Dear Parent/Carer,
Re: Face Coverings
As you may be aware, the government changed their advice surrounding the wearing of face masks in schools. Previously they had said that the wearing of face coverings should not be necessary in any school.
This advice has now been updated and the Department for Education has stated;
“Nationwide, while the government is not recommending face coverings are necessary, schools will have the discretion to require face coverings in communal areas if they believe that is right their particular circumstances.
In addition, the government will advise additional measures are in areas where the transmission of the virus is high. In these areas, defined as areas of national government intervention as listed on gov.uk, the government’s guidance will state face coverings should be work by adults and pupils in secondary schools when moving around the school, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain. It will not be necessary to wear face coverings in the classroom, where protective measures already mean the risks are lower, and where they can inhibit learning.”
The information is taken from the government link below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/update-on-face-coverings-in-schools
As you will be aware, our local area is currently on the list of areas being covered by government intervention and, whilst we have done everything within our power to reduce transmission, we believe it is in the best interest of both staff and pupils to introduce face coverings for our communal areas, such as transition around corridors and in the canteen, over break and lunch.
Therefore, please can I ask that your child’s face covering be plain in appearance; no logos or motifs and must be worn appropriately and sensibly.
Any student intentionally misusing their own covering or anyone else’s will be dealt with accordingly via the school behaviour policy.
Reasonable adjustments will of course be made for students who are exempt on medical grounds from wearing face coverings.
We will fully brief students on the in-school protocols when they return to school next week, which we are very much looking forward to.
I will of course review this decision in light of any updated government guidance and any changes in the local Salford/Greater Manchester situation.
Thank you for your ongoing support
Yours Faithfully
Ms M D Haselden Principal