I've had a number of requests to re-post the thread on face coverings I deleted earlier this week after receiving a fair bit of abuse. I've done so here but have restricted replies and will mute the thread. I hope it helps

I’ve thought long and hard today before posting this thread but this article has prompted me to do so. This morning, after consulting with my SLT, Chair of Trustees, & asking other HTs what their plans were
/1 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/26/face-masks-in-school-tory-mps-expressed-alarm-before-u-turn

we have taken the decision to ask students to wear face coverings in our school buildings, including lessons. I can’t believe how polarised this debate has become. I am not a scientific expert (at all),nor do I believe all schools should adopt this policy, but in our school
/2

students are in closer contact in classrooms for a longer period of time, than they ever would be in communal areas, and although the science seems (fairly) clear that students who contract Covid-19 are unlikely to become very ill
/3

that does not seem to be true if it is transmitted to my staff or to their parents or grandparents. My thinking on this has changed (dramatically) over the last week and I have done a lot of reading over the last few days
/4

but this blog from @HFletcherWood hit home
/5 https://twitter.com/HFletcherWood/status/1298496582212624384?s=20

I don’t believe asking students to wear a mask is a breach of their civil liberties, nor do I believe it will lead to behaviour problems. I don’t know if it will prevent the spread of infection, but it might, so for us (in our tiny classrooms) it is worth trying.
/6

I am also struck by how many other countries have made this decision and they have (frankly) lower infection rates than us. I don’t know if this is the right decision (genuinely) but we’ll do it and review it after a couple of weeks.
/7