Question reference: S5W-31589
- Asked by: Jamie Greene, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 4 September 2020
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Current status: Answered by John Swinney on 14 September 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to enforce the use of face coverings in secondary schools.
Answer
Updated guidance, published on 25 August 2020, states that face coverings should - unless exemptions apply - be worn by pupils and staff in secondary schools in corridors and communal areas, where distancing is particularly difficult to maintain. Education Scotland have worked with Young Scot to develop awareness raising materials for schools in support of the guidance.
Implementation of the agreed guidance is the responsibility of local authorities and schools, working closely with their school communities. However, we are working with partners to carefully monitor how the guidance is being applied in practice. We seek regular feedback from partners via the Education Recovery Group about the experiences of pupils and staff in schools for these purposes. Where there is a need to take action, either by updating our guidance or ensuring it is being given practical effect, we will work with partners to do so.
In addition, we are aware that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have carried out 500 initial telephone sample checks and schools have to date achieved a compliance rate of over 80%. The HSE will be undertaking follow up visits where there are any areas of concern.