23 Feb 5 point checklist for safe school communication
With pupils in England returning to the classroom from March 8th, now is the time for schools to create safe communication. Our 5 point checklist takes you through the key points to consider.
Carry out an assessment
Consider where students and staff are most likely to come into close contact for communication. The most obvious areas will be at the school office and within classrooms. But don’t forget other areas such as canteens. These can be noisy and if clear screens have been installed, they are also places where communication is less clear. We have solutions that help make communication in all of these areas safer and easier.
We can arrange a Covid-safe visit to assess problem areas and the technology that’s most suitable for the space.
Start safety at the front door
Many schools will have installed clear screens at their reception areas. While they help to prevent infection, they also prevent clear communication.
Window intercom systems transfer speech clearly between both sides. Our models are all used hands-free to minimise the spread of infection.
Kepier School’s intercom system on the reception window has an in-built hearing loop
Full Duplex technology allows people to speak simultaneously and with robust housing, sanitising them is quick and easy.
If there are screens at the school office window, consider intercoms here too. Students may have an issue they want to talk discreetly about so it’s important they don’t have to raise their voice to be heard.
Keep assemblies safe
Seating pupils at a safe distance can mean it’s harder for them to hear the teacher.
Our large area IR systems amplify sound without bleed-through to neighbouring classrooms. Invisible light carries a powerful audio signal wirelessly between a transmitter and receivers.
Our systems can cover areas up to 2700sqm so morning assemblies in the main hall will be clear.
Social distancing in classrooms
As well as being able to hear the teacher’s instruction, students need to hear each other. RF systems mean a class of 30 students can easily have a two-way conversation and listen to the lesson.
Portable transceivers pick up and transmit sound that students listen to through a headset.
Because our models are rechargeable and wireless, they are safe to use for all ages. They can even be used for outdoor lessons or on trips where social distancing is required.
Consider staff and students with hearing loss
Covid-safe communications present additional challenges for staff or students with hearing loss. Face masks remove the visual clues used in conversation. They also muffle speech. Extra distance and barriers make sound less clear and harder to hear.
All of our assistive listening technology options come with options for those with hearing loss. Our intercom systems have inbuilt hearing loops for people who use a hearing aid or have a cochlear implant.
Large area hearing loops can be fitted in lecture halls or auditoriums. These are an inclusive feature for visitors too, if a school puts on shows or concerts for the community.
Inductive neck loops are compatible with our IR and RF systems. When a hearing aid is switched to the ‘T’ position, these offer crystal clear sound, cutting out any background noise.
Contact us to find out how we can help your school or college improve the safety and clarity of your environment.
An IR transmitter for clearer assemblies at St Catherine’s School in Bramley
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