Belfast Royal Academy makes face coverings mandatory

By Q Radio news

The Northern Ireland Commissioner for children and young people, Koulla Yiasouma, says the issue of pupils wearing face coverings in school is not straightforward.

It comes as the Belfast Royal Academy have told pupils and staff that face coverings will be compulsory when they return to school at the start of the term.

The Grammar School says it will ban children from the classroom if they don't wear a face covering.

That's despite the Stormont Executive saying the rule - which is now compulsory in shops - won't apply to pupils while they learn. 

Belfast Royal Academy has informed parents and staff by email. 

Belfast Royal Academy will make face coverings mandatory for pupils and staff when they return to school.

In an email to parents, the school said those who arrive without one will not be allowed to enter a classroom. pic.twitter.com/FM8n5iUM5u

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Reacting to the news, Child Commissioner Koulla Yiasouma, says the debate over whether pupils should wear masks or not is complex.

She also wants other schools across Northern Ireland to wait for further guidance, which will be published by the Education Minister, Peter Weir, later this week.