Staff at 52 schools run by a major academy chain will be wearing face masks when they reopen, its founder has said.
Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis multi-academy trust, said secondary students will also be wearing masks in corridors.
He told the BBC News channel that face coverings will be considered part of the uniform, adding that “we will consult with everyone but this is the way we are going”.
Related: Call to look again at face masks in schools policy
Covid-19: Pupils 12 and over ‘should wear masks’
Analysis: Do we need face masks in schools?
He said the move has been made because “we believe this makes our schools safer than they would otherwise be”, not just for students and staff but also their families.
Mr Chalke, who said it is “all about common sense and taking responsibility”, added: “There is no such thing as being Covid-safe, just Covid-safer.
“Based on our values and our sense of morality - these are the moves that we are choosing to make.”
He also tweeted this morning: “Oasis has booked face visors & masks for all our school staff & masks (colour coded for year groups) for our secondary students for transition in corridors etc.
“We’re also booking extra space (offices, church halls etc.) for a number of our schools. Think ‘Hands, Face & Space.’”
Oasis has booked face visors & masks for all our school staff & masks (colour coded for year groups) for our secondary students for transition in corridors etc. We’re also booking extra space (offices, church halls etc.) for a number of our schools.
Think ‘Hands, Face & Space.’
— Steve Chalke (@SteveChalke) August 25, 2020
