Month: November 2020

SEWING LESSONS DURING COVID

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I was going to post on how well my COVID-secure sewing lessons have been going when a second lockdown is announced in England!! This post is now all about how I am continuing my sewing lessons during covid. There’s always a way!!

SEWING LESSONS ON ZOOM

Lockdown means we’re all back to sewing on Zoom for the time being… not ideal but definitely workable. Some of my regular students who haven’t been comfortable to return to class in person have been attending via Zoom since May 2020 and so together we have found ways to make the most of it.  It really is a great alternative if you can be open to a new style of learning.

Before booking a Zoom lesson, please bear in mind that it could be difficult for a complete beginner, especially a child, to learn with just verbal direction. I’ve made some very clear videos to help, but even so, I’ve found that some students need more hands on help to start with. Operating a sewing machine safely takes a certain amount of coordination, like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time. Some people find this easy and some need more physical guidance. If you think you can manage that’s great, but if you’re unsure it might be better to wait till lockdown is over!

I’m keeping 1-2-1 sewing lessons via Zoom at the reduced price of £30 per hour for the time being as it can be restrictive. Private tuition is normally £40 per hour.  I’m also offering a half hour slot for £15, which would be good if you just have a few questions or you want to try Zoom out.

Please go to BOOKINGS for more details.

 

sewing lessons after lockdown

As soon as we are allowed, I will return to teaching  COVID-secure sewing lessons in person, following the government guidelines.

This is is what I have been doing to keep my sewing lessons safe…

  • All new courses and children’s group classes have been cancelled until further notice.
  • If either my students or I feel at all unwell or have been asked to self isolate for whatever reason, lessons are rearranged, cancelled, or attended via Zoom.
  • Payment is due at the end of the lesson so if anyone needs to cancel there is no charge.
  • Face masks are compulsory for everyone during the lesson.
  • Large transparent screens divide the width of the table to protect those sitting opposite each other.
  • A window can be left slightly open to ventilate the class room.
  • I try to use verbal instructions only.  If I really need to physically assist, I sanitise my hands before and after handling my students work.
  • Medical grade hand sanitiser will be provided on entry and in the classroom. 
  • It’s not safe to share sewing equipment so if possible students bring their own scissors, pins, tape measure, un-picker, hand sewing needles, fabric marker etc. I can provide these if necessary but students will have to sanitise equipment before and after use.
  • The classroom and sewing machines are thoroughly cleaned before and after each class. You are encouraged to bring your own sewing machine if you have one.
  • The wash-room and all door handles are thoroughly cleaned immediately before each class. Paper towels are provided to dry hands.

 

COVID 19 RISK ASSESSMENT

WHAT ARE THE HAZARDS? WHO MIGHT BE HARMED AND HOW? WHAT IS BEING DONE TO CONTROL THE RISKS? WHAT FURTHER ACTION CAN BE TAKEN TO CONTROL THE RISKS? WHO NEEDS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTION? WHEN IS THE ACTION NEEDED BY? DONE
Working with others Myself Students Considering the teaching space and any potential areas of risk. Reducing the number of students in a class/room.

Offering the option to attend classes in person or via Zoom.

Postponing all new courses.

 To carry out my work, taking in to account the potential hazards and risks and where possible eliminate them or minimise the risk.

 

 Myself
COVID 19

Limiting personal exposure

 Myself

Students

 Maintaining social distancing.

Using protective screens to separate students.

All wearing masks face-masks for the duration of the lesson.

Using hand sanitiser frequently.

Not sharing equipment.

Wiping down surfaces, chairs and machines before and after class.

 

 Encourage students to bring their own sewing machine. Myself; Students
Checking if I show symptoms Myself Following the Government & NHS advice.

Run classes via Zoom if necessary.

 

 Myself
Checking if my students show symptoms Students Asking students to follow the Government & NHS advice.

No charge for cancelled lessons.

Students attend via Zoom if they are unwell or are vulnerable.

 

 Make sure students know the Government & NHS advice.

 

 Myself
Maintaining cleanliness Myself Students Providing medical grade hand sanitiser at entrance/exit and in sewing rooms

Providing antivirus wipes in sewing rooms

Cleaning sewing rooms before and after each lesson, with special attention to sewing machines, chairs and surfaces

Cleaning entrance/exit, door handles and washroom before and after each lesson.

 

 Hire a cleaner if necessary.

Remind students to use wipes and hand sanitiser before, during and after the class.

 Myself
Maintaining distancing Myself Students Reducing class size where possible and using two rooms when necessary.

Staying 2 metres apart where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place.

Using protective screens to separate students sitting opposite each other.

Using verbal instructions and demonstration as much as possible.

Limiting movement around the classroom.

 

 Stay aware of keeping a safe distance from each other. Myself; Students