Face Coverings Letter – 14th May 2021

Dear Parents

Covid restriction changes

You may have heard the recent government announcement regarding the updated guidance on face coverings in colleges as part of Step 3 of the roadmap. The new advice applies to face coverings by staff, students and visitors in schools and further education in England.

From Monday 17th May 2021, face coverings will no longer be recommended for students in classrooms and communal areas. Face coverings will no longer be recommended for staff in classrooms, although we will continue to recommend that face coverings will be worn by staff and visitors in communal areas where social distancing cannot be maintained. Our learning mentor Diane Newton will also continue to wear a face covering in the Study centre when working closely to support
students.

Some students and staff may decide that wearing face coverings will continue to be an important priority in their safety and wellbeing. As a community we are very well informed about the Covid risks and recognise that it is still present in our local area. We want all students and staff to continue to feel protected and safe, so encourage everyone to make their own informed decisions.

Decisions to reintroduce face coverings may occur on the advice of Public Health, on a temporary basis, if the local infection rate increases. If this occurs, we will write to you to let you know.

All other Covid measures will remain in place. Our risk assessment will be updated to reflect this change and can be viewed on our website.

Students must still continue to wear face coverings on public transport, and we would actively encourage all students to continue to bring a face covering to college.

Yours Sincerely,

Louise Henderson
Vice Principal