Pupils ready to step into unknown as schools prepare for reopenings
Education bosses have said children will be “safer in school”, as pupils and parents get ready for a new term post-lockdown.
Staggered start and finish times, increased hygiene and mental health training for teachers to support pupils – the start of this new school year will be very different to usual.
For some students, it will be the first time they have stepped foot in a classroom since lockdown began in March – others may have returned to lessons gradually in June.
Education chiefs and headteachers said they have been following national guidance throughout the pandemic and are reassuring families that the school setting will be safe. Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for education and skills, said: “As far as we are concerned reopening schools will reopen safely for all. The protection of children is our first priority.
“It is important for all of our children to go back to school as soon as possible for their wellbeing and learning.
“All advice that has been given is in conjunction with Public Health England and our own Public Health advisors.
“Children are actually safer in school than they are playing out.”
Parents are also being asked to play their part and not gather at the school gates at the start or end of the day – they are being urged to stay away and get tested if they have any coronavirus symptoms.
Schools will also be introducing class and year-group bubbles as well as boosting cleaning measures to improve safety for staff and pupils.
Councillor Chris Towe, Walsall Council’s portfolio holder for education and skills added: “As national guidance emerged the council has developed and revised model risks assessments which schools have used to review the steps they needed to put in place to welcome pupils back safely.
“During the summer teams across the council have continued to support schools to ensure a safe re-opening in September.
“This has ranged from training teachers in mental health first aid to support pupils as they return, staggering lunchtime provision to enable social distancing in bubbles through to highways support as schools utilise different entrances and exits to maximise social distancing.”
Andrew Clewer, headteacher of Landywood Primary School in Great Wyrley, said he will be welcoming almost 400 pupils back into school next Thursday.
“Safety is our number one priority and we are confident in the measures that we have in place,” he said.
“We had a 90 per cent attendance rate in July and have built on the systems we had before the summer holidays which were working really well and had sent a survey to parents to improve the measures we have in place. We are looking forward to welcoming all of our children back into school.” A free webinar session is also being offered today by Dudley Council providing advice to youngsters concerned about going back.
Councillor Ruth Buttery, Dudley Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It is only natural that some will feel anxious about returning.
“Parents and carers can help their children prepare for next month by talking openly and listing to any worries they may have.”
Visit dudleyparentsupport.eventbrite.co.uk to take part. It starts at 11am.
