Back in class at last, it’s the bubble pack
THERE were a few parental tears at the school gates yesterday but the children got straight down to work embracing the ‘new normal’.
It helped that many of them had returned when it was allowed to reopen in July and were so diligent that some precautions against Covid-19 have now been dropped.
Head teacher Sue Jackson said: ‘Over the summer we went a bit OTT and had warning signs about social distancing and markers separating the corridors, but it felt like a prison – it was too scary. We didn’t need it as the pupils have figured it out for themselves and been told about the situation by their parents.’
Around 700 of the 1,000 who attend Lee Chapel Primary School in Basildon, Essex, returned in July and yesterday attendance was back to average levels.
Children arriving at the school have to disinfect their hands before entering a one-way walking system to classrooms, where there are hand dryers and sinks for more cleaning.
Year groups have been placed into ‘bubbles’, with each allocated its own playground and given an allotted lunch time.
In classrooms, tables have been rearranged into front-facing positions so pupils do not face each other. And in the canteen, seats are marked with an X or a smiley face to let them know where they can safely sit to socially distance.
Cleaning staff disinfect the premises throughout the day and the school, rated outstanding by Ofsted, has decided to make wearing face masks discretionary.
‘It is so much effort but it is worth it,’ said Miss Jackson, who has been in charge of the school for 21 years.