The Department for Education (DfE) confirmed today (Wednesday, August 26) that “schools and colleges will have the discretion to require face coverings in communal areas where social distancing cannot be safely managed, if they believe that it is right in their particular circumstances”.
It has released new guidance for staff and children in year 7 or above in England (DfE, 2020).
The guidance states that it will not be necessary to wear face coverings in the classroom. It adds: “(In the classroom) there is greater use of the system of controls for minimising risk, including through keeping in small and consistent groups or bubbles, and greater scope for physical distancing by staff within classrooms. Face coverings can have a negative impact on learning and teaching and so their use in the classroom should be avoided.”
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