Masks - November 30th 2021 Update

Face coverings should be worn in communal areas in all settings by staff, visitors and pupils or students in year 7 and above, unless they are exempt.

Dear parents and carers,

I am writing to let you know that we have been instructed to reintroduce the wearing of masks for students, staff and visitors from tomorrow (Tuesday 30th November 2021).

The latest DfE guidance for schools is as follows:

  • Face coverings should be worn in communal areas in all settings by staff, visitors and pupils or students in year 7 and above, unless they are exempt.
  • Pupils or students (in year 7 or above) should continue to wear face coverings on public and dedicated school transport, unless they are exempt.

This means that, from tomorrow – Tuesday 30th November, staff and students should wear a face mask in communal areas such as corridors and the canteen. Face masks will not need to be worn outside or during sporting activities. Let’s keep our Academy community safer by looking after one another and following the guidance.

It is very important that when wearing a face covering at school your child understands the correct way to wear, handle and store them. If they are handled incorrectly it may inadvertently increase the risk of transmission, I would also encourage you to read the Government guidance or follow the graphic below.

Your child should already have an appropriate face covering for other settings such as shops and we request that you send your child to school each day with a mask. We would ask that these face coverings are multiple-use, are as plain as possible and without any offensive or aggressive words or images on them. If you are unable to access one, please do contact the school directly so that we can provide the necessary support. If there is a medical reason where a student is unable to wear a mask, please email [email protected]

Testing should continue to take place and the results should be recorded via the NHS Test and Trace app or on the website using the code on your lateral flow test. If you get a positive test, please inform us too by immediately emailing [email protected] or sending us a message.

I appreciate that the return of masks feels like a step backwards but it’s important that we remain flexible and react to changing situations. Your support has been invaluable and it continues to be appreciated by all of us.

Yours faithfully,

Dr Lisa Mason
Principal