Dear Parents and Carers,
Masks:
You will be aware that the Government announced some updates to the Covid guidance for schools, which will start from Monday 17th May. The main adjustment for our school community is regarding the use of face coverings or masks which is as follows:
Face coverings will no longer be recommended for pupils and students in classrooms or communal areas, in all schools and FE providers. Face coverings will also no longer be recommended for staff in classrooms. In all schools and FE providers, we continue to recommend that face coverings should be worn by staff and visitors in situations outside of classrooms where social distancing is not possible (for example, when moving around in corridors and communal areas).
The reintroduction of face coverings for pupils, students or staff may be advised for a temporary period in response to particular localised outbreaks, including variants of concern. In all cases, any educational drawbacks should be balanced with the benefits of managing transmission.
From Monday 17th May therefore, we will not be asking students to wear masks around the site or in class. Any student who wishes to continue wearing a mask will be able to do so Staff will be asked to continue to wear masks when moving around the site where social distancing is not possible, in line with the guidance.
We will continue to operate all other risk mitigation measures such as year group bubbles and staggered timetables, regular sanitising, one way systems and wiping down surfaces.
For now, we need to continue to ask that parents/carers do not come on site without prior arrangement and where possible, communications with the school take place by telephone or email.
Thank you for your continued support — we look forward to a gradual move back towards ‘normality’ in the coming weeks and months.
E-Scooters:
In recent weeks we have had a number of reports of students using electric scooters or e-scooters on public roads and pathways. This is often without any helmet or protection and in some cases, in a very dangerous manner including with more than one person on the scooter. Clearly this is a huge worry and we want to ensure our students are making safe and responsible choices. It is illegal to use e-scooters on public roads, on pavements, in cycle lanes and in pedestrian-only areas. Please talk to your child, even if they do not own an electric scooter, about the dangers of using these in public areas and especially on public roads. We do not allow these in school but we are equally worried about their use beyond our premises.
Best wishes,
Vicky Willis
Headteacher.