The government has recently updated its guidance for face coverings in schools and classrooms. 

“Based on the current state of the pandemic and the positive progress being made, it is no longer necessary to recommend the additional precautionary face covering measures put in place from the 8 March. From 17 May, in line with Step 3 of the roadmap, face coverings will no longer be recommended for pupils in classrooms or communal areas in all schools. Face coverings will also no longer be recommended for staff in classrooms.”

At Woodside, we appreciate there will be a range of opinions and emotions regarding this change. Therefore, as from Monday 17^th May face coverings are no longer required or encouraged for secondary pupils in school. Any student or staff member who wishes to wear one will continue to have the schools’ full support.

Additional measures do remain in place such as hand sanitisers, student bubbles, twice weekly testing (if consented) and our risk assessment has been updated to reflect the current guidance.

If all measures are removed on the 21^st June then we will contact once again to provide a further update to ensure clarity moving forward.