East Lothian parents told kids must wear face masks when they return to school

Parents have been urged to make sure their children understand the importance of wearing face masks when they return to school from Monday.

Pupils and parents have been reminded of the importance of face masks. Picture: John Devlin

Lesley Brown, East Lothian Council’s head of education, has written to families of youngsters ahead of the return of some students appealing for help in keeping Covid-19 cases down and reduce the risk of infection through schools.

Children from nursery age to Primary 3 are due to return on Monday, along with some S4 to S6 students who need to undertake practical tasks as part of their studies under the current curriculum.

In her letter to parents and carers, Mrs Brown warns that school drivers had reported that children were not wearing masks on transport before the latest lockdown.

Face mask warning: Lesley Brown

And as the schools prepare for the return of young pupils and some senior students next week, she asked them to ensure the message was driven home.

She said: “Wearing a face covering at all times remains a requirement for all children and young people using home-to-school transport (unless exempt) .

“Feedback from our transport operators suggests that not all young people are adhering to this requirement and are removing their face coverings during travel.

“We ask that you discuss the importance of this measure with your child as this remains a condition of travel.”

In her letter, Mrs Brown welcomes the return of pupils to classrooms and reminds parents of their roles in keeping schools open.

She said: “We are all pleased to see some of our children and young people return to our school buildings and the overall reductions in positive Covid case numbers that we are seeing nationally.

“However, the First Minister has made it clear that for this to continue, we must all play our part in reducing community transmission.

“This will be key to welcoming all of our learners back into school.

“With this in mind, we ask that all parents and carers avoid congregating outside school buildings at either end of the school day and that you follow the national FACTS guidance in relation to 2m physical distancing and wearing face coverings.”

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