Face coverings in classrooms for senior pupils in Glasgow schools
Senior pupils at Scottish schools in level three restriction areas are now to wear face coverings in class
Senior pupils are now being asked to wear face coverings in the classroom at schools in Glasgow and other level three restriction areas, but some education leaders are warning it does not go far enough.
School pupils in S4-S6 are being advised to wear coverings in the classroom if they live in a level three or level four area, according to new guidance issued by the Scottish Government.
Teachers are also being asked to wear a face covering if they are teaching a senior phase class, as well as when they are moving around the school.
The guidance states that parents should now wear face coverings when visiting the school grounds, including at drop-off and pick-up times.
Further advice has also been issued to school pupils at high-risk, such as those who were in the shielding category.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: ““Keeping schools open remains our priority but that can only be the case if schools are safe.
“We constantly review the guidance on school opening along with our local authority partners, trades unions, parental representatives and other stakeholders to ensure we are taking all the necessary measures to ensure our schools are safe.
“This strengthened guidance, produced in light of updated scientific and health advice, adds to the health mitigations that have been in place since schools opened in August.
““It is vital that all the measures are followed rigorously in schools. Doing that – together with the collective efforts of all of us across wider society – will help to ensure that schools can safely remain open.”
There remains concern that the Scottish Government guidance does not go far enough.
In Dundee, school pupils from S1-S3 are being asked to wear face coverings in class, where level three restrictions have also come into force.
The city council said it is asking pupils in the junior phase to follow the same rules as senior pupils as an “additional measure”.
Scotland’s biggest teaching union has also warned the current guidelines are “inadequate” if an area needs to move into level four restrictions.
EIS General Secretary Larry Flanagan said: “The strengthening of the School Guidance in a number of areas is a reflection of the greater risk posed by higher levels of community infection.
“The proposed mitigations at Level 4, essentially face coverings for senior pupils, are inadequate.
“The EIS is clear that Level 4 should trigger an automatic consideration of moves towards blended or remote learning.
“Schools cannot stay open at any cost; the safety of pupils and staff has to be the priority, especially those with increased vulnerabilities.”
