Thread by @SafeEdForAll_UK

1/7 As parents, we are concerned ab insufficient Covid19 control in schools. Govt now admits students spread it. We have made proposals (see pinned tweet). But govt ignores us & seems to ONLY listen to WEIRD “herd immunity” linked parent lobby, which we want to tell you about.

2/7 UsForThem was created 5/20, claiming to represent parents. Core demand=schools back to normal despite Covid19. Group appears to push for flawed “herd immunity” plans supported by Great Barrington Declaration, which they encourage public to sign, regardless of qualifications.

3/7 To oppose Covid19 policies in schools, UFT cites mental health impacts lockdown/school closure, but disregards making schools safer e.g. masks/rota/distancing to AVOID closures/disruption. Long term factors MH crisis in kids, e.g. cuts to CAHMS or SEND support not mentioned.

4/7 By Aug, 3 months after creation, group FB admin got to meet PM; “activists” regularly quoted in media, incl column in Telegraph. Core demands all met by September despite not being science based – see letter to supporters in Aug.

5/7 By their own admission, UFT is engaged in “non disclosable” behind scenes activities & are helped by “non public advisor” behind scenes which could explain rapid rise to influence despite most of us parents not being in agreement with their agenda.

6/7
While we do not dispute UFT’s right to exist, we wonder about motives of untransparent group, unfriendly to parents concerned ab schools, with huge access to govt. We strongly object to it claiming it represents all parents. Silent majority we believe want pandemic contained.

7/7 We also argue lack of Covid19 safety in school highly discriminatory towards children & school staff, who have right to same precautions of other indoor settings. Discrimination particularly evident towards adults/children forced to attend despite being clinically vulnerable.