Differing views from parents over the return of their children to school life

AS children head back to school after months off due to the coronavirus, two Portsmouth parents have shared their opinions on their youngsters returning this week.

Jo Reddin from Drayton is pleased her 17-year-old son Harry and 12-year-old daughter Poppy are going back to college and school over the next few days.

The HR manager said: ‘I think it is important that they get back into their routine and for my son, who has ADHD, it is especially important.

‘As a single parent, the last few months have been hard but the kids’ teachers have been amazing. I listened in to a few of Poppy’s virtual classes at St Edmund’s School and they have been amazing.

‘But despite all the social media and everything, it isn’t the same as seeing their friends. I think they feel a little trepidation about it all because they don't know what to expect but I think it will become the new normal for them quickly.’

Kiera Baillie doesn’t want her children to go back to school just yet as she is worried about getting the virus herself, through transmission via her children, as she is high risk.

She said: ‘I don’t want mine to go back. I am high risk so I worry a lot plus I have loved every minute of having them home.

‘I am going to miss them so much.’

Posting on The News’ Facebook page, Hayley Lowry said: ‘I don’t want mine going back. I’m high risk and both children are high. And I think if it’s not safe for civic offices and doctors surgeries to open, then it’s not safe for the schools to be open.’

But Charlene Martin said: ‘When the school opens, my children will be there 100 per cent. If the teachers are confident, so am I. My children went during lockdown as me and my husband are both key workers. I trusted them then and still do now! The children need the education and I trust my child’s school to inform us parents if any break-outs occur and they need to isolate.’

And Victoria Hutchinson posted: ‘My children went back in June when lockdown ended as my husband and I went back to work.

’Was the best thing for our boys as they coped brilliantly and had routine and structure back.

‘The schools are ready and taking every precaution – send your children back.’