantine (subject to UK Government guidelines at the time) before the official start of the school term. This will be confirmed between houseparents/Head of Boarding and parents/guardian during the summer holiday.
Special Arrangements for Boarders Autumn 2020 Possible Quarantine Arrangements continued... Students will be cared for by houseparents and the ratio of staff to pupils will be low. These students will be operate within ‘bubbles’ so that we can monitor the students and check their health, especially in relation to COVID -19. Airport transfers will be provided by Sibford School and will be social distancing compliant. Transport will be direct to the school and the vehicle will be equipped with sanitiser and disposable wipes and access to water. We will provide students with a letter confirming that they are travelling to Sibford School to begin or resume their education at a member school of the Boarding Schools’ Association.
Sibford School Forest Area
Special Arrangements for Boarders Autumn 2020 The Boarding Houses The boarding houses are spacious, clean and comfortable. Most of our older boarders have always benefitted from single rooms and from September 2020, we will ensure than all bedrooms will be single occupancy, except where a very small number of our large rooms may allow for double occupancy due to space, ventilation and extra PPE measures. Extra Measures Every room in the boarding houses will be ‘deep cleaned’ at the beginning and end of the summer holiday period. These deep cleans will also be conducted at regular intervals throughout the term. Each boarding house has been assigned a set team of cleaners who know the specifics of the facilities exceptionally well, and who ensure that all facilities are cleaned carefully and regularly every day. The cleaning team have all been trained and will all wear appropriate PPE. Boarders will be divided into groups within each house and each group will be allocated their own bathrooms, showers and washing / WC facilities to minimise transmission risk. Almost all bedrooms in all houses have individual basins. Should international students be unable to stay with parents or a guardian, we are intending that there will be the option to remain on school campus for the October half-term (and possibly part of the Christmas holidays) should avoiding travel be necessary. This option will include all meals, activities and study sessions and will be charged at a flexi boarding rate. The Head of Boarding and houseparents will liaise with parents and guardians to confirm this.
Special Arrangements for Boarders Autumn 2020 Extra Measures continued... Activities will be provided for boarders on weekends and in the evenings. In the past, students have enjoyed visiting towns and shops – this will not be the case initially. The Head of Boarding and Activities Coordinator will work closely with the boarders’ forum to arrange activities that are enjoyable – but which continue to ensure social distancing and are deemed to be safe. We are extremely lucky to have over 50 acres of grounds and extensive facilities on campus so will be able to provide wonderful opportunities within our safe rural community. Houseparents will ensure that they purchase items for boarders that are required; our village shops also provide a safe service, including delivery options, and all pupils will be able to receive deliveries of items ordered online.
BSA’s COVID-Safe Charter for UK Boarding Schools We were delighted when the BSA brought out a Covid-Safe Charter for UK Boarding Schools, which we have signed up to – a copy of this charter is on the following pages. Established in May 2020, the Charter aims to ensure the safety of all pupils and staff as schools begin to re-open across the UK, following closures due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The main objective of the charter is to create a set of minimum standards that all schools will agree to have in place in advance of September 2020. This will allow UK schools to: Facilitate our core purpose of ensuring education continues with minimal disruption Standardise a minimum level of precautionary measures across UK boarding schools Ensure the safest possible environment for all day and boarding students Bring the sector together with a strategically considered response and proactive approach Click for the BSA's COVID-Safe charter: Chinese translation Russian translation
BSA’s COVID-Safe Charter for UK Boarding Schools
Safe Schools initiative Sibford School is also proud to be part of the #safeschools initiative which means we have committed to adhering to the Boarding Schools' Association's (BSA) COVID-Safe Charter. In addition to this, #safeschools has proposed a number of additional optional measures for schools to consider. This is to ensure that we are going “above and beyond” and we are therefore keen to implement and delighted to be working with other schools and guardians to ensure high levels of safety within boarding UK.
#SAFESCHOOLS STATEMENT: Whilst it is impossible to eliminate risk entirely, it is possible to in procedures and policies that serve to reduce the risk of transmission. Schools who have joined the #safeschools initiative confirm they will implement the BSA COVID-Safe charter. This means that schools will: Allow students to wear face masks in school Undertake temperature checks or thermal scanning regularly for all non-resident individuals Put in place and ensure appropriate social distancing measures Ensure appropriate PPE for staff who require it Provide a suitable isolation area to care for pupils who show symptoms
Safe Schools initiative #SAFESCHOOLS STATEMENT:
For more information on #safeschools, click here.
