Commons Sense

This week saw children at last return to the classroom and I could not be more pleased that the Government has stuck to its word and delivered on its promise of re-opening all schools fully.

As many of us with children will know, lockdowns take a heavy toll on children and young people by denying them the chance to focus properly on their own, socialise with their friends, and strike out on their own outside the confines of the household.

That is why it was essential that we prioritised reopening education in our first step of exiting lockdown.

I was therefore thrilled to see the Government stick to its commitment and reopen schools this week.

Parents and pupils alike were thrilled to be back in the classroom, and whilst there have been some necessary changes such as the introduction of rapid testing and the wearing of masks, it is great to see everyone adapt to these changes and working together to prioritise our children’s futures.

There are of course some teething problems, but this was to be expected. However, things can only become smoother and more straightforward as schools, pupils, and parents adjust to their new routines.

What we must now ensure is that we do not move backwards.

Now that schools have at last reopened, we must ensure that they stay that way.

With the continued success of the vaccination rollout, as well as the continued efforts of the British public in adhering to the lockdown, we have successfully put the country in a much stronger and resilient position in the face of this terrible pandemic.

Additionally, with take up of the vaccine exceedingly surpassing expectations brighter days for children and parents truly do lay ahead.