Face coverings now compulsory in some South Wiltshire schools

The rules on wearing face masks have been brought in by the Magna Learning Partnership at a number of their sites from today (Monday 5th October).

They'll apply to students moving between lessons and in other communal areas at Wyvern St Edmunds, Sarum Academy, the Trafalgar School at Downton and Salisbury 6th Form College.

Face coverings won't need to be worn in outdoor spaces or in actual lessons, due to the year group bubbles that have been set up.

CEO of the Magna Learning Partnership, Sarah Busby, explains why the move's been introduced:

"What we wanted to do was show the whole school community that we're doing all we can, so we're adding to our already robust measures, with hand sanitiser and washing, enhanced cleaning etc and face masks was the next port of call."

Parents and carers have been reassured that the changes are not due to a specific concern about Covid-19 cases within the schools, it's purely a precautionary measure.

There also won't be harsh punishments for students who forget their face masks, with spares available in the schools.

Sarah Busby from the MLP says they're asking the whole school community to do their bit:

"Work's been done with the students in tutor groups, discussing and explaining the reasons why (face masks should be worn). 'We're all in it together' is absolutely spot on, just that collective responsibility that everybody has to look after one another is what it's all about."

The Magna Learning Partnership has been affected by Covid-19 already, with a staff member at Wyvern St Edmunds testing positive almost two weeks ago.

Only one other staff member needed to self-isolate following that, with no students coming into close contact with them.

Miss Busby says they're doing all they can to protect everyone within the schools:

"We recognise that it's only a matter of time, we think, before there will be a child (that tests positive). We have year group bubbles and the possibility is that, as has happened in some other schools in Wiltshire, that the whole year group will have to go home."

Each of the schools in the MLP has their own risk assessments that are being regularly updated as the advice from Public Health England and the Department of Education changes.