Health & Wellbeing Sibford School’s health centre is located centrally within the campus, easily accessible to all students and staff as required. The Health Centre is staffed by a registered health care professional Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4.30pm, in order to provide medical care for all pupils during the school day. In the evenings and weekends, first aid trained houseparents are available 24/7 for any unwell students. The school nurse is also available over the phone for advice and support outside the usual health centre hours. The health centre consists of a consultation room and a bedroom benefiting from both a study area with Wi-Fi access as well as bathroom facilities. We aim to make the environment as homely as possible while still maintaining the strictest hygiene practises to reduce the risk of infectious diseases.  Although the school has implemented strict social distancing procedures, we recognise that there may be times where this is impossible to maintain, such as a medical emergency. Therefore, the school has made full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provision. Staff will adhere to the latest national guidance on appropriate PPE standards, as well as strict donning and doffing of PPE procedures.  In the summer of 2019, we relocated our health centre to the heart of the school, where it would be more easily accessible and improve our ability to provide outstanding pastoral care to support our students' health and wellbeing.
Health & Wellbeing We are fortunate to be located less than a 5-minute drive from the local doctor’s surgery where all our full boarders are registered for their medical care during their time at Sibford. In an emergency we are just eight miles from the nearest hospital. In addition to this, staff can get help and support from out of hours doctors or relevant health care professional via the NHS 111 service. Appointments for boarders with other health specialists, such as dentist/physiotherapists, can be arranged if urgently required during the academic year.Â
Some of our international students have suggested they might take a test before boarding their flights back to the UK; we would welcome this course of action. We would also welcome vaccination opportunities should this become a safe option. As with other vaccinations carried out each year, subject to parental consent, we would be able to organise these happening on campus, in a safe and controlled environment.
Isolation Sibford School is fortunate to be in a safe rural location. If we were to have an outbreak in school, we have isolation protocols in place to care for an affected pupil. Boarders who display symptoms of COVID-19 will immediately be placed in isolation – this will mean initially that they self-isolate in their own boarding house as we recognise that most will benefit from this so that their usual support can continue. Others will benefit more from self-isolating in their family home and, if this is the case, we will organise safe transport for them. Should a number of boarders have symptoms, they may be moved to a designated house where they will be cared for by trained staff. We intend to organise for symptomatic students to be tested for COVID19; the student will remain in isolation until the test result is returned.
A Typical Boarder's Bedroom
Isolation Boarders who are isolating will be looked after by a member of staff at all times.  This member of staff will also ensure they have access to school work, if appropriate, and will provide their meals and offer reassurance and pastoral/emotional support Upon confirmation of a negative result, and once they feel well enough, the student will be permitted to return to academic school. Should it be confirmed that the boarder has COVID-19, they will remain in isolation and will be cared for by the designated staff member. Any student or staff member in this situation will have access to further medical care. All students have access to NHS hospitals should the need arise and the service had capacity within the UK even during the height of the pandemic.
Isolation Will there be a facility for students to switch to online learning at home if the COVID-19 situation is not under control? Sibford School ran as a virtual school for the summer term of 2020. This was extremely successful and means that we are experienced in being able to switch between classroom-based and remote learning effectively. Should social distancing measures be imposed or should the need arise to isolate an individual, we hope to be able to offer a mixture of online lessons for a student accessed from their boarding house or isolation area with ‘normal’ academic provision. Well Being Counsellors We have 2 school wellbeing counsellors who provide a confidential support service to the students. Students can book appointments if they feel it would be useful to talk to someone confidentially. Staff can make referrals too if they have feel students would benefit. A word from one of our counsellors: I am passionate about working with young people and staff. I deeply believe in helping people develop emotionally to achieve academic success, as we learn the best when we feel valued and appreciated. I have worked as a teacher in the past which motivated me to pursue training in counselling and psychotherapy. I have knowledge and experience of working with key trends in educational settings, helping students with a diverse range of issues including, but not limited to, exam stress, relationships, loss and bereavement, transition, self-harm, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, fear, anger along with other educational and boarding issues. I work in a non-directive way to address underlying emotional difficulties empowering young people and helping them bring positive changes in their life.”
