THE first schools in the North-East and North Yorkshire have started to welcome pupils back for the first time since March.
But ahead of reopening this week, many schools have had to deal with a number of changes to the government's guidance.
A major part of this guidance has been on the use of face coverings and face masks, and when exactly they should and should not be used.
We've looked through the latest government guidance to bring you everything parents and guardians should know about face coverings in schools.
What are the rules
Currently, secondary schools in areas which are not under specific local restrictions, have the discretion to make face coverings mandatory for pupils, staff and visitors.
They have the powers to enforce this rule in areas outside the classroom where social distancing "cannot be maintained", including corridors and communal areas.
In the guidance, which was published on August 28, primary school children do not need to wear a face covering.
But like secondary schools, where social distancing is not possible outside of classrooms, headteachers are still able to ask staff and visitors to wear them.
Children do not need to wear coverings in class
The guidance states that due to "current evidence" and the "measures schools are already putting in place", face coverings are not necessary in the classroom even where social distancing is not possible.
It says: "Face coverings would have a negative impact on teaching and their use in the classroom should be avoided."
It is understood that schools will have discretion on whether they allow individual pupils to keep theirs on regardless of the guidance.
What if a child loses their face covering, or doesn't wear one
The guidance says that it is "reasonable" to assume that staff and pupils will have access to face coverings due to their increased use.
It says that schools and colleges should "take steps" to have a small contingency supply of face coverings in case pupils have forgotten their mask, or it has become soiled or unsafe.
But it says that no child should be excluded from education on the grounds that they are not wearing a face covering in school.
Who is exempt
Like the current rules on face coverings in supermarkets, shops and public transport, there are exceptions for people in certain categories.
They include people who "cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment or disability"
or "Speak to or provide assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expression to communicate."
What happens if your area goes into a local lockdown
In areas where local lockdowns or restrictions are in place, the guidance states that face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils in Year 7 and above.
This only includes areas outside classrooms, such as communal areas, or where social distancing is difficult to maintain such as corridors.
In the event of new local restrictions being imposed, schools are urged to "communicate quickly and clearly" to staff, parents, pupils that the new arrangements require the use of face coverings in certain circumstances.
What about on the school bus or public transport
Anyone under the age of 11 does not need to wear a face covering on public transport or dedicated transport.
The government guidance does however recommend local authorities to advise children and young people over the age of 11 to wear a face covering.
- To see the full guidance - click here
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