Face masks and face coverings to be made mandatory in some Secondary Schools and Further Education Colleges

A further increase in demand of face masks and face coverings is expected due to the updated Government guidance on the use of face coverings within an educational setting. CPC’s PPE, Clothing and Uniforms framework has a specific PPE lot which provides access to eight PPE suppliers with a good supply of 3 ply, FFP2, reusable, cloth and clear panel masks. Details of the latest volumes and lead times by supplier are available on the PPE blog article. Facemasks can be ordered via CPC’s PPE, Clothing and Uniforms framework.

The latest guidance is detailed below:

England

Pupils of Secondary Schools and Further Education Colleges in England in Local Lockdown areas will have to wear a Face covering/mask from the 1/9/2020. These will be mandatory in corridors, communal areas and between lessons, where social distancing is not possible. Also head teachers at schools and colleges not in Local Lockdown areas have the power to introduce face coverings/masks where they see fit. The current areas in England as of the 26/8/2020 under local lockdown are Blackburn with Darwen, City of Manchester, Leicester, Luton, Oldham, Pendle and Northampton.

Scotland

Pupils in Secondary Schools in Scotland will also have to wear a face covering/mask in corridors, communal areas, and school transport from the 31/8/2020. There will however be no requirement to wear a face covering/mask in classrooms where social distancing measures are being followed.

Wales

Schools will be required to make their own decision if face coverings/masks are needed in communal places and school transport. Schools and colleges will need to undertake a risk assessment on their facilities to determine what is required.

Northern Ireland

Pupils and Teachers in Post Primary education will have to wear a face covering/mask from the 31/8/2020. These will be required in corridors and communal areas as well as being strongly recommended on public transport.