Leeds Council releases statement about mandatory face masks in schools

Last week, the government announced that children aged 12 and over would need to wear a face mask in schools in parts of West Yorkshire.

However, this only applies to pupils in areas under lockdown restrictions.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the change followed updated advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) saying children aged over 12 should wear masks.

However, it has not made it mandatory for schools outside of lockdown areas and schools will have the discretion to require face coverings in communal areas "if they believe that is right in their particular circumstances."

Sal Tariq OBE, director of children and families for Leeds City Council, said that the council and school leaders have used the new guidance in their latest risk assessments.

He added that schools will inform students and parents directly if masks are required in their "individual school settings".

Mr Tariq said: "The government announced last week that secondary schools and colleges have the discretion to request that their students and staff wear face coverings in communal areas where social distancing cannot be safely managed, if they consider it an appropriate measure to mitigate risk in their school’s unique and particular circumstances.

“School leaders and health and safety colleagues in Leeds have incorporated this new guidance into their risk assessments in order to help make informed decisions about whether this is required in their individual school settings.

"Schools will inform their students, parents and carers accordingly.”

Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said:"Our priority is to get children back to school safely. At each stage we have listened to the latest medical and scientific advice.

"We have therefore decided to follow the World Health Organisation’s new advice. In local lockdown areas children in year 7 and above should wear face coverings in communal spaces.

"Outside of local lockdown areas face coverings won’t be required in schools, though schools will have the flexibility to introduce measures if they believe it is right in their specific circumstances. I hope these steps will provide parents, pupils and teachers with further reassurance."

Pupils in Leeds are expected back at school on Monday, September 7.

Children who live in parts of West Yorkshire that are under lockdown restrictions will need to wear a mask in school.

Parts of the previously affected areas have had their restrictions lifted however many areas are still subject to strict measures.

-> Everything you need to know as lockdown restrictions lifted in parts of West YorkshireMost of Bradford remains under lockdown and pupils will need to wear masks in schools.

The only exceptions are the Craven, Ilkley, Worth Valley, Baildon, Bingley, Bingley Rural, Shipley, Wharfedale and Windhill & Wrose areas.

People in Batley and Dewsbury also remain under lockdown.

There are eight areas in Calderdale still subject to lockdown measures.

They are: Illingworth and Mixenden, Northowram and Shelf, Ovenden, Park, Skircoat, Sowerby Bridge, Halifax Town and Warley.

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Thank you

Laura Collins