Derbyshire County Council releases statement about mandatory face masks in schools

Following a Government U-turn, it is now mandatory for secondary schools in areas of England, where there are local lockdowns, to ask staff and pupils to wear face coverings when moving around indoor areas of the building, such as corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

However, it has not been made mandatory for schools outside of local lockdown areas, and schools will have the discretion to enforce face coverings for pupils, staff and visitors in areas of the building.

Derbyshire County Council, on the back of Government guidance, have said that face coverings will not be mandatory in classrooms as other protective measures mitigate the risks, and the Government say that coverings would have a 'negative impact' on teaching and that their use in classrooms should be avoided.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said: “Schools are aware of the latest guidance from the Government on face coverings in schools, and will make decisions themselves on where and when their pupils will be required to wear them.”

Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said: "Our priority is to get children back to school safely.

"At each stage we have listened to the latest medical and scientific advice.

"We have therefore decided to follow the World Health Organisation’s new advice.

"In local lockdown areas children in year 7 and above should wear face coverings in communal spaces.

"Outside of local lockdown areas face coverings won’t be required in schools, though schools will have the flexibility to introduce measures if they believe it is right in their specific circumstances. I hope these steps will provide parents, pupils and teachers with further.”

Schools in Derbyshire have started returning from this week, Tuesday, September 1.

Buxton Community School, where students will arrive in separate year group arrival time slots when they return to the school on Friday, September 4, said online: “We have decided that within communal areas (not including classrooms) such as corridors or similar areas, students and staff can choose to wear a face mask if they wish.

“The reasons for this decision are that currently, our school is not within a “local lockdown” zone subject to additional measures such as requiring the wearing of coverings in communal areas within schools.

"We have also been able to put in place core measure that will support students in working safely around the school and the systems are robust and well planned.

"I do understand that some people will find the extra reassurance of being able to wear a face covering in some areas of the school helpful and it will support them in feeling confident around the building.

"I will closely monitor the situation and contact you if this changes.”

Visit www.gov.uk for updates on face coverings guidance.