Face masks in schools may be required beyond May 17

FACE masks may still be mandatory in schools beyond May 17, the schools minister has told MPS, despite warnings that they are causing problems.

The decision on lifting the measure when indoor rules ease will depend on “the data”, Nick Gibb told the Commons education select committee.

Caroline Johnson, Conservative MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, has heard of children “really suffering” as a result of wearing masks.

“Particularly as we’ve entered hayfever season and the pollen can lodge in the mask and the extra heat affects children with skin conditions like acne,” she said.

“Mask wearing is becoming more difficult for young people particularly on top of the communication skills issue.”

Mr Gibb said: “There will be a review leading up to step three and the expectation is that if everything is successful,

‘A clear mask for all teachers is very important for pupils who are deaf, but that doesn’t always happen’

and the road map is going in the direction we expect it to, then face masks won’t be necessary.

“It depends on the data and the evidence and the advice from Public Health England.”

Fleur Anderson, Labour MP for Putney, suggested that some deaf students were “losing out” because not all teachers were wearing clear face masks.

She said: “I’ve been contacted by pupils who are deaf and the impact of having a clear mask for all teachers is very important for them, but they’re saying that doesn’t always happen for deaf pupils and so they’re losing out on education.”

Pupils and teachers who are speaking to, or providing assistance to, someone who relies on lip-reading or facial expression, are exempt from wearing face masks in class.