AIBU in agreeing with the NASUWT that masks should be worn in schools by over 11s?

[DomDoesWotHeWants]

www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/28/unions-call-for-teachers-in-england-to-be-able-to-wear-face-masks

Given that they have to be worn almost everywhere else indoors by over 11s it would be the right thing to do. Adults working in schools have as much right to be protected as bus drivers and shop workers.

So AIBU in agreeing with the NASUWT that masks should be worn in schools by over 11s?

an article this week that there have been zero cases of kids transmitting the virus to teachers

Yes, the article that has no evidence basis. It has been mentioned on here once or twice. It doesn’t prove a thing.

We can’t eliminate all risk it’s just not possible. Teachers have not been adversely affected by coronavirus and I’m shocked by the attitudes on here posted by teachers all through lock down. Both my parents and my MIL are/ were teachers and they share my view. I’m thankful the teachers at my kids school seem to have a very different attitude. They have been amazing during lockdown and are keen to get back to work

Takingabreakagain

"and the potential for rapid control of an outbreak is much better."

This would be ok if it was for the fact that the government has no such plans in place.

Of course we can’t eliminate all risk.

We can mitigate it though-like is being done in other workplaces.

are you really a teacher?

Yes, far I’m really a teacher. If you’re going to pick me up on my swearing, or ‘attitude’, then save the faux pearl-clutching for someone who cares.

farfallarocks

Thank you for that anecdote its almost worth something.

are keen to get back to work

Quote a teacher on here who doesn't want to go back to work?

Teachers have not been adversely affected by the virus?
On which planet? Do you think the distance learning was a positive move for teachers? And the exam debacle? And the ones affected since schools returned?

Yet another one who says I know a teacher who agrees with me 🙄

@Mistressiggi I’m not saying work wasn’t stressful and different, it has been for lots of people. I meant coronavirus deaths and infections. Sorry if that wasn't clear.
@noblegiraffe no pearl clutching here. That is a rather lazy insult however.
I’m just often surprised by the attitude of teachers here as it has no resemblance to experiences in real life with friend and family and my kids’ teachers who are epic.
Seems like a bit of an angry echo chamber in here.I’m no teacher basher,I think teachers are amazing but this thread is a bit aggressive and weird.

We are epic and angry.
It's been a long road to reach this point on mumsnet, and it began in March as the anti-teacher threads started ramping up. And haven't stopped.

thread is a bit aggressive and weird.

How would you know when you haven’t read it? Or how could you have read it and then reposted the same tedious points that have been posted and debunked over and over?

That’s why things might seem a bit ‘aggressive’. It’s because teachers are a bit fed up of constantly rebutting the nonsense you posted.

Where have teachers on this thread said we don’t want schools to be open? We do. We just want the same protection as people in other workplaces. Some posters seem to forget that schools are workplaces for adults as well as places of learning for children.

These threads make me really sad.

The interests of teachers and parents are so closely aligned, I don't understand parents being angry at teachers pointing out the serious flaws with the government's approach.

It is clear teachers want to get back to work, but the plans from the government are really diabolical.

I honestly don't understand any parent pushing for this, it certainly isn't adequate for my children.

I think it should be optional. It's already been acknowledged on here that masks could deter people from education. But many schools have put in a blanket "masks off at the gate" rule for all. I think for those that are still nervous, those who have been shielding, who are caring for or living with elderly/ill relatives, kids whose parents have shown high levels of anxiety because of covid, the masks could be the only way they are wiling to access education as well.

I don’t mind children or teachers attempting to wear visors +/- masks in the classroom if it gets them back. But children NEED to return to school in September. This thing could go on for years. Mumsnet seems to be an echo chamber of SAHM who are able to survive on one wage.

Cheesecake, I think theoretically this is a good compromise but realistically peer pressure and under the radar bullying is a strong incentive to kids to abandon the mask even when protecting an ill sibling or parent. So it will need to be all or none.

Knobchops I think that is sometimes very true, and I think mask wearing is something that would not only let schools open but KEEP them open. Everyone wants them open, not many people are looking ahead a few weeks from that. Corona aside, it would keep transmission of usual coughs and illnesses lower and therefore less people on the staff isolating so schools can stay open.

I would hate to wear a mask all day in a school but it's got to be done.

But masks in British schools won't work. Our children suddenly donning masks all day every school day is probably more likely to increase the spread of the virus. Have you not seen how British adults wear masks? How do you expect children to keep them on all day? They are children. They will fiddle with germ soaked rags all day.

@Mistressiggi

We are epic and angry. It's been a long road to reach this point on mumsnet, and it began in March as the anti-teacher threads started ramping up. And haven't stopped.

This is so true. And MN have to accept some of the blame. They have allowed teacher bashing threads containing outright lies to stand.

Not one teacher has said they don't want schools to open. But still there are people repeating this lie. Just stop it.

Teachers want schools to be as safe as possible for adults and children. What is so wrong with that?

And children in schools abroad wear masks at a mch younger age than 11. UK children are no different, they will manage (SEN aside), despite the hysteria stirred up by some parents who care nothing for the safety of the people teaching their children.

*Teachers giving as good as they are getting and posters getting pissy because teachers (and supporters) are no longer replying in the usual nice way that we do.
*

Oh ffs. How could you possibly know how teachers on MN USUALLY respond, unless they announce it on every thread they post on, which they don't. Ridiculous thing to say.

And don't give me the old 'but I was just making a point' bullshit.

So rude it's embarrassing. People are allowed to have their own opinions. If they were so wrong, there would be less people with the same opinion. As it is, the votes on this thread are still 50/50 so......

Iminaglasscaseofemotion

Oh ffs, yourself.

Get off the martyrdom horse, and stop pretending that you are some sort of saint that has done nothing to compound the current situation on MN.

Frankly your last two posts are pitiful. And you know what is said about opinions.

@Iminaglasscaseofemotion teachers are just fed up of all the lies and false truths that have been bandied about schools and the profession generally. People should have been annoyed at the government and the Dfe but instead chose teachers as their target.

At least some posters like @labyrinthloafer have more understanding - thank you

The double standards in protective measures are ridiculous. A 16 year old must wear a mask on public transport, around the supermarket and perhaps in their Saturday job but as soon as they get to school they can’t wear it or are not allowed to wear it. Are they suddenly safe from the virus as soon as they enter school grounds?

There are some schools where school staff are not allowed to wear a clear visor because the government guidance says they are not needed. This is true of the school I work in. School staff deserve the same consideration for their safety at work as everyone else. If there are too many staff absences the school will have to close anyway. This is what happened to the secondaries in my area before lockdown. As a PP said the interests of parents and teachers should be aligned. We all want children back to school. The best way to do that is to put in proper protective measures to reduce the spread of the virus. If masks form part of that plan (alongside the option to wear a visor for all school staff) then so be it. I think a compromise would be masks for secondary students at least when they are moving around the school site and in any room which cannot be ventilated by opening a window.

@Cookiecrisps it's really quite simple isn't it ?