COVID-19 advice for schools

Victorian schools have returned to on-site learning with COVIDSafe Plans in place.

Operating guidelines

• School operations guide

  Advice for schools to support the return to on-site learning

• School camps during COVID-19
  

  Guidance for providers and school groups on school camps during COVID-19
  

• Use of school facilities by sporting clubs or community groups

  ​Schools may approve use of outdoor facilities on school property if the use aligns with Department of Health advice
  

• Learning from home
  

  Tools to support teachers to access technology and deliver remote and flexible learning guidelines
  

Health and safety measures

This guidance applies to all schools.

• Face masks in schools
  

  Face masks are mandatory for all Victorians aged 12 and over when indoors, or where physical distancing cannot be maintained outdoors
  

• Infection prevention and control eLearning module
  

  All school staff are required to complete training on how to work safely during COVID-19. Education login required
  

• Cleaning supplies and services
  

  Additional cleaning is being implemented at all schools. The extended and increased cleaning involves progressive cleaning throughout the day, with a focus on high-touch surfaces
  

• School buses services
  

  The School Bus Program continues to operate as normal across Victoria

• Outside school hours care

  OSHC programs continue to operate with risk mitigation measures in place
  

• School boarding premises

  Advice for school boarding premises on managing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in their facilities
  

• Pre-service teacher placements

  Supervised PST placements should go ahead as planned, within the operating guidelines circulated to schools

• COVID-19 Safety Management Plan (COVIDSafe Plan)

  Manage safety risks in schools in accordance with the minimum requirements for COVIDSafe Plans, in conjunction with the School Operations Guide, endorsed by the Victorian Chief Health Officer
  

• Communicate with your school community

  Template letters and translations in community languages for school leaders to send to parents and guardians

• COVID-19 phone line

  Ask questions about COVID-19 and education settings by calling 1800 338 663, 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). If you need an interpreter, call 131 450 first
  

Health advice for schools

Schools should consider a variety of strategies to support physical distancing and good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission within the practical limitations of a school environment. The following actions are to be considered, adapted and implemented as necessary according to the education setting and the individual needs of the staff, students and the wider school community.

• Health and hygiene advice for all Victorian schools

  Schools should consider a variety of strategies to support physical distancing and good hygiene practices

• Mental health, wellbeing and support

  Support for staff and students with the impact COVID-19 has on mental health and wellbeing

• Health information

  In-line with advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, schools should consider a variety of strategies to support physical distancing and good hygiene practices

• Working from home

  Guidance to all ongoing and fixed-term teaching service employees who are working from home

Student learning

• Learning from home
  

  Advice for parents, students, schools, early childhood education and care about flexible learning
  

• Changes to student learning

  Updates to NAPLAN, VCE and VET as well as subject-specific advice for classroom management of 'hands-on learning spaces'
  

• Structured workplace learning and work experience

  Advice is available for schools to support students undertaking SWL or work experience in either metropolitan Melbourne or rural and regional Victoria
  

• Training and work placements
  

  Permitted industries or workplaces can continue to operate within reduced capacity during restrictions