_1000.png "Newsflash - Face coverings in schools")
The DfE has updated two of its guidance documents in light of the government's announcements concerning local COVID-19 alert levels and tiers of restriction.
The first of the relevant guidance to be updated is DfE's guidance “Face Coverings in Education”. This applies to schools and other education institutions that teach years 7 and above and has been updated to include reference to circumstances where the transmission of the virus is defined as either high or very high under the local COVID-19 alert level framework. Where this is the case, face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils when moving indoors, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to achieve.
In addition, the DfE has updated its guidance called “Actions for Early Years and Childcare Providers during the Coronavirus (COVID 19) outbreak”. This has been amended to reflect the alert levels and tiers of restriction. It has updated information on dealing with staff who are clinically vulnerable and children who are shielding.
The guidance documents apply to England only.
We are here to help!
Related content
.png)
This blog is based on Judicium’s Health and Safety ‘Sofa Session’ from the 7th January 2026, with our resident expert Jamie Ashard CMIOSH. This session focused on Common key stressors in the education sector, Applying the 6 key HSE management standards for stress, Completing a stress risk assessment and implementing practical solutions.
(1)(3).png)
On Tuesday 16th December 2025, the Employment Rights Bill was finally passed in Parliament and today, it has received Royal Assent! It is now the Employment Rights Act 2025. Read this blog on our latest update on the Employment Rights Bill and what you need to know.
This is a summary taken from Judicium’s DPO ‘Sofa Session’ from the 12th December, with our Data Protection Consultant Daniel Richardson.
.png)
This is a summary from Judicium’s Safeguarding and Thrive ‘Sofa Session’ from 3rd December, with our Judicium Safeguarding consultant Joanne Bocko, Thrive Head of Innovation and Principal Trainer, Viv Trask-Hall and Director of Thrive, Tom Preston. Drawing on decades of combined experience in safeguarding, governance, SEND, leadership, and mental health, the panel unpacked how the framework’s shifts will impact schools, what Ofsted will be looking for, and how leaders can position themselves for success.
(1).png)
On 27 November 2025, the UK government altered a flagship commitment in the Employment Rights Bill and dropped plans to grant most workers protection from unfair dismissal from their first day of employment. Instead, the Bill will now grant unfair-dismissal rights after six months of continuous service. Read this blog to uncover the reasons why, what this means for schools and how we can help.
.png)
This blog is based on Judicium’s Health & Safety and SEND session on 26th November with resident expert India Cottenden
Sofa Sessions | H&S