A WORCESTER headteacher has written to the city's MP urging him to support better Covid restrictions in schools.

Gareth Doodes, headteacher at the King's School, wrote to Robin Walker after his own battle with the virus.

In his letter, Mr Doodes called on the Government to enforce Covid restrictions including mask wearing to protect teachers and pupils.

He wrote: "After witnessing a huge increase in Covid cases during the last eight weeks, school leaders are desperately concerned that the coming months will place great pressure on our schools that will be stretched due to limited immunity amongst pupils.

"This in turn will increase cases among students and teachers, putting even more strain on our education system.

"In addition to jeopardising exam teaching for years 11 and 13, the possible disruption to teaching in EYFS (Early years foundation stage) will have the most catastrophic long-term consequences."

In his letter, Mr Doodes referenced his own experience with the disease, which he described as a "grim experience".

He added: "As we prepare for a return to school in November, I am asking if the Department for Education would consider sending a vital public health message to schools.

"Mask-wearing must become a part of normal life in the winter months and schools must be supported to put in place measures to protect the health and wellbeing of staff, with ventilation combined with vaccination being part of the Government's annual programme."

Responding to Mr Doodes' letter, Mr Walker said he would respond directly to the letter, so couldn't comment in much detail.

He did say, however, that it was important for schools to strike a balance between having appropriate Covid safety measures in place while also encouraging a return to face to face teaching.

He said: "Mask wearing is available to schools as an option should they choose it, but we need to get the balance right with not over-prescribing and letting the schools decide for themselves.

"The current public health guidance is that masks are not necessary in-class, but we do encourage them in crowded public spaces, so there are some times in school when that might be necessary.

"The key thing is we want pupils to be in school, as the risk of infection from face-to-face lessons is still quite low."