Twynham School in Christchurch says masks to be worn for up to two weeks

Furious parents voiced their concerns when Twynham School head teacher Jy Taylor announced last week that all pupils would have to wear masks inside any building at the the Sopers Lane school.

The decision was made despite the Prime Minister describing the wearing of masks in the classroom as “clearly nonsensical.”

Boris Johnson went on to say: “You can’t teach with face coverings; you can’t expect people to learn with face coverings.”

Just three days before pupils were due to return to the classroom at Twynham, the Chief Executive Officer of Twynham Learning sent another letter to parents telling them masks would be compulsory in the classroom for a maximum of two weeks.

Gareth Morris said the time limit has been set “to enable the school to ‘normalise’ the large bubbles being formed following the re-integration of many students who have extensively travelled from both national and international high-risk locations and also have been exposed to low levels of social distancing during the summer.”

He also said children will be given the opportunity for regular short breaks and areas to remove/re-adjust masks when in class.

And he added: “Each head teacher was required to undertake detailed risk assessments, tailored to the individual context that they operate in.

“Throughout the holiday period every school in the Trust has shown they have dedicated staff who care considerably about the children in their school, and the weight of responsibility to make the ‘right decision’ in an environment of often changing advice and guidance has been ever present.

“The measures proposed for Twynham School are no different in terms of commitment to care, guidance and support which have been significant factors in all planning and discussions across the Twynham Learning family of schools.”

Masks will be used in transition between lessons “as an ongoing longer strategy”and staff will wear masks “where relevant.” The rules will be reviewed weekly.

Mr Morris added: “I look forward to a successful return for all of our students and through robust and prudent measures we will ideally achieve a quick return to the normal conditions we have previously enjoyed.

“However, this will only be achieved through engaging in a partnership of respect, trust and tolerance and supporting the school through circumstances that nobody has chosen but will be overcome as a community together with both dignity and decency.”

Among the concerns voiced about masks in the classroom was that there had been no consultation with parents.

Many also said it would make communication difficult between pupils and staff.