Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Health and Safety Executive guidance, Face coverings and face masks at work during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, whether that guidance applies to staff in all schools.

The Department has published specific guidance on the use of face coverings in education which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-in-education.

Under national restrictions from 5 November, face coverings should be worn by all adults and pupils in secondary schools in indoor communal areas and outside of classrooms, where social distancing is difficult to maintain. Primary school head teachers have the discretion to require adults to wear face coverings in indoor situations where social distancing is difficult to maintain. Children in primary schools do not need to wear a face covering. Some individuals are exempt from wearing face coverings.

Face coverings are distinct from surgical face masks which are a type of personal protective equipment (PPE). Further guidance on the use of PPE in education and childcare can be viewed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care-settings-including-the-use-of-personal-protective-equipment-ppe.