17 September 2020
Important notice for parents, carers and staff:
All staff and pupils must wear face coverings in communal spaces/corridors from Friday 18th September.
Parents, carers and staff will be aware that the government revised its guidance on face coverings for staff and children in England in August.
Where additional measures are taken in areas where the transmission of the virus is high, the guidance states that face coverings should be worn 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.
As County Durham has seen a significant increase in cases, additional restrictions will be implemented, by the government, from Friday 18th September. As a consequence, face coverings will be mandatory for all staff and pupils when moving in corridors and in communal spaces, from this date.
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.
If there is a medical reason why your child cannot wear a face covering, please reassure your child that they may attend without a face covering and contact the school with the relevant medical evidence in order that we may support your child.
Please note that the school in unable to engage in one-to-one communication with parents on this issue. This is because the school must act upon national guidance and instruction and does not take a direct view on the issue.