Frequently Asked Questions
All information below is accurate at the date of being published. However, these are continually being reviewed to ensure we are working in line with the latest government and scientific advice and are therefore are subject to change.
Who will be offered a space when you start to reopen?
As we will be reopening as a smaller service to begin with, Team Managers, Senior Management and Local Authorities have worked together to prioritise places. Those deemed to be a priority include those who have parent/carers working in frontline services, or who have to return to work and can no longer support a student at home. We will be contacting individuals in the coming days who will be offered these spaces. Over time we will increase the number of workshop places available. If you have any concerns about your student’s welfare, please as always call your manager on 0131 661 4411, or email info@upmo.org and we will be more than happy to discuss this with you.
How will you be implementing social distancing?
We will have small numbers of students in each space which will help ensure we practice social distancing. We have moved furniture and tables and chairs are separated to a 2-metre distance, and there will be visual markings on the floor to guide students where to stand, sit and walk. Initially, we will have a higher staff ratio, and staff will help students to understand the ‘new normal’.
However, we accept that not all students will be able to socially distance 100% of the time. It is also understood that some staff and students will not be able to maintain distancing if we are providing them with personal care and support, and we have undertaken risk assessments to manage this.
Will PPE and masks be worn by students and staff?
Students – masks will not be a requirement within Upmo, however, students can wear masks if they wish. Upmo will not be providing masks to students however cloth masks can be purchased online if people choose to wear them.
Staff – we are working in line with Health Protection Scotland and Government guidance and therefore it will not be mandatory for staff to wear masks at all times within Upmo. However, we will risk assess for those who will not be able to socially distance due to care needs, or who have conditions which lead to a higher risk of bodily fluid being transferred (for instance hypersalivation). In these cases, staff supporting them will wear face masks and PPE. Again, like students, some staff may choose to wear masks and we will allow this.
How will you be encouraging good hygiene practice with students?
We have hand sanitisers at all entry/exits, as well as within individual workshop spaces.
We have Easy Read posters in sites showing students how to wash and sanitise hands correctly.
All students will be asked to wash hands on entry to Upmo and before they leave. They will also receive regular reminders throughout the day to do this.
At this time, students will all be supported by staff when using the bathroom so that the area can be cleaned by staff immediately after use, and to ensure everyone is following hand-washing guidelines correctly. This is also to ensure that students maintain social distancing in the bathrooms.
Will we be able to use the lifts?
We will be asking all students & staff who are able to, to use the stairs. However, for students who cannot use the stairs the lift will be available. At Links House & St Margaret’s House, there is a rule of 1 student & 1 member of staff/parent/carer using the lift at the same time.
At Links House, other occupants of the building can use the lift, however they are only allowed one person at a time. At SMH, Upmo will have full control of the left lift at key points during the day and therefore there should be no issue coming into contact with other members of the public.
What will happen if someone displays symptoms whilst at Upmo?
We will be asking all staff and students to ensure that they only come to Upmo if they feel well. If staff or students display any COVID-19 related symptoms (persistent cough, high fever, loss of taste or smell), they must follow medical advice and isolate at home for 7 days. We hope that everyone understands this and will consider their own health on a daily basis prior to coming in.
If a student starts displaying any symptoms during the day, Upmo will have an allocated area for the student to wait in, staff will don full PPE (mask, visor, gloves & apron) and keep a 2-metre distance between themselves and the student. The student’s primary and/or emergency contact will be contacted, and the student must be picked up or a taxi organised to collect them immediately.
It is vital we have the correct emergency contact details for the student in your care. If you would like to update or check these details are correct, please email alicefarmer@upmo.org
There is a process in place if a staff member begins to display any symptoms and we will ensure any risk to students is managed appropriately.
Cleaning within Upmo?
Upmo have employed a professional cleaning company who will be doing a deep clean of Upmo premises prior to reopening, ensuring that it is up to COVID-19 cleaning standards.
Upmo have chosen to hire a new cleaning company who will be providing more hours per week in each site to ensure all high touch points such as door handles are disinfected daily. They will thoroughly clean both Edinburgh sites once daily.
Upmo will be providing Upmo Team Leaders with a detailed cleaning schedule to use throughout the day to ensure that high touch points are regularly cleaned. Cleaning products will be in line with government guidance. We will also be expecting Upmo staff within workshops to maintain cleanliness and will provide them with the necessary equipment.
Food & Drink at Upmo (Café)
Our Upmo Café and Leith Victoria Café will not be reopening at this time. We ask that all students bring their own packed lunch, water bottle, and snacks for the time being. Hot drinks will be available using disposable cups. Containers must be taken home by student at the end of every day. We will also not be offering Breakfast Club at this time.
Transport
Upmo does not provide transport for students. If you or the student in your care currently gets a taxi or shared taxi/private bus to Upmo this will need to be reinstated. Case managers will make contact with transport teams in local authorities on your behalf once we have confirmed places (days, times) and ask them to restart service transport.
If you or the student you care for normally uses public transport to get to and from Upmo, we will discuss this with you when we call. People with learning disabilities are exempt from wearing masks if they cannot tolerate this, and we have cards that can be printed to show drivers. However, you should wear one if you feel comfortable doing so.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, if you have any other questions please send them to info@upmo.org and we will either reply directly to yourself or create a further FAQ page to be sent to everyone.
