Commenting as the Welsh Government updates its guidance on the use of face coverings in secondary schools and colleges, Laura Doel, director of NAHT Cymru, 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.”

Press and Media contacts:

Steven George
NAHT Head of Press and Media
01444 472886
07970 907730

Rose Tremlett 
Senior Press Officer 
07545 354363

Email : press.office@naht.org.uk