Covid: Children's rights group accuse school of 'child abuse' over 'internal isolation' threats for pupils who forget face mask

UsforThem, a children's rights group, have blasted a 'despicable' secondary school for telling parents that children would face 'individual isolation' if they arrived without a mask.

The group posted the firm letter to parents from the school, which shows the schools zero-tolerance approach to pupils arriving without a mask.

UsforThem argued the school's 'non-negotiable' stance, including removing children from lessons for the entirety of the day if they repeatedly forget their mask, should be considered 'child abuse'.

Schools currently have autonomy, on the basis of guidance from their local authority, whether face coverings need to be worn in communal spaces like classrooms and corridors.

UsforThem wrote: We’ve seen some disturbing things since we launched 18 months ago, but this might be No. 1. This is a despicable way to treat children and it’s time to start calling it what it is ~ Child abuse.'

The note to parents, lays out plans to take students without masks out of classes from 23rd November, stating: 'If students arrive in school without a mask, we issue them with one.

'Unfortunately we cannot give these out for free. To receive an emergency mask, we expect a donation to Young Minds (a mental health charity) at the gate.'

The letter goes on: 'For students who persistently forget their mask there will not be an option to buy another. They will instead be put in internal isolation for the day and each day they forget their mask'.