A worried mum trying to protect the health of her family - including her vulnerable husband - claims a Leeds school has refused to let her daughter wear a mask during lessons.
Debbie Campbell's daughter returned to her school Bruntcliffe Academy in Leeds this week after the premises reopened for the new school year.
It would be her first day at the secondary school, as she joined year seven.
Debbie has an underlying health issue, while her partner (her daughter's step-father) has cystic fibrosis - and they had had been under the impression that her daughter could wear a mask at all times at the school.
However, when her daughter returned home, she said she was told that masks were not allowed to be worn in the classroom.
Debbie called the school to voice her concerns, for not only her child's safety but her own and her husband's, too.
She said: "I was very surprised that she had been told to take her mask off when in the classroom. That, to me, makes no sense.
"Just because they are in smaller classrooms does not mean there is not a big risk - especially with the rise of positive cases in the area."
Debbie added that she was worried about her daughter returning to school already, and the alleged mask issue has made her more anxious.
She said whilst she understands that the school are following the instructions given to them by the authorities, she questions why certain children cannot be allowed to wear a mask if it is their own choice to do so.
She said: "At the end of the day, we want to do what is our best for the health and safety of our family.
"We have provided her with a mask for her to wear at all times.
"If she does happen to get the virus, and passes it on to myself, or my husband then it could be extremely dangerous.
"My husband has been shielding for six months following advice from professionals. I dread to think what could happen if there is an outbreak at the school."
LeedsLive reached out to Bruntcliffe Academy for comment and asked the school for their guidelines to protect against the spread of coronavirus.
Laura Moore, Principal at Bruntcliffe Academy, says: "We understand the concerns of parents and carers during this uncertain time and around the risks associated with Covid-19. As an academy, we have worked tirelessly with colleagues across The GORSE Academies Trust to ensure our students’ safety is at the heart of our reopening this September.
"As Government guidance around opening measures has become available, we have ensured this has been implemented rigourously, alongside support from our central Health and Safety team.
"At this moment in time, Government guidance states that the use of face coverings within the classroom should be avoided due to the negative impact on learning and teaching.
"As a trust, we have made the decision to follow this current recommendation. Students are, however, permitted to wear face coverings in corridors and in social spaces if they wish to. Should Bruntcliffe Academy move into an area of 'national government intervention' then we will review our procedures in line with government guidelines.”
Students across Yorkshire have been asked to self-isolate after outbreaks of coronavirus in schools.
Schools have introduced 'bubbles' within their structures so outbreaks can be contained to the smallest number of students and staff as possible.
Elsewhere in Leeds, Bardsey Primary School in Woodacre Lane, Bardsey, delayed its reopening - scheduled for today - after a staff member tested positive and was told to self-isolate for 14 days.
The staff member had been in school with colleagues preparing for the new school year - and those staff also have to self-isolate at home for two weeks.
