The government have announced that from Monday 17 May:
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Face coverings will no longer be recommended for staff in classrooms.
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Face coverings should be worn by staff and visitors in situations indoors, outside of classrooms where social distancing is not possible (for example, when moving around in corridors and communal areas).
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Face coverings will no longer be recommended for pupils in classrooms or communal areas in all schools.
Given that the cumulative local rates of Covid-19 infection in North Tyneside are higher than the national average we have taken the decision to maintain face coverings in corridors and communal areas at break and lunchtime for students as well as staff. Students are welcome to remove them once they are in the classroom but this will be at the discretion of the individual. While the government advice is that face coverings will no longer be recommended for pupils in communal areas in all schools, we feel this move maintains protection for our staff and students when footfall is high but allows a more comfortable environment within the classroom similar to the Autumn term. We will review this again at May Half Term.
Children and young people aged 11 and over must still wear a face covering on public transport. In accordance with advice from PHE, they must also wear a face covering when travelling on dedicated transport to secondary school or college
If students or staff wish to take an added precautionary approach and continue to wear a face covering in the classroom, this should be at individual discretion.
Many thanks for your support.
Pete Fox
Principal