Guidance on Masks/face coverings for primary school pupils from 3rd class.

The Department of Education have tonight issued guidance to schools and parents on the wearing of face masks/ face coverings  for children in primary schools from 3rd class upwards. Please click on the image to read the guidance in total.

What does this mean for your child in Creagh N.S.

• There is no requirement for children from Junior Infants to 2nd Class to wear masks although we do not prohibit any child from wearing masks if they choose to do so. 
• If you have a mask available, your child may start wearing a mask to school immediately.
• All children from 3rd class upwards, who do not qualify for an exemption, will be expected to wear a face mask in school from Thursday the 2nd of December. 
• From Friday the 3rd of December, as per the guidance issued to us by the Department of Education, if a child presents to school without a mask/face covering  where a medical certificate is not provided or the school has not agreed that exemption is warranted, the school will contact the parents in an effort to reach a solution. Further guidance will be issued on Monday the  6th of December. 
• If you feel that your child qualifies for an exemption as detailed in the guidance, please contact the school: (09096) 42634; [email protected].

Exemptions:

1. any pupil with difficulty breathing or other relevant medical conditions
2. any pupil who is unable to remove the cloth face-covering or visor without assistance
3. any pupil who has special needs and who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing the cloth face covering or visor, for example pupils with intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, sensory concerns or tactile sensitivity.

• ​Please be assured that we will do our best to ensure that this occurs as easily as possible. 
• Where the school has identified children whose complex needs are such that the wearing of face covering may not be possible for them, we will  discuss this with parents as required. In such circumstances we may not require medical certification to provide an exemption to the wearing of face coverings. 


• We will ensure that masks are only worn in indoor settings and that the children get ample time playing together in an outdoor setting while not wearing masks.
• As educational professionals, we will be teaching children how to use face-coverings safely and emphasising the necessity for them while addressing their concerns and worries in a calm, reasoned and compassionate manner. We are confident that such an approach is the best way to ensure that the health and wellbeing of all children in the school is looked after in the best possible manner.
• We are determined that these new requirements will not impact the children from 3rd to 6th in a negative manner and hope that parents will comply with the guidelines so that we can continue teaching and learning face-to face in a safe and nurturing environment.
• As always, we appreciate your co-operation in this matter.
• The guidelines state that the wearing of face coverings will be reviewed in February.
• We will issue more guidelines, if necessary, after reviewing the best implementation  in line with our Covid Response Plan.
• If you have any queries with regard to this new measure, please call the school (0909642634)  or email the principal ( [email protected])

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Letter to Parents from CMO (30/11)

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Advice on Face Coverings