As you will no doubt be aware, there has been a great deal in the media about face coverings in recent days. Our priority at Burnside is to ensure that all staff and students are safe and that we make the risk of transmission in the school as low as possible whilst also ensuring that students experience a good quality of education.
The current government guidance states that “face coverings can have a negative impact on learning and teaching and so their use in the classroom should be avoided.”
Therefore face coverings will not be used in lessons at Burnside. We have a wide range of other control measures in place to ensure that staff and students remain safe, please follow this link to find our full guide on this.
The government guidance also states that: “schools and colleges will have the discretion to require face coverings in communal areas where social distancing cannot be safely managed, if they believe that it is right in their particular circumstances.”
Therefore, the school will require that staff and students wear face coverings in communal areas where social distancing cannot be maintained.
Due to the control measures that have already been put in place by the school such as reduced changeovers, one way systems and staggered social times, there will be very few instances in the day where this will be the case, but the main examples are:
- Entering or exiting buildings at changeover times
- Using stairwells at changeover times
- Dining areas (unless seated)
Therefore parents must ensure that they arrive at school with a clean face covering each day. Please see this guide on how to use a face covering safely and take some time to talk through it with your child.Please note that parents and other visitors will be required to wear a face covering if visiting the school site. If you have any further questions about this or anything else please email office@burnsidecollege.org.uk. We look forward to welcoming all children back to school this term (please follow this link for start of term arrangements)
