As part of the UK Government’s first step out of lockdown, schools are welcoming back all pupils. We look at the benefits to children in returning to school and the protective measures that have been put in place for students, their families and teachers.
SOCIALISING AGAIN: Children benefit from mixing in the classroom and the playground.
Children’s learning, well-being, sense of routine and social interaction is best served by them all returning to school. Getting pupils back into classrooms has always been a priority for the UK Government and, alongside existing protective measures, the robust, regular, rapid testing programme helps to protect the school community and families.
Protective measures include:
SCHOOLS TESTING PLAN
Available for parents and adults in their households and bubbles.
‘SCHOOL IS WHERE KIDS NEED TO BE TO SOCIALISE’
KATE JEFFERSON, HEADTEACHER AT MILLBANK ACADEMY, LONDON
“School is where kids need to be,” says a London academy headteacher.
“It’s where they see their friends and socialise. Those social skills are at the cornerstone of our modern world,” confirms Millbank Academy head Kate Jefferson, set to welcome back 300 three to 11-year-olds. Staggered break times, ventilated classrooms, extra cleaning staff and no group gatherings have already been available to key workers’ children.
“When parents collected their children there was a real buzz with people being very excited about their friends coming back to join them. Everyone wants this transition to be as safe and positive as possible.”
CATCHING UP ON LEARNING
The UK Government has introduced :
‘WE’RE EXCITED TO HAVE THEM BACK IN CLASS’
GERARD GARVEY, HEADTEACHER AT NEWCASTLE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
“Having young people back in the classroom is the right thing to do,” confirms Newcastle Sixth Form College’s principal.
“The news is exactly what we’ve been hoping for,” says Gerard Garvey. “We’re really excited and eagerly planning their return.”
With his 100-strong staff, he is preparing for all 1,250 students to return to the city
centre campus.
“All our learners are going to be over the moon to be back in college,” he continued.
“The huge benefits of having them back here with us will make all the protective measures we have to set in place completely and utterly worth it.”