School still requiring masks in communal areas

[TheFuckThatIGave]

We've just had letters today from both ds's schools saying that following discussions amongst area heads, all secondaries in the area will still be requiring students to wear face masks in communal areas from Monday, exempt students aside. This is directly contrary to the DfE guidance this week. Anyone else had similar?

I think it’s a good thing! I hope other parents don’t see this and use it to kick off with the school, they are clearly doing it because they want to protect both students and staff.

I'm annoyed but not surprised that one child's school has decided to keep masks - I think staff pressure is playing a part in this decision

The other is happily ditching masks

Yes and I agree with it.

@BarefootHippieChick

Adding to that though, bubbles aren't changing so kids will still only be in contact with those in their bubble.

You know this is an absolute myth, right?

In big secondary schools (or even small ones) pupils were still sharing bathrooms, lunch halls, teachers etc.

‘Bubble’ sounds lovely, but is really not that secure.

Very sensible. If you have ever stood in a narrow school corridor with hundreds of students at changover of lessons you would understand why they are needed. Many teachers are still unvaccinated.

I'm no lawyer but I would assume the schools can make their own decision on this , just as they can on other rules, such as whether pr not to have a uniform. The DfE is only giving guidance.

IMO it is far to early for masks to be removed in schools. It is unacceptable that school staff are being expected to work in unventilated. crowded spaces without masks being worn when I can't go into Tescos without one.

@BarefootHippieChick my DS secondary school has said the same. Optional for those who want to continue to wear a mask.

Same here! But it was his last day today so hurrah!!!

This goes against DFE guidance and I'd hope the government will come down hard on schools and LAs doing this.

I would support masks remaining in place in communal areas only in areas with very high covid rates. On the basis that this was reviewed on a daily basis by local directors of public health.

We are keeping them for now, as is DPs school in Bolton. Saying that we currently have 6 actual cases and are waiting 5 PCR tests after positive LFTs. Despite what the government think, this isn't going away.

@FriedHam

This goes against DFE guidance and I'd hope the government will come down hard on schools and LAs doing this.

I would support masks remaining in place in communal areas only in areas with very high covid rates. On the basis that this was reviewed on a daily basis by local directors of public health.

Why?

Do you work with 1300 members of the public on a daily basis? Often in confined areas with little ventilation and no PPE? Can you think of any other employees who are expected to?

Exactly TheJackieWeaver

DD's secondary is asking for masks to be worn in classrooms and communal areas until at least half term.

They've had a few positive cases in the last couple of weeks, so I would've been far more surprised if they'd decided not to bother with masks. It's a sensible decision in my opinion.

It's the same in my school despite not having a positive case since the beginning of the year. Teachers and pupils can remove their masks in the classroom though.

We've been told no masks in school at all from Monday - just on buses.

Yes except ours is in class as well, will be reviewed after exams finish and there are 400 less kids in school.

Yes, no change with regard to masks at our school. Very sensible. I trust the school far more than I trust our government, and I'm grateful that they're doing their best to keep everyone safe.

Sounds sensible to me too. I think ds' 6th form college is requiring it on buses but not in college, even in communal areas.

My children just had to miss 3 days of school waiting covid tests results, which were negative. Masks may help to reduce transmission of regular bugs too, thus reducing illness and children having to take time off to test. Turns out my kids just had a bog standard cough.

Our secondary has said from Monday masks just in communal areas and corridors. They say it will help a shift back to normal communication and learning.

Teachers may still wear masks if they like. I think kids might be allowed if the choose as well.

I am actually surprised. Our school had masks in corridors etc before the government guidance said about it. So right back in September. Then also actively encouraged in class too. We are London with cases of the India variant about. So I thought they might keep masks in class until half term.

@BarefootHippieChick

Adding to that though, bubbles aren't changing so kids will still only be in contact with those in their bubble.

Bubbles are not actually happening though, are they?

Please be aware that staff won't have been vaccinated yet.

Yes, the same here. Masks are staying in communal areas and corridors. DD is not particularly excited but she’ll survive. She struggled with keeping masks at lessons, she’s exempt but we advised her to have it on if she can or if the classroom is small.

I'd be thrilled if our school did this.

@FriedHam

This goes against DFE guidance and I'd hope the government will come down hard on schools and LAs doing this.

I would support masks remaining in place in communal areas only in areas with very high covid rates. On the basis that this was reviewed on a daily basis by local directors of public health.

So what? It's guidance only, that's why it's called guidance - it's not statutory.

I think the DFE will rightly be taking action against schools that are refusing to implement the new mask policy. The expert advice is that the benefits of masks in schools no longer outweigh the disadvantages.

We cannot have a situation where individual schools are making up their own policies on the hoof.

Hopefully the government will issue a very clear instruction to schools that it will take action if they refuse to follow instructions.