In response to updated World Health Organisation advice, the Government guidance on wearing face coverings in schools has changed. Depending on where your child goes to school in the UK and how old they are they may be required to wear a face covering at school in corridors, public areas or on transport. The guidance across the UK is that face coverings are unnecessary in classrooms or for primary school children. This guidance will not apply to your child if they are exempt from wearing a face covering.
England
In areas of England under stricter lockdown measures, pupils in year 7 or older and staff will be required to wear a face covering in communal areas. A list of the areas under stricter lockdown measures can be found here >>
Children across England over the age of 11 must wear a face covering on public transport and are advised to do so on school transport. It is now at the discretion of schools outside of areas under stricter lockdown measures in England to decide if face coverings should be worn by children in year 7 or above. Primary school children are not being advised to wear face coverings at school.
Scotland
Face coverings will be mandatory in Scotland for secondary school pupils in school corridors, public areas and on school transport. Staff and students can wear face coverings in all settings voluntarily if they wish.
Wales
The Welsh Government is recommending that pupils aged 11 or over wear face coverings in school corridors, public areas and on school transport. The Government is not making it mandatory for pupils to wear face coverings in these settings, and it will be up to schools and local authorities in Wales to decide if pupils should wear them or not.
Northern Ireland
Secondary school pupils and staff must wear face coverings in school corridors and public areas. Wearing face coverings on school transport is also strongly advised. Staff and pupils can voluntarily wear face coverings in other settings.
Mainstream schools have been advised to access training for their teachers on supporting SEND pupils in returning to school after a long absence. They have also been advised to work with local services (such as your local authority) to ensure the services and support are in place for SEND pupils to return to schools.
You may have heard about the Summer Catch Up and National Tutoring programmes. Every school will provide catch up services in a different way, and the services may not be available to all pupils. This is something you should talk to your child’s school about if you would like to learn more.
If pupils do have to stay at home for whatever reason, the Government expects schools to offer access to high quality remote learning resources. In particular, schools are expected to: “recognise that younger pupils and some pupils with SEND may not be able to access remote education without adult support, and so schools should work with families to deliver a broad and ambitious curriculum.” The delivery of remote education will vary depending on your child’s school.