Clear masks for teachers 'could reassure York pupils' heading back to school
Advice is being given to help reduce anxiety for students and parents.
It's been suggested that transparent face masks could be used to help teachers reassure pupils as they head back to school.
From Monday (8th March), all age groups will be returning to the classroom. Outdoor after-school sports clubs and activities will also be allowed to resume.
Annetta Wormald is a York counsellor and psychotherapist, and told Greatest Hits Radio York that it can be a stressful time for pupils and parents: "It hasn't been easy for people at all. What I've found is that children have been anxious and lost that contact.
"They've also seen their parents being anxious, and have had the anxiety of learning online rather than in a group. Especially for the little ones who have only recently started school, their experience has been fragmented right from the start.
"Going back to school in the long run is definitely a positive. We all do need to be able to exercise our social skills and have friendships.
"For a parent to enter school they have to wear a mask, and a child knows that they're safe by looking at faces. A child on the autistic spectrum especially need that facial reassurance, but masks take that away from them.
"What I would say is that explain the rules around masks to children, but say goodbye to your child with your mask off outside the school grounds. Meet them at their level and make eye contact. If you then take your child into the school with your mask on you've then already given that facial reassurance beforehand.
"It's so confusing for children of all ages when they can't quite read their teacher's face. They need to see the mouth, and there are masks with clear mouths. When you pick up a child after school, really greet them at their level to help reassure them. As a parent, it helps to reduce anxiety for yourself, too".