Nottinghamshire County Council releases statement about face coverings in schools as pupils return

Following a Government U-turn, it is now mandatory for secondary schools in areas of England, where there are local lockdowns, to ask staff and pupils to wear face coverings when moving around areas of the building, such as corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

However, it has not been made mandatory for schools outside of local lockdown areas, and schools will have the discretion to enforce face coverings for pupils, staff and visitors in areas of the building.

Face coverings will not be mandatory in classrooms as other protective measures mitigate the risks, and the Government say that coverings would have a 'negative impact' on teaching and that their use in classrooms should be avoided.

Jonathan Gribbin, Director of Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “School leaders have worked hard to ensure that arrangements in our schools offer good protection to pupils and staff.

“It is important that pupils continue to observe important hygiene guidelines such as regular hand washing for 20 seconds and that parents observe social distancing at the school gates and beyond.

“Where head teachers identify a need to offer additional reassurance to parents or children, they may require pupils to use face coverings in communal areas where it may be harder to adhere to social distancing.”

He added: “Where used face coverings should be worn correctly over the nose and mouth.

“To reduce the risk of transmission they must be put on and removed with clean hands and washed regularly.”

Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said: “Our priority is to get children back to school safely.

“At each stage we have listened to the latest medical and scientific advice.

“We have therefore decided to follow the World Health Organisation’s new advice.

“In local lockdown areas children in year 7 and above should wear face coverings in communal spaces.

“Outside of local lockdown areas face coverings won’t be required in schools, though schools will have the flexibility to introduce measures if they believe it is right in their specific circumstances. I hope these steps will provide parents, pupils and teachers with further reassurance.”

Although not a mandatory requirement, some secondary schools and sixth forms in Mansfield are allowing students to wear face coverings, if that would make them more comfortable being back in the school environment.

Michael Lucas, headteacher at the Brunts Academy, where they carried out a full risk assessment for returning to school, said online: “Face coverings are not required for schools in England unless they are in lockdown areas of the country and we will not be encouraging their use as a trust at this time.

"However, if students feel they really want to wear a face covering in communal areas only, then permission would be granted as long as it is used properly.

"This follows the latest guidance from government and is subject to change should that guidance be adjusted.

Pupils in Nottinghamshire were expected to return to school this week, from Tuesday September 1.

For updates on face coverings visit www.gov.uk.