Relief as children head back to school

That sigh you heard across our community yesterday was one of relief as thousands of children returned to the classroom.

After months of homeschooling, headteachers reopened their doors to pupils much to the delight of the majority of mums and dads.

There was trepidation in the hearts of both parents and children, of that we’re in no doubt, but the majority of the community will share the view that education must continue for the sake of those young minds.

Our vox pop at Fatfield Academy in Washington revealed that heady mixture of delight, relief and hope for the future which we’re sure was repeated throughout the community.

The parents were as excited as the children after months of home-schooling which has only helped them appreciate even more the fantastic work of our teachers. And, as our story reveals, the teachers were also excited to see pupils back in the classroom.

Headteacher Tracy Pizl said : “We’re very excited to be back, we’re not anxious at all because we have all the safety procedures in place. I think it’s the right time for everyone to return because we can get all the pupils settled in before the Easter break. The parents are all welcoming the return of pupils and are extremely supportive of the school they have trust in us. Many children are desperate to see their friends and I think this is an important aspect of returning to school for social skills and mental health.”

We are not out of the woods yet, but seeing children heading back into schools is an uplifting moment that can only add to that feeling of optimism for the future. It feels good.