A TEACHING union has called for ‘clear communication’ over the latest change to face coverings in schools.

The Leader reported on Monday, November 20, that Welsh Government has updated its operational guidance on the use of face coverings in secondary schools and colleges.

The guidance now states that face coverings should be worn:

• in all areas outside the classroom by staff and learners in secondary schools and colleges

• on dedicated school and college transport for learners in year 7 and up

• by visitors to all schools and colleges, including parents and carers dropping off and picking up children

The move follows the publication of SAGE evidence and a recent TAG report.

Commenting as the updates, the director of NAHT Cymru, Laura Doel, said: “Decisions on face coverings must be based on medical and scientific evidence. If the Welsh Government’s latest medical advice suggests that there is a benefit to making them mandatory in secondary schools then we support that.

“But we need to government to be clear about it. Saying face coverings ‘should’ be worn, rather than they ‘must’ be, only leaves confusion for anxious families and staff, and could lead to a mixed economy across Wales.

“There needs to be clear communication to parents as to why the government feels masks should be worn – it is not the responsibility of schools to educate the wider public of what is a public health issue.

"Too often throughout this crisis school leaders have had to front tricky policy which is ultimately owned by our administrations, not schools.”