External support for pupils recommended by Sibford School Childline. www.childline.org.uk Online, on the phone, anytime – confidential calls for the under 19s. Freephone 24/7 helpline: 0800 1111. You can even create a childline account on the website so that you can contact a counsellor anytime. Samaritans. www.samaritans.org Need support? The Samaritans are there to listen 24 hours, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 for free. Email: jo@samaritans.org Young Minds. www.youngminds.org.uk Young Minds offer advice and guidance if you are struggling with your mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Kooth. www.kooth.com/ Kooth is an online mental wellbeing community for children and young people. Children and young adults can talk directly to online counsellors via the website. NHS Every Mind Matters. www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
External support for pupils recommended by Sibford School Support for families It is important that our pupils remain safe whilst using the internet for remote learning. The following is a list of helpful websites that offer advice for families. Internet matters – support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online London Grid for Learning – support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online Net-aware – support for parents and careers from the NSPCC Parent info – support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online Thinkuknow – advice from the National Crime Agency to stay safe online UK Safer Internet Centre – advice for parents and carers Digital Safety during COVID-19
PPE All members of the Sibford community will be encouraged to wear face covers, which cover both the nose and the mouth. Boarders will be provided with both disposable face covers and also washable ones if they have not brought their own. Houseparents will buy additional covers and masks if necessary. Pupils and staff will continue to use the many sanitising gel stations situated around the campus. All children are actively encouraged to use these frequently. Equally, staff oversee that students are washing their hands on a regular basis. Protective equipment relevant to specific activities is to be worn and used as directed. Any member of staff undertaking healthcare tasks will have an appropriate level of PPE. As well as a thorough ‘deep clean' before the start of term, all common areas will be cleaned throughout the school day. Boarding houses are also cleaned every day – all boarders are also provided with their own cleaning products to ensure that their own areas are at optimal cleanliness. All members of the community will be encouraged and advised to carry personal bottles of sanitiser and boarders will be provided with these by houseparents.
Boarders’ Mealtimes The dining room at Sibford is spacious and airy; it contains two separate serveries. Mealtimes for pupils are staggered and they will sit at an appropriate and safe distance apart. Markers on the floor separate people as they queue and clearly highlight distance from the serving areas. The kitchen staff will wear protective clothing at all times. Snacks will also be available for boarders in the boarding houses where houseparents will oversee food hygiene standards are rigorously enforced. The Dining Room is currently undergoing an extensive renovation project over the summer and the final refurbished space will have been designed with safety in mind.
Fresh Local Ingredients
Staff & Visitors Staff Sibford School is set amongst 50 acres of grounds and, on campus, are many houses where staff and their families live. All staff have strictly adhered to the UK government guidelines and this will continue as we welcome the whole school back in September 2020. Non-residential staff will be treated like visitors to the school each day and residential house staff will have their temperature checked every day. Staff will receive further training before returning in September to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community and especially our pupils. Visitors To ensure we all minimise the risk of transmission of illness, boarding houses will have minimal visitors, unless specific arrangements have been confirmed because the visit is essential. The school will continue to remind the public that anyone displaying symptoms of coronavirus should not enter school premises. Other routine safety precautions include but are not limited to: Minimising numbers of pupils in classrooms; re-arranging lessons to make use of larger spaces; putting in place social distancing measures; adapting the extra-curricular, activities and trips programme; providing face masks for boarders if requested; putting in place health and temperature checks; insisting on regular hand washing; providing hand sanitisers; enhanced cleaning regimes; only allowing essential visits to campus and minimising outings; socially distanced catering; cancelling compulsory exeats and limiting personal trips off campus unless vital.
Testimonials
"Before I came to England I thought the school-bully was really serious, but I was wrong. Sibford is such a cosy and friendly place and I am grateful to be here.” Amy, boarder
“It doesn’t feel like a boarding house, it feels like a home.”
“Such a sense of family in a Sibford boarding house.” Parent “The house parents’ kindness, happiness and will to help is very inspiring and makes me feel at home and safe in Sibford.”
“Every time I finish school, I think I've finally come home.’” Year 12 International Student
“I miss my son when he is not at home. However, he feels that he is missing out if he doesn’t board for a few nights a week! He loves the balance between home and school. Sibford has helped him to become happy, confident."
Testimonials
Hearing from parents at other schools I am so proud of you guys. Everyone at Sibford is doing an amazing job. It can't be easy trying to look after your own families whilst looking after our child's educational needs, and more. I feel my child is getting the bestcontinued education and pastoral care possible during these trying times. The amount of work is spot on and the human interaction my child is experiencing being able to speak to class mates and teachers with daily video calls for all lessons is perfect. Well done everyone at Sibford! Outstanding!
I have consistently felt that the school has gone above and beyond expectations in terms of work provision and support for the children. I sing your praises to anyone who will listen! We feel so happy that our children have been so well looked after and I as the parent providing the support at home ALSO feel like you've got my back too.
Testimonials
As guardians, Bright World is keen to help support the safe return of students to Sibford in September. We are working closely with the school staff to coordinate safe arrivals and subsequent holiday arrangements in line with school and parent needs. We join Sibford in looking forward to welcoming our students back in September. Bright World GuardiansÂ
Sibford doesn't feel just like a school. It feels like a home, with a real sense of family. Gateway Guardians
Please watch our boarding film for more about our lives on campus:Â Click for Youtube Video
A Final Word from our governor… It is my great privilege to be the link Governor for Boarding at Sibford School. My association with Sibford spans many years as a previous Deputy Head and Head of Boarding, until my retirement several years ago. I also worked as an Independent Schools Boarding Inspector, enabling me to observe the ‘best of boarding’ and support the growth of these attributes at Sibford. Maggie Guy
COVID-19 Risk Assessments for Safe Return for Boarders – Governor’s Role The safe return to school for all pupils, day and boarding, is a priority for Sibford School’s Governing Body. Our role is to ensure that the Senior Leadership Team and the Head of Boarding are following the minimum standards as set out by the government’s Public Health England and the Boarding Schools Association; in all areas Sibford is meeting these requirements and in many areas is going above and beyond what is required. The Link Governor for COVID-19 and Boarding, Maggie Guy, has reviewed the risk assessment plans and personally visited the school site to see the plans in action, reporting back to the governing body.
