New South Wales government schools are safe, clean and secure places. The safety and wellbeing of staff, students and the community, within all government schools, is our key priority.

In addition to the standard daily cleaning practices, the Department of Education has implemented an enhanced cleaning process in all schools, including those government schools in the Wallsend electorate. Enhanced cleaning is delivered as part of the daily cleaning of schools either at the conclusion of the school day or in the morning before school commences. Target areas include classroom desks and other hard surfaces, door handles, lockers, light switches and handrails in stairways and movement areas.

The Department has also introduced cleaning during the day at all schools in line with Australian Health Protection Principal Committee guidance. This involves additional cleaning of high touch areas. The cleaner also replenishes supplies such as soap and hand towels that are provided by the school.

All schools have been provided with hygiene supplies packages to supplement their own purchases. Items included are hand sanitiser, soap, toilet paper, and paper towels. A package of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for school First Aid rooms has also been dispatched to all schools. This pack is intended to be used to support staff who are caring for or attending to students who are feeling unwell. Items include a temperature monitor, eye protection glasses, masks, items of sanitary clothing (apron, poncho, gown or similar), paper towel, toilet paper, gloves and disinfectant wipes.

Additionally Schools for Specific Purposes and schools with Support Units, have also received a package of PPE supplies. These packages will continue to be dispatched to schools at regular intervals throughout Term 2 2020 to ensure the ongoing management of demand.