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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
SabrinaTheTeenageBitch · 23/09/2020 11:59

My eldest attends a sen school for children with autism. Children don't have to wear a mask but it is being advised if they can and teachers are supporting them within school with this. Vast majority of them (my daughter included who has severe sensory issues) are coping. Unless there was serious distress caused by mask wearing then I would want my child to at least attempt it rather than sending arsed letters into school

WhatCFeryIsThis · 23/09/2020 12:00

If shit like this continues, then I fully expect that the law will be amended to cover what is reasonable to expect from a person with a disability during a pandemic. That could mean that some people are forced to disclose all sorts of personal things in order to explain their lack of mask. All because idiots people like this decide to take advantage of something meant to protect people and use it for their own pathetic means.

The guidelines are there to protect OTHERS as well as your cute little dumpling, OP. Other people can end up developing a serious disability after getting the virus. Do you think they'll feel happy knowing that the legislation that should have protected them, actually caused their disability? Because of selfish people. I'm really disappointed to see this.

Starksforthewin · 23/09/2020 12:04

This reply has been deleted

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ScarMatty · 23/09/2020 12:09

lol.

FunTimes2020 · 23/09/2020 12:15

You sound like hard work, and a bit batty to be honest

yellowymellowy · 23/09/2020 12:18

No, I won't be sending that letter because I'm not a selfish, entitled fool who wants to raise entitled brats.

ChildOfTheNineties · 23/09/2020 12:20

I think the tone is unnecessary. You have not clarified if your son's exemption is based around genuine medical need or 'struggling' to wear one because they're not so comfortable. If it is the latter YABU in my view.

TwoBlueFish · 23/09/2020 12:23

If you have a genuine exemption then pick up a sunflower lanyard from Tesco or Sainsbury’s and wear that when going into places where a mask is expected. The vast majority of businesses know what it means.

DS1 does have a disability but still wears a mask in the majority of places. DS2’s school have made badges for the children who are exempt so they don’t keep getting asked.

DM1209 · 23/09/2020 12:29

Legal professional here, that letter, IF I even looked at it, would make me roll my eyes.

For future reference, unless we are instructed by you to act on your behalf for a LEGAL matter, we don't wish to receive unsolicited junk where you're quoting legislation incorrectly AND being aggressive to the learning establishment that are trying to teach your child.

A genuine condition for not wearing a mask can be shared with the school privately. There's no need for this. Oh and also, way to go alienating yourself from the teachers.

WhatCFeryIsThis · 23/09/2020 12:46

@DM1209 , your post is an oasis in the desert of stupidity that OP seems to be living in. Thank you.

evenmoreforthemoor · 23/09/2020 12:51

@DM1209

Legal professional here, that letter, IF I even looked at it, would make me roll my eyes.

For future reference, unless we are instructed by you to act on your behalf for a LEGAL matter, we don't wish to receive unsolicited junk where you're quoting legislation incorrectly AND being aggressive to the learning establishment that are trying to teach your child.

A genuine condition for not wearing a mask can be shared with the school privately. There's no need for this. Oh and also, way to go alienating yourself from the teachers.

You're amazing. Can you be my solicitor please?
Madamfrog · 23/09/2020 12:51

If your secondary-school-aged child can't wear a mask then keep him or her at home. That is what happens where I live, in France.

Rumbletumbleinmytummy · 23/09/2020 12:51

You can encourage people to send letters like that, and we can encourage you to be a parent

Those teachers who are checking passes are doing so for the safety of everyone, and whether your child needs to wear a mask or not they need to respect that the situation calls for that response from the adults.

If your child doesnt genuinely have a reason to not wear a mask, then I suggest teaching them that the world is full of immovable rules that most people dont like but have to accept for the greater good.

Personally I cant think of anything that would make the teachers jobs harder.

Belladonna12 · 23/09/2020 13:00

@Comefromaway

Belladonna, as the parent of a child with an SEN/disability I can confirm that schools only have to make reasonable adjustments, that any adjustments are only made when in full possession of all the facts regarding the child's disability and if an adjustment is unreasonable in that it may place others in danger then it need not be made.
Yes, that's always been my understanding (I am disabled and only get adjustments if I give workplaces details).
Dillydallyingthrough · 23/09/2020 13:14

Why couldn't you just approach the school and talk to them privately?

FFS I think everyone else has covered how idiotic this is, and I can imagine exactly what kind of child you are raising if he was so desperate to hand it in himself. I really feel for the teachers that you both come into contact with.

thaegumathteth · 23/09/2020 13:21

What a load of utter bollocks. There's no merit in raising your child to have no resilience or compassion. A sense of entitlement will 'single him out' much more than anything else. You're doing him no favours - get your head sorted and stop wanting to be proved right and make a point and parent your child appropriately.

Foxyloxy1plus1 · 23/09/2020 13:28

It is everyone’s business though, because we are doing this so that we can aim to protect one another and ultimately reduce the need for masks in the first place.

Some people are used to mask wearing. Most aren’t, but are doing it because it’s the right thing to do and I can’t believe that a significant proportion of the population are unable to wear them. I’m sure no one enjoys wearing them, however snazzy they are. They’re uncomfortable, restrict breathing, steam up glasses and give you spots. But we’re trying to ameliorate the effect of the situation were in and that needs the vast majority of people to comply.

You and your son aren’t special OP.

Bendybarbarabee · 23/09/2020 13:46

Found THAT parent Hmm

HuggedTheRedwoods · 23/09/2020 13:46

It's great to see such a stong reaction to the ridiculous OP actions. This is one thread I'd be happy to see in the Daily Mail.

smellycats · 23/09/2020 13:55

Crikey.

The OP probably has heartfelt conversations with her DS about his HUMAN RIGHTS and how this is turning into a TOTALITARIAN state and how they must TAKE A STAND against OPPRESSION and things that damage MENTAL HEALTH and threaten FREEDOM. (etc).

And people in countries like Syria who have similar conversations with their children from a completely different perspective just weep at the utter selfish idiocy of the privileged entitled west.

It's so fucked up.

I must say though, the responses here made my heart lift a little. Maybe these dangerous selfish fools are a more of a minority than I initially thought.

ChardonnaysPetDragon · 23/09/2020 16:00

You need to write to the European Court or human rights as well , OP.

Like right now.

LadyGAgain · 23/09/2020 16:13

I'm sure my grandparents were in deep distress during WW2 OP. But you know what, they got on with it (both in the navy) because that's what we do for our fellow beings. Children were sent away from the cities and their parents for YEARS.
This is the time for everyone to do what they can to get through this time and looking after each other.

Happyheartlovelife · 23/09/2020 17:10

I have tubes coming out of my nose. I have all sorts of equipment I have to carry.

I can still wear a mask. We don't wear masks to protect ourselves

You wear a mask to protect me. Others like me. Who have disabilities or illnesses which means I'll die.

But you let your son not wear one. Let's hope your opinion isn't catching!

Happyheartlovelife · 23/09/2020 17:12

@NameChange2271

Whilst you are right. The law does state you have a choice to wear one

However. It also means the establishment (which is public. Not private). Also has a choice not to admit your child!!!

So yes. Go ahead. Make him chose to not wear a mask. But be prepared for them to not chose to admit him.

cansu · 23/09/2020 17:18

So
Your son does not have a medical condition or impairment, he just doesn't like wearing a mask?
Surely, a normal person would speak to a teacher at school and explain the problem. The school might suggest he tries a face shield if that is more comfortable and if he can't cope with that, they may say that he can have a pass.
Sending such a ridiculous letter is funny tbh. The staff will have a laugh at least!