Covid Plan for Reopening:

Reopening the workplace for dance

 

10th July 2020

 

 

This plan is in accordance with the Government revision of the “Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business” June 19th, 2020 (No phase 5).

 

In response to the Government’s “Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business” (Revised June 19th, 2020), Elevation School of Performing Arts is continuing a coordinated approach to re-opening for dance and drama students and its workers. This involves a phased re-opening of our studios in Laragh and Aughrim venues to professional practice that aligns with Government guidance and complies with the National “Return to Work Safely Protocol” (May 2020).

​

This process will see a gradual re-opening of access to Elevation classes from Phase 3 of the Government’s Roadmap, for staff and members, with a focus on Health & Safety, social distancing requirements and increased hygiene protocols; and a particular consideration given to the safeguarding of young people.

​

All elements of this plan, of course, are subject to change and dependent on whether the government enacts all relevant elements of each phase. It is noted that on June 4th it was announced that all elements in Phase 5 are to be moved into Phase 4. This is still a live plan that will respond and evolve as necessary.

​

​

A brief overview of this plan follows:

Phase 3:

 

ESPA will open for staff access, to prepare for reopening.

 

• Sat July 18th: Dance Team classes will resume under strict adherence to guidelines on the understanding that classes can be cancelled/postponed at any time if procedures need to be changed or if national case numbers increase.

​

• August: A proposed morning workshop session to run between 3-5 days for open members of ESPA in the Laragh venue. This will involve staggered access and strict Health & Safety, social distancing, and hygiene protocols.

​

• September: Return to all classes in all venues for the school. All bookings will be required to complete a pre- booking checklist to ensure compliance with our Protocols, and an agreed approach to social distancing.

​

The safety and wellbeing of our staff and members in ESPA is at the forefront of this planning process. This plan is supported by a comprehensive review of our policies and procedures, and analysis of building access, capacity and Health & Safety protocols, and a risk assessment and mitigation check list that will be applied for each class or activity until further notice.

​

The ESPA team will be available to support you through the process which will require more time and detail in order to comply with HSA protocols. We appreciate your understanding and patience in this respect.

​

​

Kate O’Connor, Director

Elevation School of Performing Arts

​

NOTE: The social distancing guideline at the time of writing is to keep 2m apart.