28 November 2021
We have been given direct guidance from the Department for Education for face coverings to be reintroduced for use in communal areas as a temporary measure from Tuesday 30th November 2021. Case numbers in school have been low since our return from half-term 4 weeks ago. However, based upon Public Health advice and direct guidance from the Department for Education, we will return to wearing face coverings in communal areas of the school, such as the corridors, when queuing for break time food and lunch, and for any assemblies or wider school events. We have spare face coverings in school for anyone who requests one and would encourage all students to wear them in communal areas from Tuesday 30th November onwards. Please note that this guidance does not relate to the classroom.
Please also be aware that our broader approach to face coverings has not changed and the following still applies. It is important that I reiterate that we will support those students and families who act upon this direct recommendation as a personal choice and, equally, all those who choose not to do so. We will support the personal choices that families and students make. We will continue to reiterate that no member of our school community has the right to question the personal decision made by another student on this subject. However, I should also note that public health officials believe this action to be appropriate and we are acting upon direct guidance from the Department for Education.
It is genuinely disappointing that schools have had to revert to this position. However, it is important that we act upon the advice offered by public health officials and the Department for Education and we will update all members of our school community immediately if there is any change in this position. I am sincerely hopeful that this will be a short-term measure only that helps us to maintain a full school service for families for the final three weeks of term. I will offer a more detailed update on our plans for the 3 weeks ahead later this week.
Mr O'Sullivan
Update From the Department of Education & The Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi
On Saturday 27 November, the Prime Minister announced new temporary measures to “buy more time” for our scientists to understand the situation. Most of the guidance hasn’t changed and the new measures that are being introduced are temporary and precautionary and will be reviewed in three weeks. We will continue to keep this under review as the situation develops.
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said:
The news of a new variant – the so-called Omicron variant – will have understandably caused concern for people across our country, including our teachers, wider education and childcare staff, parents, pupils and students.
We are already taking targeted and proportionate action as a precaution while we find out more information about the new variant. As we do so, we will continue to prioritise children’s and young people’s education and wellbeing, making sure education and childcare settings are as safe as possible and children continue to benefit from classroom teaching.
We are working with education and childcare settings to enhance safety measures where needed, including introducing isolation for 10 days for close contacts of suspected Omicron cases. I’d like to thank everyone working to support our children and young people for their patience and hard work. Here we outline what the new measures mean for education and childcare settings and what’s changed.
Face coverings
From tomorrow (Monday 29 November), we are strongly advising that 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.
Testing
All educational and childcare settings should continue to encourage staff and students to twice weekly using lateral flow device (LFD) tests.
Contact tracing and isolation
The current guidance on contact tracing and isolation remains in place - which means that close contacts should take PCR tests but do not need to isolate unless they are over 18 and unvaccinated. The exception is for close contacts of suspected or confirmed Omicron cases, who will be asked to isolate for 10 days.
Vaccination
All eligible staff and students aged 12 and over are encouraged to take up the offer of the vaccine, including boosters. Vaccines are our best defence against COVID-19. They help protect young people and adults, and benefit those around them. Vaccination makes people less likely to catch the virus and less likely to pass it on. To book a vaccine, please visit: Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
