Back to school
HEAD TEACHER IS LOOKING FORWARD TO AN EMOTIONAL REUNION WITH HER PUPILS
A NOTTINGHAMSHIRE head teacher said she and her staff were “delighted” after it was confirmed that all pupils will be back at school from March 8.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed yesterday that restrictions on schools and colleges would be the first to be lifted.
Head teacher of Chetwynd Primary Academy in Toton, Lorraine Tonks, said: “It was what I was hoping for and what I expected, so not a surprise, but it is still such a relief.
“While delivering a Zoom assembly to our students I was just saying how nice it will be to have everyone back again and we had all our fingers crossed it would happen.
“It will make our lives so much easier. Parents have been so patient and staff are working so hard, it is a win for everyone. I am delighted.”
Mrs Tonks said 186 students at the school were already attending due to the large number of parents who work at neighbouring Chetwynd barracks, as well as local hospitals. Since January 5 schools have only been able to open for vulnerable students or those whose parents are critical workers.
“For some parents, they are juggling roles as key workers as well as keeping children at home,” Mrs Tonks added.
“It’ll be quite emotional when we’re all back together, because hopefully this will be the last time we go into lockdown. How could we go through it all again?
“I think now, everyone’s spirits have been lifted. All the staff are delighted, some even a bit teary. It’s all good news.” Speaking to MPS yesterday, Mr Johnson said: “All the evidence shows that classrooms are the best places for our young people to be and that’s why I’ve always said that schools would be the last to close and the first to reopen.”
He said there would be twice weekly testing of secondary school and college pupils and that families and childcare bubbles will be encouraged to get tested regularly. Breakfast and after-school clubs will also be able to reopen as well as other children’s activities including sport.