We are looking forward to welcoming your son/daughter to Washington Academy for the new academic year.

The safety of our entire school and the wider community is at the centre of everything we do. Over the recent week, there have been a number of changes to the government’s information and guidance to schools regarding face coverings. We anticipate that in the coming months, we may receive more information at short notice, which will of course respond to, and communicate with you.

Government guidance now requires the use of face masks/coverings in schools in a local lockdown area. At this point in time, this does not apply to us. However, the scientific benefits of wearing a face mask, when social distancing cannot easily be maintained are clear — they help to cut transmission rates. Our Trust has made the decision, across all its eight schools to request that students and staff wear face coverings when in corridors or communal areas. If there is a specific medical reason why this cannot apply to your child, we ask that you contact their Year Leader to discuss the matter.

More details can be found in the letter below.