Parents Archive

26.08.20 The Department for Education has updated its advice on face coverings in schools

The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a new statement on the 21 August on when children should wear face coverings. They now advise that “children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults, in particular when they cannot guarantee at least a 1-metre distance from others and there is widespread transmission in the area.”

As a result, the government is revising its guidance on face coverings for staff and children in year 7 or above in England. 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 in their particular circumstances. Read the full Department for Education news story here.

The Trust and senior leaders at Brockington College have put together the following guidance. 

All students (except for those with a medical exemption) will be required to wear face coverings when inside the school building, apart from when in classrooms and when eating in designated dining areas.  

The government definition of a face covering is as follows. In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, a face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth. You can buy reusable or single-use face coverings. You may also use a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering but these must securely fit round the side of the face.

Face coverings should be appropriate in design, non-branded and refreshed at least daily.

On arrival to their allocated assembly point, students will be required to put on a face covering, if they are not already wearing one from their journey.

Students will require their own face covering and their own personal hand sanitiser, in order to put on and remove their face coverings safely.  Form tutors will ensure that students have these items as part of their daily equipment checks.  Face coverings and personal hand sanitiser will be as a vital part of school equipment as a pen and pencil.

Students should be reminded to not touch the front of their face covering during use or when removing it. Before removing, they must wash their hands immediately, dispose of temporary face coverings in a  bin or place reusable face coverings in a plastic bag or small covered container, and then wash their hands again. 

Students will be permitted to wear their face coverings in classrooms, should parents/carers or students express a desire to do so; however, all safety and hygiene protocols must be followed.   

This guidance will also apply to staff and visitors to the school.  However, staff who choose to will wear a visor in classrooms, so as not to inhibit communication.  

We appreciate that this may be late notice for parents and carers of year 7 students who are returning to school tomorrow, Thursday 27 August.  We would strongly encourage that these guidelines are followed on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August but will expect all students to have face coverings and hand sanitiser with them from Tuesday 1 September.