Schools across west Dorset opened to more pupils this week with new safety measures in place.

Salway Ash Primary School had 14 Year 6 pupils return, nine in reception, and 10 in Year 1 who will be in Monday to Thursday. Vulnerable children and those of key workers are in full time and have been throughout the lockdown.

The Minerva Learning Trust’s three primary schools - Bridport Primary School, Burton Bradstock Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School - all began opening their doors on Monday for children in early years, Year 1 and Year 6 and were fully open for the three year groups on Wednesday.

Staff had been preparing for the big day for a fortnight. There are lots of additional safeguards in place and no class is bigger than 15 pupils and most are smaller. There are new systems in place at lunchtime and playtimes to help children stay safe and extra washing and sanitising facilities have been put in place. Teachers have also devised one-way systems and set up classrooms to make them as safe as possible.

The schools are also grateful that parents have played their part too by sticking to the guidelines about dropping off children and picking them up in designated areas.

Prior to Monday, only the children of key workers and vulnerable children have been in school, which amounted to between five and 15 per cent attending each day at the three schools.

On Monday, they welcomed back between a quarter and a half of children in the designated year groups. Andrew Lovell, executive principal of the trust said: “Some parents have told us that they are waiting to see how things play out before deciding whether to send their children back to school. So, we think the number might increase over the next few days and weeks.”

Michaela Kite, head of Bridport Primary School, said: “I am really proud of the school community for their response in a time of crisis. Children have some back enthusiastic but listening carefully to all the messages about social distancing and how to stay safe.

“The staff have been brilliant, stepping into roles that are not familiar to them and learning new skills to adapt and overcome problems.

“Our parents have been incredibly supportive and worked with us to give both the children at home and those at school a positive experience.”

Claire Staple, head of Burton Bradstock Primary School, said: “The children were excited to be back in school and to see their friends again - they have really missed the social interaction with others. We are continuing to deliver our online learning platforms for year groups who haven’t been invited to return and also the children whose parents have decided not to return their children.

“I have been immensely proud of m staff and their commitment and hard work. In a very short time, they put in place online learning and have been instrumental in making these as successful as possible in such difficult circumstances.

“Now, with the new challenge of teaching in school and virtual teaching for pupils who remain at home, they have again displayed their incredible professionalism to make it work for all.

“Our children have also been amazing and the work that they have been completing at home on their learning platforms has been so creative.”