ISG has created a new app that will help schools in Wales to re-open safely following the coronavirus lockdown.
The contractor, which is working on the £21.5m expansion of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg in Barry and is also developing three new 210-place primary schools in the Western Vale of Glamorgan, developed the app to comply with Welsh government safety guidance during the coronavirus crisis
While the app was designed to capture new processes, procedures and innovations to enable operatives to work safely on construction sites, it has now been adapted for use in schools, which are set to reopen across Wales to some pupils from 29 June.
It offers general information and examples on how to introduce social distancing, as well as highlighting good practice in a range of scenarios, such as travelling to school, when in the classroom and other areas.
Primarily for school staff, the app can be accessed by scanning a QR code, which will be displayed on classroom walls, and can also be opened by clicking a link.
Zoe Price, COO for ISG’s UK construction business, said: “Building on the successful implementation of our digital resource to share best practice and innovation for safe working within the covid-19 guidelines, we have adapted this industry-leading approach to the Welsh education sector, through our strategic partnership with Vale of Glamorgan Council.
“Ahead of schools reopening at the end of the month, this resource is an easily accessible and clear guide for school leadership teams on the practical measures that should be taken to ensure accommodation is covid-19 compliant.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for education and regeneration, said: “We are currently working in close partnership with contractors across the county, who are helping to improve school infrastructure as part of our 21st-century schools programme of work.
“This is a further example of that collaboration, with ISG kindly adapting a tool that has allowed them to work safely on construction sites for use in schools.
“The wellbeing of children is our number one priority when schools go back and this app is just one measure that will be introduced to ensure they are protected.”
