Thursday 10^th September 2020

Dear Parent/Carer

Use of face coverings

The school has considered the recommendations, advice and guidance from Welsh Government, Bridgend Local Authority and South Wales Association of Special School Headteachers (SWASSH) regarding the use of face coverings for pupils at Ysgol Bryn Castell which are included in Appendix 1 for your information.

In conjunction with minimising the use of communal areas through existing control measures including the use of geographical zones, Ysgol Bryn Castell recommends the following;

• Staff and those pupils over 11 years old (who are able) should wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained, for example on dedicated local authority provided home-to-school transport and in some communal areas (as per Local Authority guidance)  
• Pupils who cannot independently wear a face covering throughout the day should not use one
• Pupils that are able to wear face coverings appropriately and independently are enabled to use personal preference if they wish to wear them
• Face coverings should be used correctly; covering the mouth and nose, ensuring hand hygiene before putting on and following removal, safe storage, maintenance and safe disposal
• Any person with a physical or mental health medical exemption is not required to wear a face covering
• Considering the well-being of learners and staff is critical to any considerations around whether staff or older learners wear face coverings

Ysgol Bryn Castell will provide each secondary school-age pupil with two face coverings and a safe storage bag on Friday 11^th September 2020; more face coverings and storage bags (up to a maximum of 5 per pupil) can be requested by contacting the school on 01656 815595 or admin.ysgolbc@bridgend.gov.uk.

For those pupils who wish to use the face coverings and are able to do so independently, face coverings should be stored securely in the storage bag when not in use.

Face coverings should be washed daily in-line with manufacturer’s instructions at the highest temperature appropriate for the fabric. You can use your normal detergent and you can wash and dry it with other laundry. More information about the use of face coverings can be found online at https://gov.wales/face-coverings-frequently-asked-questions.  

Unfortunately, school staff are not able to support pupils who are unable to use face coverings independently and there will be zero-tolerance of any pupil who intentionally misuses face coverings due to the high health and safety risks associated with this.

Please do not hesitate to make contact should you have any concerns and wish to discuss this matter further.

Thank you for your continued support

Mrs Helen Ridout

Appendix 1: Recommendations, advice and guidance

Bridgend Local Authority

Bridgend Local Authority has sourced a number of reusable three-ply, adjustable face coverings that have been distributed to schools. The face coverings are suitable for both adults and children, meet World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended specification and can be washed at least 50 times. 

The Local Authority have issued the following guidance;

Welsh Government

• Face coverings should not be worn by those who may not be able to handle them as directed (for example, young children, or those with special educational needs or disabilities) as it may inadvertently increase the risk of transmission (under 11 years are exempt from requirements to use face coverings on public transport). The following points should also be considered
  • Some children and young people may need to be able to lip-read, or see people’s faces, in order to communicate. 
  • Some children and young people with special educational needs may be distressed if the people around them wear face coverings. 
  • Face coverings are not a substitute for other protective measures such as good hand and respiratory hygiene and social distancing where possible. 
• In classrooms where contact groups exist and other control measures are in place the marginal benefit that may be gained by the use of face coverings has to be balanced with the likely negative impact on the learning experience, including hearing and social communication.
• Health and behavioural-based exemptions will be required. Schools are advised to pay specific attention to ensuring that students with additional needs are not subjected to stigmatisation, bullying or inadvertent disclosure of confidential personal information as a result of exemption. Students in the younger age bracket (11-13) may have developmental and emotional needs, especially in a new school, that require particular consideration.

South Wales Association of Special School Headteachers (SWASSH)

• Recommend that staff and those pupils over 11 years old who are able should wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained

• Encourage pupils and staff to wear face coverings in communal areas where this can be achieved independently and safely
• Pupils and staff are enabled to use personal preference if they wish to wear face coverings
• Face coverings should be used correctly; covering the mouth and nose, ensuring hand hygiene before putting on and following removal, safe storage, maintenance and safe disposal
• Considering the well-being of learners and staff is critical to any considerations around whether staff or older learners wear face coverings
• Any person with a physical or mental health medical exemption is not required to wear a face covering
• Pupils who cannot independently sustain a covering throughout the day should not use one
• There will be zero-tolerance of intentional misuse of face coverings
• Schools will minimise the use of communal areas through existing control measures including the use of geographical zones