Primary schools brave new world created by Covid-19

Primary schools across the county are beginning to return into the brave new world created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

For many youngsters, it’s the first time they will have been in a formal learning setting in ten weeks and in a lot of cases the school they recognised will be very different with social distancing measures in place.

But North Yorkshire’s teachers have formed a new front line in the fight to get back to a new normal, providing a safe, consistent space where children can learn safely.

Easingwold Primary School took a step towards normality as they reopened last week.

Rigorous planning and creative ideas on how to keep students both happy and safe meant their first day back ran as smoothly as possible, according to acting head Alison Cottrell.

Alison said in order to ensure the school is a safe, welcoming environment for children to be, she created action plans and put together Q&A leaflets for both parents and children so they know what to expect.

She said: “I wanted to answer as many questions as possible for parents and for children so they weren’t coming in blind.

“The one for children made it clear the school is still here for them, it had pictures of our students from key worker families completing handwashing protocol and showed things like the painted markings on the playground which children can use safely.

“We’ve planned the entire day, from using separate entrances and exits to cleaning throughout and having two adults in every classroom to ensure that happens.”

Alison added they will ease back into learning in a supportive, light way.

She said: “The first week of learning will be very light – we don’t want to go rushing straight back in.

“We are starting by touching up on key skills like mental maths, timetables, handwriting, to ease students back in.

“We have a big focus on practical things so children can work independently in a socially distant and safe way and also a large focus on PHSCE to enable children to talk about their experiences.”

Alison added they’ve put together creative packs for younger children to ensure they don’t miss out on anything, too.

She added: “Monday went really smoothly, children were so excited – but everyone stuck to the rules and everyone did their absolute best. It’s a step towards normality.”

Stuart Carlton, corporate director of children and young people’s service, said: “As our schools begin to return, it’s important parents and students are reassured they are safe and measures are in place to keep them that way.

“The hard work of our teachers means creative and safe measures have been put in place to give children a stable learning environment.

“There’s a focus not just on their learning, but their happiness.”