CV and ECV teachers and PPE or face shields

[TiredMummyXYZ]

I know it’s only guidance but I was concerned to read that teachers aren’t supposed to wear face coverings except in very specific circumstances.

Our school had sourced face visors from a local secondary for staff use. They are clear plastic so you can still see the face fully and their use has been entirely optional. Anyone could choose to wear one regardless of whether they had underlying health conditions.

As someone due to return to the classroom in September I was reassured by having that option, especially as I work in infants where social distancing is difficult. I’m asthmatic (as is my little girl), my husband is diabetic and my almost 80 year old Mum (who has just joined our family bubble) is shielding with no other support. I love my job and before this had never had a day off but now I’m worried about passing something onto my loved ones.

The offer of a face shield made me feel slightly better about returning but now I’m worried the guidance might prevent them being used. Why can’t teachers & their families be offered some level of protection in the same way as other professions working in indoor spaces have been? Teachers will be exposed to potentially huge numbers of other families. I just can’t get my head around why we would be denied this basic right to protection. I imagine it will be uncomfortable but I’m prepared to put up with that in the hope of reducing the likelihood of transmission (bearing in mind that transmission is higher indoors and there is low confidence children don’t transmit). If others choose not to then that’s their choice but surely we should be able to take steps to protect ourselves if we

PPE for teachers in lots of other countries is permitted. Teachers are even being encouraged to wear masks in places like America where there are lots of anti-mask types yet teachers in this country are being denied that basic right. I can see why face masks could be problematic, especially for those with hearing problems, but why can we not at least wear a face shield if we want to?

For the first time in my life, I’m really starting to question my future in teaching. So I’d be interested to hear how other schools have responded to this situation - especially if you or your family members are clinically vulnerable or extremely clinically vulnerable x

I’m extremely clinically vulnerable and have been shielding. Am due back in September teaching reception. My Head has agreed to a face mask and shield if I want them, provided by me. Occ Health and my GP have backed me that it is a requirement for my return. I will definitely be wearing them, although will take the mask off for phonics teaching and greeting in the mornings. It has helped me feel much more confident about returning.

Glad you’ve been allowed to wear them SleepyMummy and absolutely right that shielding staff should be protected. I just hope that those who are ‘just’ clinically vulnerable, those with family members who have health conditions or indeed those that simply want to wear something for peace of mind are afforded some kind of protection too. I really can’t see why all teachers can’t be given the opportunity to wear a face shield if they choose to do so.

Thing with the masks though is that we only get protection if all of the kids are wearing one and that won't happen.

My secondary school has said it's up to students and staff if they want to wear a mask or face shield. But... I don't really see the point unless everyone is wearing them. I personally think everyone (excluding those with a medical reason) should have to wear a face shield as talking through a mask is hard. I would feel much happier standing in front of 30 kids all facing me if that were the case.