Face Masks

Given the national position regarding Covid 19, it is important that we keep our procedures under regular review so that we can ensure that our community is as safe as possible. As a result of the most recent review we are amending our approach to face coverings as detailed below.

From Monday 16th November facemasks will be considered part of our school uniform. In line with current procedures for other uniform issues, students will be isolated if they fail to bring a face mask to school.

The wearing of face masks will be mandatory for all students and staff when they are in indoor communal indoor areas such as corridors, stairways, the school reception, and the toilets. Students will not be required to wear a mask when they are sitting down in the dining areas nor when they are in their classrooms.

Purchasing Masks

Reusable face masks will be available to purchase via Parent Pay for £1 and can be collected from your child’s HOYP.  If your child has lost their mask you are able to purchase one for them online and it can be collected from school on the same day. It will appear on Parent Pay under payment items.

Exemptions

We are aware of all the students who are exempt from wearing a face mask. We would ask that all of these students wear the school’s exemption badge at all times so that they are not repeatedly stopped and challenged by the staff.

How to wear the mask

To keep everyone safe it is essential that all students wear their masks correctly when required to do so. How to do so will be reinforced between now and Monday 16th to ensure there is absolute clarity about our expectations.

Students who are found to not be wearing their mask correctly as outlined above will be issued with a 45-minute same day detention.

Please see below for guidance on the correct way to wear a mask:

A face covering should:

· cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably

· fit comfortably but securely against the side of the face

· be secured to the head with ties or ear loops

I am sure all parents and students understand how important these procedures are and I thank everyone in advance for their support in helping keep our community safe.