A Final Word from our governor… COVID-19 Risk Assessments for Safe Return for Boarders – Governor’s Role cont... Maggie was previously a Boarding Inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate and a Deputy Head and Head of Boarding before her retirement. She has attended a virtual UK Governor Training webinar on risk assessments, to confirm that Sibford is doing everything possible to provide a safe and secure environment and that governors are updated regularly. Sibford is highly dedicated to maintaining the best possible standards of hygiene, carefully monitoring of pupils’ health and well-being whilst at school. Sensitive monitoring and screening of pupils will continue for as long as necessary. During the visit to school, Maggie Guy, was able to speak to our Health and Well-Being Coordinators about the precautions the school has already implemented and those planned for the future. Sibford has a health care professional who is available to care for our boarders on site and advise the school on medical matters. The school is fortunate to have a local (GP) doctor’s surgery in the village to look after Sibford Boarder’s health, with appointments available at short notice. Sibford employs two Well-Being Counsellors who can help anyone experiencing Well-Being concerns. In our small and family style boarding houses, House Parents play an important role in supporting boarders academically and socially. Many have been in touch with current boarders, with enjoyable weekly Virtual House meetings to bring boarders from afar together. Our stunningly rural position and large open campus, make it easy for Sibford to implement the required social distancing, which also allows boarders to enjoy the calm beauty of the Oxfordshire countryside. Boarders are able to have plenty of time outside in the fresh air of the Cotswold Hills. The air is clean and clear; consequently the village is a safe ‘bubble’ in which to reside.
A Final Word from our governor… COVID-19 Risk Assessments for Safe Return for Boarders – Governor’s Role cont... Sibford Boarding Community will be ready and excited to welcome both established boarders and new boarders to deeply cleaned boarding houses. The school will follow the BSA Covid Safe Charter and the Safe Schools’ Initiative’s extra measures to ensure the safe return of all boarders every step of the way, from personalised, secure arrangements for meeting boarders at the airport, to their welcoming return to school. Parents and guardians will be kept informed at each step, so they can rest assured that their child is in good hands. House parents will communicate with families, before and after the arrival of their child. The Boarding Schools Association has published an extensive checklist for schools, to assist schools in guaranteeing all is in place for boarders’ return. The Head of Boarding will personally ensure that these standards, amongst many others implemented by the school as extra precautions, are in place before boarders return. At Sibford we view boarding as a providing a ‘Home from Home’. Our promise to you is that, like parents, we will take great care of your son or daughter while they are in our trusted hands.
Summary of Plan of Measures for September Summary of Plan of Measures September 2020 – Admissions and Returning Students If Sibford School is able to open again on a fully operational basis then the following dates will stand: New and Returning International Boarders – from 6 pm Wednesday 26th August 2020 New UK based boarders (Years 7-13) – return 6 pm Tuesday 1st September 2020 New Year 7 and Year 12 pupils – Induction Day Wednesday 2nd September 2020 Returning day pupils start school on Thursday 3rd September 2020 Please note that if isolation / ‘quarantine’ restrictions are in place for international arrivals from certain countries, we will offer 14 day ‘quarantine’ for boarders who are unable to stay with a parent or guardian (in other words if they usually would use a ‘homestay’ option.) We will provide safe activities on campus and in the local area. It will also allow any new boarders to settle in, familiarise themselves with their new home environment and complete an extensive induction programme. If necessary, this programme would commence on 19th August 2020.
Summary of Plan of Measures for September Similarly, if issues connected with Covid19 / travel restrictions mean that it is not possible for students to travel home or stay in UK with a parent or guardian over the October half-term holiday (Friday 16th October – Sun 1stNovember 2020) boarding will remain open for these International students. Please note that, if the UK is unfortunate enough to be placed into ‘lockdown’ again, meaning that international boarders, new or otherwise, were unable to return until January 2021, then online learning could be provided for Autumn Term and boarders would be supported in accessing their learning from boarding houses. Any new starter for September 2020 who wishes to defer entry until January 2021 should contact us. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss our flexible fee options and our unique packages that we can offer, including 5 term courses.
Sibford School Playing Fields