The Government has published guidance for education settings ahead of national restrictions coming into force from today (Thursday 5 November), building on the guidance first published in July.

During the national restrictions, students and staff in secondary schools and further education colleges should wear face coverings in communal spaces – outside of classrooms – where social distancing cannot be maintained.

The guidance is clear that primary school children do not need to wear face coverings. Older children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities may also be exempt from wearing them, depending on their need.

Primary schools continue to have the discretion to recommend staff and visitors wear face coverings in communal spaces. However, this is not a requirement and it is for individual schools to make these decisions locally.

The requirements concerning face coverings were already in place for schools in Local Alert Level High and Very High areas.

Commenting is Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson. “We must put the interests of our children and young people first; especially when the benefits of being in the classroom are clear.

“Children are settled back into their routines and schools have protective measures in place to keep their staff and pupils as safe as possible. Education is a national priority and we cannot allow it to be disrupted again.”

The new guidance continues the Government’s approach to prioritising pupils’ full-time education in school. There are currently no plans for school closures or to implement rota systems. Any changes to attendance would be as a last resort.

Existing guidance published in July sets out a range of measures to reduce the risk of transmission. This includes physical distancing between staff and pupils and increased ventilation in classrooms where possible.