Primary schools re-open

The town's primary schools have partially re-opened, with some Year 1, Year 6 and Reception returning to lessons.

St.Andrew Primary School in Calton Avenue

Abel Smith and St.Andrew have opened their doors to Year 6 pupils, with Year 1 returning next Monday 8th June. Children will remain in their classroom and have a designated class outside play area and classes will not mix during the day. Class sizes are limited to 15.

At Simon Balle All-through School, 75% of Year 1 and Reception pupils turned up for their first day of school in ten weeks. There is no Year 6 at the school.

Staggered start and finish times are also a part of the new arrangements, with parents also not allowed in to the school grounds.

Many schools have remained open throughout the lockdown period for vulnerable children and those with keyworker parents.

Councillor Terry Douris, Cabinet Member for Education, Libraries and Localism said: "The vast majority of our primary schools have opened for pupils on Monday June 1 after weeks of planning and preparation to manage the safe, phased return of pupils.

"The government has been clear that reopening was subject to progress in managing the Covid-19 epidemic remaining acceptable. The safety of our children and school staff is paramount and schools have been completing thorough risk assessments to ensure this safety can be maintained through appropriate social distancing, hygiene and personal protection.

"Parents and carers are being asked to play their part by agreeing to enter and leave the school premises as directed, observing social distancing and not gathering at the gates. The phased reopening depends on the circumstances of each school, and the extent to which the wellbeing of the school community can be assured.

“Massive thanks to all our headteachers, support staff, parents and pupils for their help and co-operation during this phased period of transition from the Covid-19 lockdown back to school. We appreciate it is a huge step to take after weeks of isolation and can assure them of our unstinting support to make this process as safe and stress-free as possible."

Secondary schools, sixth form, and further education colleges have been asked to begin some face to face support with year 10 and 12 pupils, although it is not expected that these pupils will return on a full-time basis at this stage.

Term ends on Tuesday 21st July with the next academic year due to start on Wednesday 2nd September 2020.

This article was updated on 3/6/20 to include quotes from Councillor Terry Douris.