Letter re Further COVID Precautions, including Face Coverings
Dear Parents/Carers
As the second national lockdown begins I wanted to update you around further precautions that are required for everyone’s safety.
Infection rates in Bristol and South Gloucestershire have increased significantly from September, however, we have only had 3 confirmed cases amongst staff and students since the COVID-19 crisis started last March. We have developed some further precautions which are being brought in.
Following the letter from Mr Taylor (CEO of Cabot Learning Federation) outlining the use of face coverings, the government announced on Wednesday evening that face coverings in secondary schools must be worn in all corridors and communal areas.
From Monday 9th November it is compulsory for all staff and students to wear a face covering on the Academy site when in corridors and in communal areas such as the canteen or the foyer. Due to the unique nature of our site but also the need to reduce the handling of face coverings we are insisting that students keep face coverings on when moving between lessons outside but that they can remove them during their break and lunchtimes when outside. The current guidance states that face coverings should not be worn in classrooms.
We intend to treat face coverings as an item of essential uniform. They must be plain in colour and worn correctly e.g. covering the nose, mouth and chin at all times. When not being worn they should be stored in a plastic bag within their school bag or a pocket.
If your child is exempt from wearing a mask for any reason please ensure a copy of their exemption certificate is in their planner.
The other new precautions are around journeying to and from the Academy. Students must not enter any shops when travelling to and from the Academy. They must not wait at the entrance or exit to the Academy. They must not meet up with other students anywhere e.g. Hanham Common. If travelling on public transport they must wear their face covering. Different families should not travel in the same car unless you are part of the same support bubble.
Finally, we are asking parents not to visit the academy unless it is in an emergency. If you do have to come into the academy you must wear a face covering and keep this covering on throughout your visit.
These new precautions are in addition to the existing precautions outlined in my letter to parents/carers at the start of term.
Thank you for your on-going support in keeping your child, other students and staff and the wider community safe.
Steve Kneller | Academy Principal
