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AIBU?

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Original poster

To encourage you to send letters like this to your schools?

718 replies

NameChange2271 · 22/09/2020 13:18

Name changed for this as apparently it’s an unpopular opinion; but I think it’s important to protect our children.

Please can I encourage you to send a letter like this into all your children’s schools.

Dear Headteacher

I am writing to inform you that (Child Name) is exempt from wearing a face covering of any kind, as per government legislation.

There are many exemptions from wearing a face mask, which incorporate hidden disabilities, including but not limited to:

(I) because of any physical or mental impairment or illness or disability (Section 6 of the equality act 2010)

(II) without severe distress

Section 6 of the equality act states that schools must not discriminate against a student because of their disability.

I am concerned that my child will be singled out for not wearing a mask and would like to remind you that this is also discriminatory.

(Childs Name) is under no obligation to provide proof of this exemption and is protected from doing so by the Data Protection Act 2018

I have also sent a copy of this letter to our solicitors.

Kind Regards
(Your Name)

OP posts:
pigeonsfeather · 22/09/2020 13:20

If your child is genuinely exempt then a solicitors letter is not needed.

If they just don’t want to wear a mask I do think that’s a bit different to be honest. I hate them but well, it’s a pandemic.

choosername1234 · 22/09/2020 13:21

And other ways to ruin your relationship with the school......

LolaSkoda · 22/09/2020 13:22

Can I gently encourage you to not use the word “solicitor” as some sort of threat to the people who are trying to educate your child?

Work with the school you’re having problems with rather than aggressively.

ghostyslovesheets · 22/09/2020 13:22

Why

Twickerhun · 22/09/2020 13:22

I think the concept of your letter is stupid but also discrimination law does not work like this. You need to go back to law school and re work your case.

Sirzy · 22/09/2020 13:23

If your child is genuinely exempt then talk to the school. Don’t turn them into some sort of point making things. I would imagine most schools will already know which pupils have medical conditions which may mean they can’t wear a mask.

If your sending the letter just to be anti mask then don’t make your child a pawn in your games and don’t make things even harder for school.

mbosnz · 22/09/2020 13:23

Why would I do that?

Scweltish · 22/09/2020 13:23

Get a grip op

emmathedilemma · 22/09/2020 13:23

you should probably contact the Daily Mail while you're at it.

Twickerhun · 22/09/2020 13:23

It would entertain Your solicitor so do feel free to send it to them, i am sure they would love to bill you £20 for the chance to read this and laugh

bethany39 · 22/09/2020 13:24

If a genuine exemption I was sort of with you until the solicitor part...

What have the school actually done OP?

Lockheart · 22/09/2020 13:24

Sure, if you want to get a reputation as THAT parent then go ahead.

If your child does not have a genuine exemption then they have to wear a mask. If you start playing gotcha with the school the only thing you'll do is drag your own name through the mud.

If you want to protect your child, and others, get them to wear a mask if they can.

Userzzz · 22/09/2020 13:24

Good job, OP. Shocking how many parents support their children wearing face masks

DifficultPifcultLemonDifficult · 22/09/2020 13:25

Ridiculous, this is like using a bulldozer when a fly swat would do Confused

Persephoned · 22/09/2020 13:25

Huh? Why would I send this letter if my child isn’t exempt? If they were exempt then they’d be able to let teachers know - if they were struggling with that I’d just send them in with a short note to explain/make a quick call. Sorry OP not got a clue what this is all about.

pigeonsfeather · 22/09/2020 13:25

I personally really dislike the references to ‘that parent’ on here. There is nothing wrong with being ‘that parent’ if you need to be.

However I do feel that that letter is far too much.

spanieleyes · 22/09/2020 13:25

If my child had a physical or mental impairment or illness or disability that meant they could not wear a mask, I would speak to the school and agree a course of action that protected both my child and the children and staff in their school. If they suffered severe distress I would speak to my child.
In neither case would I be sending pseudo legal letters.

Sirzy · 22/09/2020 13:26

I really hope that the op won’t complain when her child’s school has to shut due to outbreaks!

Original poster
NameChange2271 · 22/09/2020 13:26

School have made masks compulsory in corridors and the dinner hall. They are giving passes to exempt students but I don’t want my son pestered by every teacher about where his mask is.

OP posts:
ZeDotMeister · 22/09/2020 13:26

What exactly is people’s problem with wearing a face mask??

araiwa · 22/09/2020 13:26

At least it might give teachers a laugh

Mintjulia · 22/09/2020 13:27

Why?

My ds(12) is perfectly chilled about wearing his mask on the school bus, and in the corridors.

And if it improves the chances of them keeping schools open by even 5%, then I absolutely support their use. I don't see it as an issue.

TheDuchessofMalfy · 22/09/2020 13:27

Ridiculous!

AlexaShutUp · 22/09/2020 13:27

No.

Firstly, my child is not exempt, and it would be irresponsible for her not to wear a mask, especially as some of her teachers are critically vulnerable.

Secondly, even if she was exempt, I would not wish to destroy my good working relationship with the school by sending such an aggressive and stupidly worded letter.

DizzyPigeon · 22/09/2020 13:27

You want to protect your children by having as few as possible wearing masks in schools?

Okay then Hmm