Students return to classrooms as lockdown eases

This week marked the first step of the roadmap out of lockdown as primary schools opened their doors to all pupils and secondary schools began the phased return of students.

Secondary schools are now running regular Covid testing, with pupils taking three tests in school before switching to being tested twice a week at home. Students must also wear face coverings while at school.

Colfox Academy has successfully implemented a testing programme - testing up to 400 students a day in its first week being reopen.

Adam Shelley, headteacher at Colfox, said: "Everything has been running smoothly so far. All the teaching staff and teachers are really happy to have the students back and I think the students are happy to be back as well.

"We’ve been trying to work remotely over the past two months but it really doesn’t compare to the experience of actually being in the classroom.

"It’s been really great – there's a buzz around the school for learning, students are excited to be back. We have had an 100 per cent attendance so far."

Colfox Acadamy and Beaminster School have both implemented testing programmes Picture: Colfox Acadamy

He added: "The biggest challenge has been setting up and administering the mass testing. Thankfully the students have been co-operating and we've had a lot of support not just from staff but from the wider Bridport community.

"We have the same social-distancing measures we had in place prior to the lockdown and we are mitigating the risk of spreading the virus wherever we can."

Children of key workers who attended St Catherine's Primary School throughout the lockdown designed and created 'welcome back' banners for their classmates' return to school.

Headteacher Sarah Terrey said: "The children have all returned to school extremely happy to be back, there is definitely a buzz of excitement around the school and our attendance is very good. Parents have been incredibly supportive throughout lockdown and we are proud of our children and staff and how they have come back into school, ready for lots of fun and lovely learning.

"Children that have not been in school received cards in the post at the weekend from their class friends and teacher, which was a lovely way to say they were looking forward to welcoming them back. The children of critical workers who were in school designed and made Welcome Back banners which were displayed across the school playground along with bunting as a nice surprise.

St Catherine's is operating with two separate bubbles for key stage 1 and key stage 2. The school is also implementing one-way systems, along with staggered lunches and breaks and making sure that the children are social distancing where possible.

Beaminster School, which teaches secondary level students, has carried out 500 tests since Monday, all of which have returned negative results.

Headteacher Keith Hales, said: "The students have been absolutely fantastic and their parents have been really supportive.

"We've been able to implement the testing programme so it’s very reassuring to know that the students coming back are safe.

"We’ve taken it nice and slowly over the first few days, making sure we had thoroughly explained the process to everyone and they knew what to expect. It was important that they come back to school comfortable and in the right frame of mind. If we focus on the well-being first then the learning will follow.

Kate Batorska, headteacher of St Mary's Primary School, said: “It’s gone really well so far – we’ve had nearly all the children back in and its so lovely to have them back in the classroom.

“There are lots of smiles on the children’s faces, I think they’re really happy to be back.

“We’ve had a gentle start, we’ve kept a normal routine but it’s been very soft within that routine. The children have been reconnecting with friends and staff and making learning interactive and fun so they know they can do it. We’ve been carrying out lots of confidence building activities to rebuild their believe in themselves.

She added: “They are sticking to their routines and washing their hands and they’ve eased straight back into all the structures we had in place before the current lockdown.”

Headteacher of Bridport Primary School, Michaela Kite, said: "It has been wonderful to have all the children back in again; there is a great buzz of excitement.

"It hasn't been easy for some families, but the school community has been incredibly supportive, and attendance is high. Our focus for this week has been on ensuring the children feel safe and happy, settling back into school routines."