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

[NameChange2271]

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)

I actually like that idea grin I've watched so many bellend parents on the schools Facebook page being downright rude about their kids being muzzled. I think a thankyou would boost some spirits a bit personally.

Totally agree!

No, I won't. The letter is so over the top, unnecessary, and frankly ridiculous.

I completely understand the need for all staff in schools to make allowances for children who have medical needs, or learning or physical difficulties, to have a list and make sure all staff is familiar with it, but if a child has no medical needs then they should be wearing a mask.

@NameChange2271

DS doesn’t have medical needs on the system. It wasn’t until masks became a thing that we knew he struggled with them.

The DfE says that masks should not be part of uniform. Schools should not be enforcing them, they are OPTIONAL

Then you inform the school your son has medical needs which have recently come to light and he is exempt. Simple pimple. No need to reference solicitors or aggressive wording. You’re talking to your child’s school, not presenting your case to a judge.

Oh fgs, so no medical need whatsoever, just finds it a bit unpleasant to wear. News flash. So does everyone. We're just getting on with it.

And why the hell is it shocking that some people support their kids wearing a mask? My kids are quite happy to wear them. Not everyone has to create a big drama out of everything all the time. Why would I fight for my kids right not to wear something they're happy wearing?

What do you think your solicitor will do if a teacher does ask him why he isn't wearing a mask?

Yes, I'd be fascinated to know this too. Sue them for... having a system which allows kids to have a pass if they can't wear a mask?

Then please withdraw your son til this is all over. Schools are trying desperately hard to stay open while children drop like flies (we’re down to about 85% attendance and it keeps lowering). Anything and everything should be done to keep us open and functioning. I think every teacher would prefer actually teaching, than wasting time dealing with your nonsense of a letter. But I do hope a solicitor stiffed you properly for wasting their time as well.

Actually, as a result of this thread, let's all write a quick email to our schools thanking them for a great job.

@NameChange2271

DS doesn’t have medical needs on the system. It wasn’t until masks became a thing that we knew he struggled with them.

The DfE says that masks should not be part of uniform. Schools should not be enforcing them, they are OPTIONAL

Struggled with them in a medical sense of struggled with them in the but Mommmm I don't want to wear one, it's not faaaaaaair!! ?

FFS.

Of course I won't send in a letter like this. I am positive that any school will be perfectly understanding if your DC need to be exempt from wearing a face mask.

OP is this your entry for a new 'Daft Thread of the Day' competition?

If so, top work- otherwise get a fucking grip.

@arethereanyleftatall

Actually, as a result of this thread, let's all write a quick email to our schools thanking them for a great job.

Good idea!

The DfE says that masks should not be part of uniform.

The guidance says they should be worn where different groups will be unavoidably in contact- such as corridors between lessons. This is exactly the situation you describe.

Send your letter OP. It will make no difference because the first most staff will hear of it is when it's read out at the Christmas party.

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

Do you have multiple solicitors? What have they done with your letter, framed it?

Another snowflake raising a future generation of snowflakes. No thanks.
Give your head the biggest of wobbles.

If he’s exempt he doesn’t wear one, that’s fine. Everyone else should. If everyone stops wearing them you can look forward to months and months of homeschooling instead.

Not this one again.

Most schools don't have the full medical history of kids "on the system "
Just ask nicely for an exemption card for him and not threaten with solicitors etc Threatening them will create a nasty relationship between you and the school and I find that schools can be very reasonable if you ask nicely. I've already talked to the school about glasses wearers possibly getting exemptions if masks in the classroom became a thing and they said that they would think about it should be happen. (Dd has not had luck with the steaming up)

I believe that masks can be made mandatory in communal areas and corridors if you're in a local lockdown area btw. The guidance from the DFE isn't law.

Do people really have their own solicitors?
What is your solicitor going to do in this situation?

@ChequerBoard

OP is this your entry for a new 'Daft Thread of the Day' competition?

If so, top work- otherwise get a fucking grip.

My thoughts exactly!

I’m a teacher, just tested positive for covid and in bed feeling rubbish. If I saw a letter like that I would probably lose my job due to my response.
Wear a mask, get your kids to wear masks - don’t be a selfish twat.

Drama llama!!

Why would you want to communicate in this fashion with the people trying to educate your child? Are they the enemy?

Don’t understand why people choose these hills to die on. You don’t come across as a brave dissenter challenging an oppressive regime, just someone who doesn’t know how to communicate very well.

but I think it’s important to protect our children.

Won't somebody think of the children?!?!

@NameChange2271

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.

Ok then. Your letter is a bit much though and as for encouraging me to use it - no.

I'm at a loss at what we are 'protecting our children' from. Except CV19? Schools issue passes for stuff like this. Teachers are obliged to make sure pupils are adhering to school policy, they aren't being unreasonable to ask. I had a pass at school that allowed me to leave a lesson to go to the toilet due to a medical condition. By mid September, all my teachers knew and the pass stayed at the bottom of my bag until July. Making a fuss where there is no need.