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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Head recommending wearing masks in school

359 replies

rainyinscotland · 21/08/2020 18:05

So DC has been back at school full time for a bit (Scotland). Secondary school. All pupils in and no masks. The Headteacher has now written to parents that it's not possible to socially distance, so he/she is recommending that pupils and teachers wear masks. Recommending, not requiring.

YABU - the Head was wrong to do that.
YANBU - the Head was right to do that.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Aragog · 23/08/2020 09:35

Oh - incase anyone is interested re mask buying, Snapfish have an offer at the moment - a discount code.

I used it to have two personalised masks made. I wanted a couple specifically for school - not for teaching as I'm not allowed in an infant school, but for when in crowded areas, nipping out for lunch etc. I made a couple with bright school colours, the school badge, my name and some little stars, etc. With postage I got two for £12 - cheaper per mask the more items you bought. They came quickly and look good - a lot less intimidating than the black ones for example.

Lidlfix · 23/08/2020 09:50

Rainy you might find the school's parental FB page (if there is one or other SM platform ) a good place to garner info as well as your DC. Your DC might not see much of what's going on in other year groups as most schools are trying to keep them apart. You might get a bigger picture, from what I can see older pupils will take to wearing them quite readily as many of them do in their part time retail and hospitality jobs. Younger pupils are not getting that they cannot come right up to us, tap our arms for attention etc so I cannot see face coverings being any different. Look forward to seeing what you find out.

bonbonours · 23/08/2020 15:47

We have had a letter about the return to school from our secondary school. It says students will be asked to REMOVE masks when entering the school (lots go by public transport so will be wearing them to get there).

Although I can see loads of problems with kids wearing them all day, it also makes no sense to say over 11s have to wear them in shops/transport but not in school surrounded by loads of other people.

Londonmummy66 · 23/08/2020 15:54

We've been told DC will need to have masks but for moving around school where it won't always be possible to socially distance. Not in lessons. TBH I think that if teachers are concerned they should be allowed to wear visors - that way they can feel a bit better protected but their faces aren't obscured.

WhyNotMe40 · 23/08/2020 16:25

Well I'm sure we will find out after it's all finished.

lifeafter50 · 23/08/2020 17:59

There is no way I could teach with masks.
This is the nub of it.
Anyone who actually wants learning to take place (instead of simpler being paid to be in situ) knows that it is not going to be effective with everyone in masks.
Luckily on my school is permitted but not recommended or promoted.

WhyNotMe40 · 23/08/2020 18:03

@lifeafter50

There is no way I could teach with masks. This is the nub of it. Anyone who actually wants learning to take place (instead of simpler being paid to be in situ) knows that it is not going to be effective with everyone in masks. Luckily on my school is permitted but not recommended or promoted.
Come on Life. Where's your "can do" attitude? I trialled it when my yr10s were in as I had one student who was vulnerable but still wanted to come in. It was fine. You just have to enunciate a little clearer.
Appuskidu · 23/08/2020 18:06

@lifeafter50

There is no way I could teach with masks. This is the nub of it. Anyone who actually wants learning to take place (instead of simpler being paid to be in situ) knows that it is not going to be effective with everyone in masks. Luckily on my school is permitted but not recommended or promoted.
Teachers and students in other countries are managing it just fine.

I expect mask wearing to be recommended in secondary schools next month.

lifeafter50 · 23/08/2020 18:11

Luckily while my school is permitting the use of masks, we are not recommending or promoting it, or being required to police it.
Happy to be in an environment where the children's needs for an excellent education and optimal social interaction matter more than an over/hyped fear - look at the stats.

lifeafter50 · 23/08/2020 18:16

I expect mask wearing to be recommended in secondary schools next month.
GrinGrinGrin
And your credentials are....what exactly?
Grin
Thought not...

TheKeatingFive · 23/08/2020 18:23

I'd rather masks in school than school closures.

Exactly.

