As you may be aware, the Government has announced that, from Monday 17 May 2021, students are no longer required to wear masks around school, either in class or in communal areas. All other protective measures will remain in place and regular rapid testing will continue to help find and isolate asymptomatic cases when they do occur.
The Government has advised that staff should wear masks in communal areas, when social distancing cannot be maintained but they are no longer recommended in classrooms.
We will insist that all visitors to the school wear masks and, where staff are meeting visitors, they will also be required to wear them. If your child decides that they still wish to wear a mask, of course that is their prerogative. However, we feel it is essential that students start to return to normality as quickly as possible.
The reintroduction of face coverings for students and staff may be advised for a temporary period in response to particular localised outbreaks, including variants of concern.
We are aware, however, that some students have been hiding nose studs under their masks. As of 17 May, these need to be removed. Retainers are not acceptable and neither are plasters used to cover nose studs. The school uniform policy is very clear that no piercings other than one small ear stud per ear lobe are allowed. The rules are clear and have been clear for over ten years, so should not be a barrier to your child from learning.
Thank you for your continued support.
M J Serridge