Do you think Senior School children will have to wear face masks?

[BrandNewShinyThings]

Because I honestly don't know how I am going to get my 11yr old to school if that's the case. He absolutely cannot stand being too hot - I'm already stressing about the compulsory tank top and blazer - he just won't cope in a mask all day. No official medical reason, he had severe eczema when younger and still has very sensitive skin but no longer seen by the doctor as we manage it with emollients and antihistamines. This is a potential nightmare for so many children.
By the way I am 100% for supporting teachers and keeping them as safe as possible, I think teachers are being treated appallingly. But I am coming at this from the child's perspective.

[Nihiloxica]

If the trend towards increasing control of other people through social shame and new laws continues, who knows what will be demanded of teenagers.

As non-voters they are an easy target of the New Stasi, as has been shown throughout the lockdown they still cry wasn't quick or harsh enough.

[megletthesecond]

I hope those who want to are allowed to.
My 13 and 11yr olds will be wearing them.

[BrandNewShinyThings]

@Nihiloxica

If the trend towards increasing control of other people through social shame and new laws continues, who knows what will be demanded of teenagers.

As non-voters they are an easy target of the New Stasi, as has been shown throughout the lockdown they still cry wasn't quick or harsh enough.

Erm ok

[LuckyMarmiteLover]

I work in a secondary school and hope we all have to as it’s the only way I can see to reduce virus transmission in schools

[EvilPea]

I think they will. The guidance for them is already there for transport.

[BrandNewShinyThings]

I guess its a wait and see situation then

[RedskyAtnight]

If they are going to be mandatory in shops, it make sense - the children will be a lot closer to each other for a lot longer, than they would be to a random person in a shop. And other countries seem to manage!

Schools will have every window in the school open to allow natural ventilation so I wouldn't worry about your DS being too hot.

[BrandNewShinyThings]

@RedskyAtnight

If they are going to be mandatory in shops, it make sense - the children will be a lot closer to each other for a lot longer, than they would be to a random person in a shop. And other countries seem to manage!

Schools will have every window in the school open to allow natural ventilation so I wouldn't worry about your DS being too hot.

Unfortunately even with open windows he is really going to struggle, I know it sounds very snowflake parenting but I know what he's like and its really going to distract him from learning. I can home educate if necessary but I don't think that's the best route for him socially and emotionally.

[noblegiraffe]

Schools will have every window in the school open

One of mine is locked as it’s broken, the other is blocked by a broken blind.

The lack of ventilation means the kids should be more likely to wear masks, not less!

[woodlandwalker]

Some schools are not insisting on uniform during the pandemic so your son may not be expected to wear his blazer and could just wear a light t-shirt. If he wasn't hot generally, the mask may not be so difficult.

[jamaisjedors]

Here in France they are mandatory for children in secondary.

The alternative was half groups and very strict social distancing which was not sustainable.

[Fedup21]

I certainly hope so. I’d like students and staff to be wearing them-I say that as a teacher.

If they need to be worn in a shop where I might spend a few minutes being unable to socially distance from other people, then I want them worn when I’m in a small airless classroom with 32 other people for hours on end.

[Bmidreams]

Ours didn't want students wearing them, but wouldn't do anything to stop them. I do find it interesting what this new development will mean for secondary schools though. There will be lots of children who would be allowed not to wear them, I'd imagine. Just the same as some kids being so anxious that they'll only come to school if they CAN wear them. I think the visors might be good for teachers.

[EvilPea]

I got mine to pick a nice mask from redbubble, they seem happier to wear them if they pick something fun


So far my secondary are going full uniform including blazer. Which I’m a bit annoyed about as I was hoping I’d get away with reduced uniform for mine, to spread the cost!!

[Bmidreams]

Our school will be enforcing strict uniform, and it is the teachers who will move, the students will mostly stay in one block with their year group.

[BrandNewShinyThings]

I completely get it from the perspective of keeping teachers safe, I fully support measures to make schools a safer workplace, I just feel conflicted as a parent for reasons explained above.

[W00t]

My 11yo has worn just boxers for the last four months...other than when he goes for a walk each day, even then he won't wear socks. I am dreading trying to get him into clothes again tbh.
He's already asked if he can wear a mask to secondary school though!
Currently, DfE says no masks.
The school re-opening plans I have seen (3 different schools) say masks from traveling removed on entry to school and hands washed.

[W00t]

And I do wish that teachers were allowed the clear visors. Some classrooms are so small, many with unopening windows, it's not a reasonable expectation that people should be unprotected in this way.

[BrandNewShinyThings]

@W00t

My 11yo has worn just boxers for the last four months...other than when he goes for a walk each day, even then he won't wear socks. I am dreading trying to get him into clothes again tbh.
He's already asked if he can wear a mask to secondary school though!
Currently, DfE says no masks.
The school re-opening plans I have seen (3 different schools) say masks from traveling removed on entry to school and hands washed.

Thank you W00t that is very helpful information. And I'm glad to read of another clothes refuser! Socks are definitely only worn for school and walks, otherwise shorts, t shirt and bare feet.

[RedskyAtnight]

My DS has spent 5 years hating his blazer and only putting it on just before he goes into school and taking it off straight afterwards.
He is ecstatic that in the sixth form they have a smart/casual dress code and he can get away with just wearing a short sleeved shirt. I think he will freeze (school is cold at the best of times, and they've already stated their intention to open all windows, not withstanding noble's comment about some windows not being openable).

[BrandNewShinyThings]

@RedskyAtnight

My DS has spent 5 years hating his blazer and only putting it on just before he goes into school and taking it off straight afterwards.
He is ecstatic that in the sixth form they have a smart/casual dress code and he can get away with just wearing a short sleeved shirt. I think he will freeze (school is cold at the best of times, and they've already stated their intention to open all windows, not withstanding noble's comment about some windows not being openable).

My eldest has just finished at the school and he says you are allowed to take your blazer off in class if you ask permission, but tank tops have to stay on at all times. His used to get so sweaty and smelly despite showering and deodorant every morning, I had to replace them regularly

[W00t]

He just likes to feel free! (He would wear no boxers either if I let him! )

I have a feeling his jumpers will remain unworn- pupils at his new school have to wear blazers at all times, and remove jumpers if they're warm. DD says she's the only one in a jumper a lot of the time.

He's quite anxious about the virus though, underneath, hence his question about masks. He would feel safer for sure. He used to have terrible anxiety when younger, but the last few years that has subsided a great deal. Since school closedown he has not been anywhere, so not anxious, but now he's going to be going places again I can see he's uneasy. He's grown so much though he has to have his feet measured for shoes (well, and trainers, nothing fits).

[Frlrlrubert]

Guidance we sent to parents states masks in school are optional at the moment. It's worded as 'govt says you don't have to, but you can if you want'.

But guidance from above is obviously subject to change over the next 7 weeks.

[BrandNewShinyThings]

@W00t

He just likes to feel free! (He would wear no boxers either if I let him! )

I have a feeling his jumpers will remain unworn- pupils at his new school have to wear blazers at all times, and remove jumpers if they're warm. DD says she's the only one in a jumper a lot of the time.

He's quite anxious about the virus though, underneath, hence his question about masks. He would feel safer for sure. He used to have terrible anxiety when younger, but the last few years that has subsided a great deal. Since school closedown he has not been anywhere, so not anxious, but now he's going to be going places again I can see he's uneasy. He's grown so much though he has to have his feet measured for shoes (well, and trainers, nothing fits).

Bless him. My eldest has had anxiety over the years, now in a better place but it is so difficult, especially in such uncertain times.