Pupils and staff at borough school MUST wear face masks

Students and staff must, from the start of term, wear face masks in corridors and communal areas at Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley.

Government guidance states that pupils and staff in areas not in lockdown restrictions don't have to wear face coverings. However headteachers in any secondary school will also have the flexibility to introduce masks in their schools.

That is exactly what Fred Longworth has decided to do with headteacher Janet Garretts confirming the decision on the school's website.

Explaining the decision, she said the school's building does not make social distancing easy and there is "significant movement" around the school between lessons.

Masks will not be compulsory in lessons but she said social distancing is being carefully applied during lesson time.

Mrs Jarretts said: "Although Wigan has now been excluded from the extra restrictions that apply across much of the North West, our school circumstances make it sensible for us to make the wearing of face-masks compulsory in corridors and public areas.

"Our building does not make social distancing easy and there is significant movement around the building between lessons. Although we have taken every precaution to create year group bubbles, it must be sensible to apply this extra level of protection for students and staff now that it has become a possibility for us.

"As I have said all along, our first priority is the health and safety of our students, staff and wider families and this decision is in line with that priority.

"In summary, students and staff MUST, from the start of term, wear face-masks in corridors and communal areas. It is not practical for masks to be compulsory in lessons, but social distancing is being carefully applied during lesson time and this reduces the risk.

She added: "We will need to get students firmly into the habit of putting on a face-mask just before they leave a lesson and taking it off carefully when asked to do so by the teacher at the start of their next lesson. Further guidance on the safe use of masks will be provided once students return to school."

Reusable masks at the school must be plain, without pictures, words or patterns although disposable, “surgical” type masks will also be allowed.

Any parent who feels there is a medical reason why their child is unable to wear a mask should email [email protected].