Mandatory Face Coverings

Dear Parent/Carer

In response to the Government announcing a second nationwide lockdown, we have reviewed our position on the wearing of face coverings in school.

Government guidance suggests that during a lockdown face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils when moving around indoors, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

For the duration of the lockdown, commencing on Thursday 5th November, students and staff MUST wear face coverings in all indoor communal areas such as corridors, when moving around school, and in social spaces such as the Canteen. This is for the safety of all. Students are not required to wear face coverings during lessons, whilst eating or drinking within their social bubble or when outdoors.

Face coverings should:

  1. Be appropriate for school (a scarf or bandana is not appropriate)
  2. Cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably
  3. Fit comfortably but securely against the side of the face
  4. Be secured to the head with ties or ear loops
  5. Be made of a material that you find to be comfortable and breathable
  6. Unless disposable, be washed according to instructions and dried without causing damage
  7. Removed properly (ref: diagram at the end of this letter), placed in a small plastic bag and stored in your child’s school bag during lessons

Exemptions

Some individuals are exempt from wearing face coverings. This applies to those who:

  1. cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment or disability
  2. speak to or provide assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expression to

Please contact your child’s Head of Year if one of these exemptions applies. The school will issue an exemption lanyard that will need to be worn by your child whilst inside the school building.

Please talk the content of this letter through with your child. Help us to help them understand the importance of face coverings at this time. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

John McKee

Headteacher

Patcham High

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