Sally Furniss
Well-known member
Pandemic preparedness
The outbreak of an influenza pandemic could happen any time and a recent report shows some schools can do more to prepare.
As a consequence, the Ministry of education is issuing a reminder that all early childhood education services and schools needs to prepare a pandemic plan as part of their overall emergency plan, as they are responsible for the safety of their students. A pandemic planning kit on the Ministry website outlines the step-by-step process and has templates and forms.
The Education Review Office report found almost all schools had taken some steps to plan for a pandemic, but only 25 per cent were well-prepared.
Ero recommends schools inform relevant community groups about their pandemic plan and clarify the school's role in local response plans.
Schools, especially in rural locations, can use an established cluster to liaise with their district Health Board or local Public Health unit.
In the event of a pandemic, the Ministry of Health will lead the government response, with the Ministry of Education assisting. Medical officers of health have the power to close education facilities in their area, and schools and ECE services must follow their direction.
During a pandemic, the Ministry of education website will list the evacuation status of all schools, early-childhood centres and tertiary institutes.
Schools are responsible for sourcing and purchasing their own pandemic supplies or survival kits.
Heading into the cold and flu season, schools and ECE services are reminded of the importance of promoting basic hygiene practices to limit the spread of highly contagious viruses.
For the pandemic planning kit, visit:
www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/pandemicplanning
The Ministry of Health has further information:
www.moh.govt.nz/pandemicinfluenza
http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/articles.php?action=view&id=7553
The outbreak of an influenza pandemic could happen any time and a recent report shows some schools can do more to prepare.
As a consequence, the Ministry of education is issuing a reminder that all early childhood education services and schools needs to prepare a pandemic plan as part of their overall emergency plan, as they are responsible for the safety of their students. A pandemic planning kit on the Ministry website outlines the step-by-step process and has templates and forms.
The Education Review Office report found almost all schools had taken some steps to plan for a pandemic, but only 25 per cent were well-prepared.
Ero recommends schools inform relevant community groups about their pandemic plan and clarify the school's role in local response plans.
Schools, especially in rural locations, can use an established cluster to liaise with their district Health Board or local Public Health unit.
In the event of a pandemic, the Ministry of Health will lead the government response, with the Ministry of Education assisting. Medical officers of health have the power to close education facilities in their area, and schools and ECE services must follow their direction.
During a pandemic, the Ministry of education website will list the evacuation status of all schools, early-childhood centres and tertiary institutes.
Schools are responsible for sourcing and purchasing their own pandemic supplies or survival kits.
Heading into the cold and flu season, schools and ECE services are reminded of the importance of promoting basic hygiene practices to limit the spread of highly contagious viruses.
For the pandemic planning kit, visit:
www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/pandemicplanning
The Ministry of Health has further information:
www.moh.govt.nz/pandemicinfluenza
http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/articles.php?action=view&id=7553