Dear Parent/Carer,
I would like to thank you and your child for your cooperation over the course of Module 1. The Leigh UTC serves a wider community than most schools in Dartford with many traveling from various London boroughs. With the increase in positive cases and the government announcing a further national lockdown we have taken the decision that as of Wednesday 4th November 2020, face coverings/masks will be compulsory outside the classroom in areas such as corridors and communal areas. Students will be expected to bring a face covering with them each day and wear them when moving between lessons and around both buildings. Face coverings / masks will not be compulsory in classrooms however, students may wish to wear a mask if it is not having a negative impact on their learning.
Staff and visitors will also all wear face masks when moving around the Academy. Staff will continue to have the option to wear a clear face visor when teaching if they wish. I would therefore ask for parents/carers to provide their children with at least one face covering / mask to wear in the academy each day. Fabric face coverings will need to be a clean one each day, with disposable ones being replaced with a new one for the start of each day. Students will also be required to keep a small plastic bag with them to place the face covering into when not in use. Students will be reminded during tutor time about government guidance on the wearing of face masks.
The face covering/masks should be plain without any logos or images so as not to attract attention or distract students from their core business of learning. We will continue to ensure enough hand sanitiser stations are available as good hygiene remains a priority for us with students washing their hands on a regular basis.
All students are expected to follow all protective measures in place at The Leigh UTC and failure to comply with these instructions will result in sanctions in line with The Leigh UTC behaviour policy.
If you feel your child is exempt from wearing a face covering/mask due to a medical need then please contact your SSM for further guidance.
Sending your child to school during this period should still be a priority as we know the negative impact it can have on the wellbeing and effects of lost learning time
Thank you once again for your continued support with this as we continue to review and implement measures to ensure all our staff and students remain as safe as possible during this time.
Yours faithfully,
Steve Leahey | Principal
