Teachers need more protection in the return to school Yorkshire health and education leaders have warned, after the Government said masks could get in the way of communication between teachers and pupils.

A Downing Street spokesman yesterday said masks could get in the way of communication between teachers and pupils.

Fiona Spellman, chief executive of Yorkshire-based education charity Shine, said there was a need for clarity over the rules on whether teachers or pupils can wear face masks in schools in England from the Government, particularly those medically vulnerable or in higher risk groups.

She said: "There will be teachers who have health risks, they are human beings after all.

Pupils in a Tunisian high school students wearing face masks. But Yorkshire health and education chiefs want clarification on wearing them in schools in England. Photo credit: FETHI BELAID/Getty Images.

"They have different medical situations of their own so - where it is necessary, you can understand why some teachers are finding it difficult to accept the situation where they are asked to wear a mask to go shopping in the supermarket but they are likely to be around lots of people - but are are unable to wear a mask in school."

Since the Government guidance was published on returning safely to school in early July, the use of masks has become more widespread - becoming compulsory in shops for example.

Ms Spellman said: "Much like when you go to a shop it does create a challenge for communication - it means we have to communicate differently but it nevertheless has been possible - to go in and buy things and be understood and have a conversation.

Yorkshire health and education chiefs call for masks for teachers ahead of school return