Academy School branded masks?

[52andblue]

My child is currently on roll at an Academy School.

Letter home today to say that, as of next Thurs, they have to wear an Academy branded facemask at School. When they arrive they must change their school (public) transport facemask and 'dispose of it or put it in a plastic bag without touching it'.
Wash / sanitise hands and don their Branded School Facemask (without touching it) which must only be worn in School. One will be supplied Free but further masks must be purchased. They must also be washed and dried so donned in school fresh each day.

So, this will go well for a kid with ASD and processing difficulties ...
And I know he is exempt, but not wearing one would just be like having a flashing beacon on his head and the bullying will be even worse. Plus he will then be more likely to catch / spread the virus.

Surely I should be able to send him in with a decent supply of either disposables or washables so he has spares for inevitably losing them / having them swiped out of his bag etc?

AIBU to think that School is itself unreasonable to dictate which mask MUST be worn?
(apparently children without the branded mask / the money to purchase a spare 'may be sent home as it now forms part of the official Uniform Requirement')

Christ on a bike. Is the school pushy about all uniform policies?

They're being ridiculous.

I can see they are trying to ensure kids are wearing clean masks in school. But, honestly, 'branded masks'. I dont want him to be under that level of stress.
And yes, that daft about uniform and attendance.
But not achievement, funnily enough :(

I don't normally swear on here but quite frankly I would tell them to go fuck themselves.
Is that is what they seriously think is important to a child's education then I reckon they are in the wrong job.

How absolutely and utterly ridiculous.

They seem to be trying to inculcate the sense of social responsibility so sadly lacking in many adults. I don't think it's very fair that they're only giving out one mask though. Children eligible for free school meals should be given at leaat two.
If your child is being bullied you must follow the guidance on the school's website.

I'm normally "it's a uniform, it's a rule, abide by it" but this is ridiculous. I could understand saying plain only so the kids aren't competing for most inappropriate mask but the school is clearly using this as a money making and control exercise

Is this for real? Our school want a plain one which is fine, but a branded one as part of the uniform?

His anxiety will go through the roof. He WILL lose it. Many times.
This is a kid who can get off the bus without his shoes, oblivious.
I'd remove him from the roll (not just over this!) but I'm applying for his EHCp so that's not a good idea.
But, this will hugely increase his stress levels.
Why can't they offer online tuition for those that can /wish to take it up (I know, many good reasons why not)- but I wish they could.
Oh, and 'all homework is from henceforth to be referred to as virtual learning'
There is vritually no chance of him learning much this term :(

We get two branded masks.

FFS this is stupid. Masks should be changed often, washed properly and replaced after getting them dirty or wet or... how can they manage with only one?!

@EatsFartsAndLeaves

FFS this is stupid. Masks should be changed often, washed properly and replaced after getting them dirty or wet or... how can they manage with only one?!

That's why they're selling them

Oh gosh. This is going to be stressful for some. Can you buy him more of the school.masks?

Can't believe they are being so bossy! Talk about getting their priorities wrong.

Whilst I agree it's ridiculous- you've said he's exempt but will wear one as not and being different will make him anxious- wouldn't wearing a different mask from all his peers have the same effect?

if the masks are the same then it removes the possibility of bullying over who has cool masks or not, it isn't rocket science really it isn't

@amitoooldforthisshit

if the masks are the same then it removes the possibility of bullying over who has cool masks or not, it isn't rocket science really it isn't

Except I doubt there the same price as parents can pick them up at say the pound shop, meaning some kids will end up constantly sent home or trusting the same one without it being washed

My ds schooll so far is mask if they want but must be plain and inline with uniform, no bright patterns
I have brought him
3 plain black ones for the purpose

Bet these branded masks will be £££ each compared with generic versions. Academy schools fleecing parents through uniform as always.

I haven't heard anything about masks at my ds's school, but I was going to go with plain black. Why do schools want everything fucking branded? It's bad enough that ours have to have branded PE kits. We're not in a rich area.

@amitoooldforthisshit

if the masks are the same then it removes the possibility of bullying over who has cool masks or not, it isn't rocket science really it isn't

Bullying should be dealt with not dictate health prevention measures?

At this point the sensible thing for schools to say would be plain black or white or disposable masks please.
black trousers or skirt, white shirt, black/grey/maroon/school colour of choice uniform cheaply avail in any supermarket for multiple sets so each child can wear freshly washed uniform each day.
THAT would make sense to prevent viral spread.
So much time and energy will be wasted on this rather than education which is SO far behind.

@SD1978

Whilst I agree it's ridiculous- you've said he's exempt but will wear one as not and being different will make him anxious- wouldn't wearing a different mask from all his peers have the same effect?

He has autism and is very sensory but has managed a mask for short periods in public areas. He is very rule abiding so will feel obliged to wear one for H&S reasons. He will become stressed to the point of having a stress induced seizure if he loses his Branded Mask (which he will due to his SN). He might need a dozen plain masks. I cant afford branded ones (FSM)

Having all children wear masks that look the same seems particularly short sighted - there will be zero chance of kids knowing whose mask is whose after PE/break whatever. Sounds like a licence to spread infection rather than contain it.

At least your school is encouraging mask use - we're on a 'masks optional' policy which is worse than useless.
Sorry, not helpful, but good luck!

I think school branded masks is OTT.

Our school is a part of a larger MAT. Our decision has been to wear masks in communal areas where possible (our pupils are actually mainly staying in one classroom and teachers are travelling to them). However they been told any facemask is fine as long as it's not a scarf or bandana and has no offensive words/slogans on it.

I'd be really annoyed having to get hold on school branded masks. Can you imagine how pupils will lose them each day? All masks looking the same is more challenging for cross contamination too I'd expect.

It's an Academy school, they make their own rules IMHO
Your poor son, I sympathise for you

How much are they charging for the masks?
Unless it’s pennies, they are going to be making a profit.
That is profiteering off the back of a global pandemic.
It would make a good story for the local press. Just saying.