Update 24^th September 2020.

Thank you for your continuing support for Chaucer School as we work inside the very complex situation that the COVID - 19 pandemic places us in.

I am asking for your support where at all possible regarding the use of face coverings within our school (students and parents/carers).

Our Trust has continued to follow and review guidance on the wearing of face coverings in schools, and communicated and supported our approach regularly to students, staff and parents in line with Public Health England and Public Health Sheffield.

Face Coverings in TSAT Schools

For Secondary Schools

Local Public Health guidance is recommending the wearing of face coverings in secondary schools, on corridors and in communal areas. Tapton School Academy Trust has adopted 4 key principles in our approach – the 4 E’s:

• Expect - we will expect students and staff in secondary schools to wear a face covering on corridors and in communal areas
• Enable - we will provide a face covering for any student who wishes to have one but doesn’t yet have their own
• Encourage - we will encourage each other to make the right choice to ensure we all feel safe and cared for
• Educate - everyone will learn why, how and when it is appropriate to wear a face covering.

Please would you discuss this with our young people and encourage them to wear face covering in the communal areas and corridors please. I have provided weblinks to support these discussions and do understand that there are differing viewpoints and information on this area, however I am reinforcing the message that has been given to us by Public Health Sheffield.

Full government guidance is available here regarding face coverings in Education

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-in-education/face-coverings-in-education

We also include that:

No-one should be excluded from education on the grounds that they are not wearing a face covering and some individuals are exempt from wearing face coverings. For example people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of physical or mental health illness or impairment, or disability, or if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expression to communicate. The same exemptions will apply in education settings, and we would expect teachers and other staff to be sensitive to those needs.

Thank you for taking the time to support us in this important element of school, Trust, local and national government response to COVID-19 and community safety, well-being and education.

Best wishes and stay safe

Chaucer School

Update 7th September 2020

In support of the letter we published to parents/carers on Friday, please see an additional letter here from Public Health England which contains additional information. Please click here

Update 4th September 2020

Please see an important update from the Head Teacher here