Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education on guidance on the wearing of personal protective equipment by health professionals when they are working in (a) early years and (b) educational settings supporting children and young people?.

Our priority is to get pupils and students back to schools and colleges safely.

At each stage of our response to the pandemic, we have listened to and continue to be guided by the latest medical and scientific advice. Children in early years settings do not need to wear a face covering. However, if we think that the guidance should apply to staff and visitors in early years settings then we will not hesitate to act swiftly and decisively.

Nationwide, schools and further education settings will have the discretion to require staff, visitors and pupils to wear face coverings in indoor communal areas where social distancing cannot be safely managed, if they believe that it is right in their particular circumstances.