Page 18 | Safe to reopen schools

askmehowiknow · 2020-08-19T01:28:02+00:00

Article from oxford professor summarising new data that it's safe for children to be in school. Great pre September reading! https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/aug/18/children-covid-19-english-schools-virus-safe-reopening

Original poster

askmehowiknow · 20/08/2020 21:14

I say that as someone who has worn a mask throughout. It significantly impairs communication between adults. Do we honestly know how much it impairs communication for kids? Or do we assume if they don't speak out they're ok?

OP posts:

Charliescar · 20/08/2020 21:16

@noblegiraffe you are a bit harsh with your list . I think it’s quite offensive

Iamnotthe1 · 20/08/2020 21:17

@askmehowiknow
It significantly impairs communication between adults.

See, as I said, I've just not found that in the slightest. But, again, perhaps that's because making myself clearly understood has just become natural for me given my profession.

TaxTheRatFarms · 20/08/2020 21:17

askmehowiknow

Well, whether you imagine it or not, it’s a reality for a lot of people. I’m more pro-mask as I have had that positive experience, and know that it can work.

(You need to remember to talk a bit louder. People over here haven’t quite figured that out yet!)

ohthegoats · 20/08/2020 21:18

I don't think 'full time' schooling is really a thing to use as something children 'need'. I mean, French schools have fewer teaching days than us, seems to work fine. They need to be taught what we as a country have decided they need to be taught. They also need loads of time to play. Older children need time to learn to learn. They don't need to be in school for those two things.

9 - 3 is just hours we've set. 8.30 - 12 with 15 kids and only one break, would also be OK. 12.30 - 4pm with 15 kids and only one break would also be OK. They don't need or deserve more than that. We've just decided that they do.

We could have taken this as an opportunity to really think about state education. Shame we're governed by useless cunts.

TaxTheRatFarms · 20/08/2020 21:18

[quote Charliescar]@noblegiraffe you are a bit harsh with your list . I think it’s quite offensive[/quote]
Gavin, are you allowed to be on the internet this late at night?

StaffAssociationRepresentative · 20/08/2020 21:19

[quote Charliescar]@noblegiraffe you are a bit harsh with your list . I think it’s quite offensive[/quote]
However I think @noblegiraffe list is very good - quite polite under the circumstances of this thread

Original poster

askmehowiknow · 20/08/2020 21:19

[quote Iamnotthe1]@askmehowiknow
It significantly impairs communication between adults.

See, as I said, I've just not found that in the slightest. But, again, perhaps that's because making myself clearly understood has just become natural for me given my profession.[/quote]
I guess working for NHS making ourselves heard has also been a priority. But I can assure you that it's been a challenge with us all wearing masks.

Not to say we don't put up with it/repeat ourselves etc

I just worry for kids that wouldn't and would miss out.

OP posts:

StaffAssociationRepresentative · 20/08/2020 21:20

@TaxTheRatFarms - boom 💥

Lol

Charliescar · 20/08/2020 21:21

@latticechaos well my dentist must not be following guidelines? We didn’t have temperatures taken . The only difference was seats further apart in waiting room , and the dentist and nurse had visits on for a check up .

Original poster

askmehowiknow · 20/08/2020 21:24

[quote Charliescar]@noblegiraffe you are a bit harsh with your list . I think it’s quite offensive[/quote]
I wouldn't worry about posters making themselves look silly. Some of them have a habit of it!

OP posts:

Hercwasonaroll · 20/08/2020 21:24

It significantly impairs communication between adults.

I'm a teacher and don't think schools will be safe as they are. But I do agree with the above statement. I'm hearing impaired which makes masked communication very hard. There will be more students who rely on lip reading than those who are officially hearing impaired. When I'm out with my non hearing impaired husband he struggles too.

Original poster

askmehowiknow · 20/08/2020 21:26

@Hercwasonaroll

It significantly impairs communication between adults.

I'm a teacher and don't think schools will be safe as they are. But I do agree with the above statement. I'm hearing impaired which makes masked communication very hard. There will be more students who rely on lip reading than those who are officially hearing impaired. When I'm out with my non hearing impaired husband he struggles too.

Agree. So what would be your thoughts then on a practical way forward that doesn't discriminate?