If the head is taking measures to make the school safer and staying open more sustainable, then parents should be supporting them.

ineedaholidaynow · 23/08/2020 18:23

I question yours too @lifeafter50

WhyNotMe40 · 23/08/2020 18:36

@lifeafter50

I expect mask wearing to be recommended in secondary schools next month. GrinGrinGrin And your credentials are....what exactly? Grin Thought not...
Seen the WHO recommendations for children over 10 recently? Or don't you think they apply to the UK?
lifeafter50 · 23/08/2020 18:38

I am not the one pontificating pompous predictions - doubt s/he who is doing so (below) has anything more scientific that the tea-leaves to inform her.

ineedaholidaynow · 23/08/2020 18:44

And what makes you think you know better @lifeafter50

Appuskidu · 23/08/2020 18:44

@lifeafter50

I am not the one pontificating pompous predictions - doubt s/he who is doing so (below) has anything more scientific that the tea-leaves to inform her.
It’s the WHO recommendations, which is why I can see it happening. I don’t see that as ‘pontificating pompous predictions’.

I didn’t realise people needed particular credentials to offer opinions about what might happen in their workplace in the future.

Head recommending wearing masks in school
ineedaholidaynow · 23/08/2020 18:51

They also recommend them for adults working with children, which includes teachers I am afraid @lifeafter50

Parker231 · 23/08/2020 19:00

www.bbc.com/news/amp/world-53877292

walker1891 · 23/08/2020 19:00

I will be teaching with a mask on. I have bought 8 so I can have 4 in school so 1 fresh one for each lesson. Face wipes to deal with spotty skin from wearing them and a bag to put used ones in each day. For me if it keeps school open and prevents the spread then its a good thing.

At my friends school (not UK) all children 2 years up wear masks and there have been no cases locally in 3 months. They all had training on how to wear them and she said there is no issue with the little ones managing either. They just get on with it.

WhyNotMe40 · 23/08/2020 19:06

I have bought 6 for me (2 -3 a day), and 6 each for my DC aged 9 and 6 for school. I have bought one for the 4 yo just for any bus journeys we might take. He's already worn it in a shop with no problems so I might get him more for school.i also have some waterproof zipped bags that I am going to name for them to put the dirty ones in.

That's how confident I am on the next government U turn.

Mask wearing in schools does not have to be any more of an issue than wearing goggles in science lessons. If you get one with a proper nose wire and adjustable elastic they are fine.

Appuskidu · 23/08/2020 19:16

We’ve got loads of masks as well. Two of mine have been wearing them for work for months anyway-they think it’s mad they aren’t compulsory in schools yet. My littlie is happy to wear one as well.

I’m more than happy to wear one whilst teaching and v pleased the WHO made that statement about children wearing them, too. I think it’s the most sensible decision in order to keep schools open.

FiveFootTwoEyesOfBlue · 23/08/2020 19:17

Aargh this is so frustrating! OP, the crucial question is, what is the rate of cases per 10,000 in your area? No-one can answer your question with any kind of rational basis without that information - otherwise it's just pooling of ignorance and fear. You can easily find out the rate in your area from the govt coronavirus dashboard website - using the map.

In the meantime my response is: why is your headteacher acting independently and not following the advice of your area's local authority public health experts?

ineedaholidaynow · 23/08/2020 19:29

Can anyone recommend masks for a teenager? He will need to wear them on the school bus and no doubt at school at some point. I've got some reusable ones already but probably not enough if needed all day at school as will need to change more often. He is not bothered about fashionable ones (he is the least fashionable teenager)

Ilikesweetpeas · 23/08/2020 20:09

What about children with hearing impairment? For my nephew this would be an absolute nightmare, he copes well in his mainstream school but needs to lipread. Everyone wearing masks would totally socially isolate him

StaffAssociationRepresentative · 23/08/2020 20:11

@lifeafter50

Luckily while my school is permitting the use of masks, we are not recommending or promoting it, or being required to police it. Happy to be in an environment where the children's needs for an excellent education and optimal social interaction matter more than an over/hyped fear - look at the stats.
Rude and very dismissive of other teachers. I think you are assuming we work in comps or do supply. Some of us do work in academically selective schools that are near the top of league tables.