Guidance

Face coverings in education (applies until Step 4)

Guidance on the use of face coverings for schools and other education institutions that teach people in years 7 and above in England.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 26 August 2020
• Last updated: 24 May 2021 — See all updates

This publication was withdrawn on 19 July 2021

Information on face coverings in education can now be found in the guidance for:

• schools
• early years and childcare settings
• further education colleges and providers
• special schools, special post-16 providers and alternative provision
• higher education providers

Applies to England

Documents

Face coverings in education

HTML

Details

This guidance is intended to support early years and childcare providers, schools, including alternative provision, and colleges with advice on the use of face coverings.

Published 26 August 2020
Last updated 24 May 2021 + show all updates

1. 24 May 2021

   We have converted the guidance to HTML to make it easier to read. We have not changed any of the guidance from the update on 10 May.

2. 10 May 2021

   Updated the guidance to reflect that from 17 May face coverings will no longer be recommended for pupils and students in classrooms or communal areas, in all schools and FE providers. Face coverings will also no longer be recommended for staff in classrooms. In all schools and FE providers, we continue to recommend that face coverings should be worn by staff and visitors in situations outside of classrooms where social distancing is not possible.

3. 6 April 2021

   Update on the use of face coverings in education and the roadmap review process as part of step 3.

4. 8 March 2021

   Guidance updated to clarify FE sector guidance and the use of reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils and students.

5. 1 March 2021

   This guidance has been updated to include new guidance on face coverings to support schools and colleges to return to a full attendance on 8 March.

6. 8 January 2021

   Removed references to local restrictions and updated to reflect the national lockdown.

7. 27 November 2020

   Updated to align with the local restriction tier system.

8. 5 November 2020

   Added a link to the new national restrictions from 5 November guidance.

9. 16 October 2020

   Updated guidance to align with the local COVID alert level framework.

10. 26 August 2020

    First published.