Thanks to our supporters, The Art House has now re-opened in alignment with government COVID-19 guidelines.Read more

COVID-19

You no longer need to wear a face covering, but consider wearing one in crowded, enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

We have implemented the following COVID-19 policy since 24/02/2022 based on our COVID-19 Risk Assessment, which is designed to keep all people entering the building as safe as possible. If you have booked a space on a course, or are considering doing so, please read this policy carefully before your visit.

  • You no longer need to wear a face covering. We will continue to try to protect our staff, pottery and art participants, so would still prefer that you wear a face mask when moving around The Art House, although this is not mandatory.
  • You will not be legally required to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. Stay at home if you can and avoid contact with other people.
  • You will not have to take daily tests or be legally required to self-isolate following contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
  • The Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme will end. If you were told to self-isolate before 24 February you can still make a claim up to 6 April.

  • We encourage you to try to remain 2 metres apart from people.  

  • We will ensure there is an adequate supply of fresh air to indoor spaces and keep windows open. 

  • We will provide hand sanitiser to enable staff, volunteers and participants to clean their hands more frequently and clean surfaces which people touch regularly. 

Entering the Building 

We do encourage participants to be double jabbed (unless medically exempt). Please try to avoid entering The Art House if you are testing positive for COVID-19. The Art House is comprised of a small team, and sickness of one member of staff may cause disruptions to the smooth running of our operations. 

 

Handwashing and Hand Sanitiser 

Hand sanitiser stations are available throughout the building. Everyone entering the building will be required to sanitise hands upon entry and to wash hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds whilst they are in the building. We ask that individuals avoid touching their face as much as possible whilst on site. 

Facemasks 

Wearing of facemasks will be preferred when moving through shared areas of the building to protect yourselves and staff. Wearing of facemasks in the pottery, art room, exhibition room and office may also be preferred and are encouraged. We may change these rules at any time depending on the changing situation and government guidance. 

Stairwells 

To minimize close contact between participants, please try to avoid passing on the stairwells. Please give priority to people coming down the stairs to reduce the risk of overcrowding in the pottery. Start and end times of sessions will be spaced to reduce the risk of congestion on the stairs. 

Lift 

Please only use the lift if necessary. Capacity of the lift is restricted to one participant at a time, although two people who live in the same household may share the lift. If you know that you will need assistance to use the lift, please ensure that you notify a member of staff before your visit. 

Waiting Area  

A section of space on the lower ground floor can be used as a waiting area in the event of arriving early for a session. It can also be used as a space for eating any food brought in as this will not be allowed within the teaching spaces. Spaces for use within this area are designated and marked. 

Food and Drink 

Food can be eaten in the designated areas on the lower ground floor, but cannot be consumed within the pottery or teaching rooms. Drinks can be consumed anywhere within the building, provided they are in a resealable container, i.e. screw cap plastic water bottles, which can be kept in a bag between uses. Please only consume non-resealable drinks (e.g. cans) in the designated areas on the lower ground floor. If possible, please bring in re-useable containers, or if using disposable ones please take them away with you to minimize risk to staff in handling waste. 

Workstations and Walkways 

For anyone accessing classes, workstations will be clearly marked and situated a minimum of 1 metre from each other. In potential high traffic areas throughout the building, floor markings will indicate distancing of 1 metre and participants are encouraged to take care to keep as much distance from one another as is realistically possible when moving around and working in the building. 

Cleaning & Waste Disposal 

The building will be cleaned each morning, and staff will ensure that frequently touched surfaces (such as door handles and hand rails) are cleaned on at least an hourly basis. Any waste should be disposed of in the bins provided/available throughout the building. Staff will ensure the bins are emptied regularly. 

Confirmed Case on Site 

If a case of Coronavirus is confirmed on site, we will inform all individuals who have been in the building since the infected person was last on site. We will ensure a thorough clean down of the building is conducted immediately.  

Deliveries 

Deliveries should be brought to the front door or back door. Delivery drivers will be asked to wear a mask and gloves where possible before handing items over. Delivery drivers will not be allowed to enter the building unless they have disinfected their hands using antibacterial gel, and are wearing a facemask. 

First Aid 

All first aiders will have access to aprons, visors and gloves for the administration of first aid. All first aid kits are supplied with mouth shields for use where resuscitation is required. 

The Art House is not responsible for any transmission of COVID-19 that may occur on our premises, as our requirements and expectations are clearly outlined above.  

Any verbal, physical or emotional abuse towards our staff will not be tolerated – by attending a course you are choosing to put yourself at risk of catching COVID-19.