‘Masks in school for shortest time possible’
WALES’S Children’s Commissioner says masks being worn by pupils in schools should be “for the minimum time possible”.
Professor Sally Holland said young people and their parents have raised concerns with her about having to wear masks in secondary school classrooms, since they reopened to more pupils from March 22.
She has written to Education Minister Kirsty Williams asking her to keep the policy under constant review.
Stricter Welsh Government guidance, implemented since schools reopened, says masks should be worn by high school and college learners whenever they can’t socially distance, including in classrooms.
Previously pupils in secondary schools were asked to wear masks in all communal areas of school but not in the classroom.
Those aged 14 and above are also being offered voluntary twiceweekly rapid-result Covid tests. Tests are not compulsory but “strongly recommended” by Welsh Government.
Some parents who disagree with masks in schools have written to schools asking them not to require pupils to wear masks.
Professor Holland said she has also been contacted by parents and pupils unhappy about the new mask policy.
“I’ve heard concerns from young people and parents this week about the impact wearing a mask all day has on wellbeing. I’ve raised it with the Education Minister and asked that this current policy is kept under constant review and should remain for the minimum time possible,” she tweeted.
Professor Holland said yesterday that families and some young people have contacted her office about masks since more children started going back to school and she has also taken views from her youth advisory panel, which includes 40 members from across Wales, representing 25 secondary schools.
“Opinions and experiences are varied, as you would expect. Some young people said they were just happy to be back at school, some say they feel more confident wearing a mask and some say they find masks uncomfortable and hot and it’s uncomfortable to wear them for such a length of time.
“This is a big step up, wearing masks in the classroom, it’s a longer period of time and a really difficult balance and we need to know we are not going beyond what is absolutely necessary.
“My main plea (to the Welsh Government) is that they keep this under constant review and really think about the impact it’s having.”
Governors and head teachers have told Professor Holland’s team that the stricter mask policy is causing conflict with some parents and there is concern on how strict they are about how pupils about enforcing the guidance. with hearing impairment and those exempt from “It seems a pretty mixed wearing masks are being picture with some schools affected. still wanting masks worn
There are also variations outside through to others in how schools are being really supportive of enforcing wearing masks. personal choice. I am very Some schools are telling glad to see the commissioner teachers to wear them calling for them to when teaching even when be a mitigation for as short they are two metres from a time as possible,” she pupils. said.
Professor Holland said Teenagers returning to people have not raised school for the first time in concerns about voluntary three months on March 22 lateral flow tests, but some had mixed feelings about pupils had asked why they having to wear masks all had to do this as well as day and in the classroom. wear masks. Some said they would
Kate Hughes, from campaign do anything just to be group Usforthemcymru, back in school for face-toface which describes teaching and seeing itself as campaigning for friends. “schools to be open as On the day they normal”, said parents have returned Halle Harbod, reported that schools vary 16, from Afon Taf High, Troedyrhiw, Merthyr, said “masks in class are not ‘‘ ideal” but that she would do anything to keep schools open.
Ollie Fredriksen, 16, from St Richard Gwyn RC High, in Barry, said: “Anything to be back in school, masks, tests. I want to take tests so we can help keep things safe and get back to normal.
“I had Covid at Christmas. I didn’t get it in school and just felt tired, not ill, but I am happy to take tests and wear masks to help keep things safe and be in school.”
Earlier this month more than 50 parents signed a letter to St Cyres School and Stanwell School in Penarth, saying they were unhappy about the Welsh Government requiring pupils to wear masks in the classroom in some circumstances.
Anna Brees, from Usforthempenarth, said:
“Children in the classroom need to smile, speak, and learn. They have now been out of school for three months and as parents we need to protect those we love. Children need to exist in a safe and happy environment where they can learn and speak freely without fear.”
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Our guidance advises that face coverings should be worn in the classroom by staff and learners in secondary schools where social-distancing arrangements cannot be maintained, as well as in all areas of the school building outside the classroom.
“If there are circumstances where a pupil is unable to wear a face covering, this is something they or their family can discuss with the school.
“We will continue to be guided by the latest scientific and medical advice as we keep this guidance under constant review.”
Welsh Government guidance says the Chief Medical Officer for Wales recommends, but does not mandate, the use of face coverings in secondary schools and secondary school-age settings.
It adds: “This should be subject to a local risk assessment in the school or setting. It can provide additional protection where other physical controls such as social distancing and reduced contact cannot be or are unlikely to be maintained.
“Schools are under a duty to take all reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus; the use of face coverings, by staff and learners, where relevant, can be one of those measures.”
I’ve heard concerns from young people and parents this week about the impact wearing a mask all day has on wellbeing. I’ve raised it with the Education Minister and asked that this current policy is kept under constant review and should remain for the minimum time possible - Tweet from Children’s Commissioner for Wales Professor Sally Holland