Masks U-turn for schools

SCHOOLS MAY require children and staff to wear face coverings in communal areas after a change in policy announced last night by the Government.

The Department for Education said it had revised its guidance for staff and children in Year 7 and above in England as a result of new advice by the World Health Organisation.

In areas where extra restrictions have been imposed, such as Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees, the guidance says face coverings should be worn in secondary schools in corridors and communal areas. Schools would still be opening in these areas.

TEACHERS NEED protection in the return to school, Yorkshire health and education leaders have warned, after the Government said masks could get in the way of communication between teachers and pupils.

A Downing Street spokesman on Monday said their use might cause issues with teachers and pupils speaking to each other.

Fiona Spellman, chief executive of Yorkshire-based education charity Shine, said there was a need for clarity over the rules on whether teachers or pupils can wear face masks in schools in England from the Government, particularly those medically vulnerable or in higher risk groups.

She told The Yorkshire Post: “There will be teachers who have health risks, they are human beings, after all...You can understand why some teachers are finding it difficult to accept the situation where they are asked to wear a mask to go shopping in the supermarket but they are likely to be around lots of people – but are unable to wear a mask in school.”

Since the Government guidance was published on returning safely to school in early July, the use of masks has become more widespread – becoming compulsory in shops for example.

“Clearly it is possible to communicate with a mask because that is what we are all having to do in a whole range of situations right now,” Ms Spellman said.

She added the fact that face coverings were still a point of “contention” this close to schools reopening was a concern.

Professor Mahendra Patel, from the University of Bradford, said there was a need for extra protection for teachers returning to schools in the UK’s coronavirus, especially for BAME teachers.

He said: “A one-sized approach does not fit all here... We need the teachers in full strength and in full force to help plug the gaps we have seen which could affect children’s potential development for now and for the future.”