OP posts:

Iamnotthe1 · 20/08/2020 21:27

@askmehowiknow
I just worry for kids that wouldn't and would miss out.

I can see why you might think that but it's not a worry I'd share. The children in my classes have largely been very vocal about their needs. But even amongst the quieter ones, it's pretty easy to spot when someone is unsure or needs support.

Original poster

askmehowiknow · 20/08/2020 21:29

[quote Iamnotthe1]@askmehowiknow
I just worry for kids that wouldn't and would miss out.

I can see why you might think that but it's not a worry I'd share. The children in my classes have largely been very vocal about their needs. But even amongst the quieter ones, it's pretty easy to spot when someone is unsure or needs support.[/quote]
Is that with you wearing a mask or them? How do you respond to what @Hercwasonaroll said?

OP posts:

Hercwasonaroll · 20/08/2020 21:30

Funding for more cleaners.

Funding for handwashing facilities.

Funding for extra staff for cover. It will be staff off isolating that shuts schools first, not covid cases.

Masks optional and teachers can decide. (logistically not good and could lead to tricky questions from students, but I don't want to have them in my room, but don't mind my colleagues).

An acceptance from the government that schools aren't going to be covid secure.

Original poster

askmehowiknow · 20/08/2020 21:33

@Hercwasonaroll

Funding for more cleaners.

Funding for handwashing facilities.

Funding for extra staff for cover. It will be staff off isolating that shuts schools first, not covid cases.

Masks optional and teachers can decide. (logistically not good and could lead to tricky questions from students, but I don't want to have them in my room, but don't mind my colleagues).

An acceptance from the government that schools aren't going to be covid secure.

Extra funding -yep

Masks optional... hmmm I'd prefer visors on teachers to ensure full communication for all. Optional for kids. Sure whatever

OP posts:

Iamnotthe1 · 20/08/2020 21:34

@askmehowiknow

Like I said in a previous post, I do think that there is an area of concern around those who are hearing impaired so if you have a child (or teacher) that is then you'll have to factor that in. I can't comment on her experiences with masks generally, other than to say it must be difficult. I don't share those same communication barriers and can only speak to my own experiences.

Original poster

askmehowiknow · 20/08/2020 21:35

An acceptance schools aren't covid secure?

I have no personal view either way. But from a legal point of view the government needs to issue guidance to prevent schools/LEA being sued don't they?

OP posts:

Hercwasonaroll · 20/08/2020 21:36

I thought there was something about visors being either useless or increase your chances of getting corona?

I'd wear a visor if I had to. They are OK for lipreading through but light can bounce awkwardly off them.

Iamnotthe1 · 20/08/2020 21:39

@askmehowiknow

Perhaps that is a possible solution. In classrooms where no-one is hearing-impaired, masks are used. In classrooms where someone is hearing-impaired, visors are used.

Not a perfect solution but it does aid communication whilst also providing some mitigation measures.

latticechaos · 20/08/2020 21:40

@Hercwasonaroll

I thought there was something about visors being either useless or increase your chances of getting corona?

I'd wear a visor if I had to. They are OK for lipreading through but light can bounce awkwardly off them.

Offer v limited protection, only useful with a mask was the latest I think yes.

Original poster

askmehowiknow · 20/08/2020 21:40

@Hercwasonaroll

I thought there was something about visors being either useless or increase your chances of getting corona?

I'd wear a visor if I had to. They are OK for lipreading through but light can bounce awkwardly off them.

Visors are also a bit rubbish to wear! Difficult to properly see through. Not sure how (insufficient) evidence compares between them and fAce coverings. A lot of people seem to be wearing them now.

OP posts:

Hercwasonaroll · 20/08/2020 21:40

I just worry for kids that wouldn't and would miss out

I was that kid.

Smart enough to mask it most of the time. Muddled answers when I hadn't heard a question, read textbooks when I missed explanations and luckily was bright enough to find ways round it. Not all students do. Students don't tend to speak up if they are struggling to hear if they can just about pick up enough to get by.

Iamnotthe1 · 20/08/2020 21:40

@Hercwasonaroll

There was work which said that they aided with preventing spread through droplets but not via the air without a mask as well.