Millions of school pupils are returning to classrooms this morning after two months of home-learning as phase one of Boris Johnson’s ‘one-way road to freedom’ begins today.
Many secondary schools have implemented a phased return as students from different year groups begin Covid testing as well as following a number of other conditions brought in to allow their safe return.
Teachers have described their ‘immense relief tied to a little apprehension’ at students head back – amid chaos over non-compulsory testing schemes and fears over lax mask wearing.
Among the most immediate concerns for secondary schools will be testing every pupil twice in the first two weeks of term, before encouraging a shift to testing themselves at home.
All secondary pupils are to be regularly tested – which involves swabbing the nose and throat – to try to avoid schools becoming ‘vectors of transmission’. But problems with getting consent may threaten the plans.
One head teacher in Halifax has said only a quarter of parents had agreed for their children to be tested, while in Tower Hamlets, east London, a school has reported that the ‘vast majority’ have opted out.
Three coronavirus tests will be conducted in school as a union boss says on-site testing facilities look like ‘field hospitals’. At-home testing will be in place from then on with students wearing masks in class for ‘weeks’.
And mask critics, including parents and MPs, say the rules will impact students’ learning. Ministers have vowed to revisit the face covering policy at the end of this month.
The return to classrooms will no doubt come as a major relief for British pupils who have been forced to learn from home since December due to Covid lockdown rules.
Their return forms part of the Prime Minister’s ultra-cautious ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown unveiled last month, which put schools front and centre.
Pupils and teachers across the country begin testing as they return under the easing of lockdown restrictions. Pictured: Erin Horn looking in a mirror while taking a Lateral Flow Test as children arrive at Outwood Academy in Doncaster in Yorkshire
Pictured: Pupils at Nottingham High School take Covid-19 lateral flow tests as they return back after the Covid-19 Lockdown
Lateral Flow Tests are processed as children arrive at Outwood Academy in Woodlands, Doncaster, in Yorkshire
Testing: Pupils from Chertsey High School take lateral flow tests for Covid-19 ahead of their full return to school this morning
Some teaching unions have compared school testing sites to ‘field hospitals’. Pictured: Nottingham High School testing room
Children arrive at Outwood Academy in Doncaster as pupils in England return to school for the first time in two months
Teachers have described their ‘immense relief tied to a little apprehension’ at students heading back – amid chaos over non-compulsory testing schemes and fears over lax mask wearing. Pictured: Children arrive at Outwood Academy in Doncaster
Most of Britain’s primary schools have reopened their doors this morning, while secondary school students will head back in stages to ensure Covid tests can be carried out. Pictured: Children arrive at Outwood Academy in Woodlands, Doncaster
Three Covid tests will be conducted in school as a union boss says on-site testing facilities look like ‘field hospitals’. At-home testing will be in place from then on. Pictured: Children arrive at Outwood Academy in Woodlands, Doncaster, Yorkshire
Paul Whiteman, from the National Association of Head Teachers, said students will be supported ‘socially and emotionally, not just academically’ amid concerns over the mental health impact of their period at home. Pictured: Students in Nottingham
The Association of School and College Leaders chief, Geoff Barton, warned a wave of non-compliance from students over the Government’s face mask rules could create ‘ramifications’ for school insurance policies. Pictured: Students in Nottingham
Students are being told to wear masks anywhere indoors, including classrooms, where it is impossible for secondary students to keep two metres apart. Pictured: Students in Nottingham
Previously, face coverings only had to be worn in hallways. Now, they must be warn in socially-distanced classrooms too
A survey by the Association of School and College Leaders earlier revealed that half of secondary head teachers have struggled getting permission from parents for testing. Pictured: Students in Nottingham High School wear masks in class
Students and teachers alike rushed to social media to share their joy at heading back to school today.
Secondary school geography teacher Steve Harris wrote: ‘It feels strange to be wearing proper shoes again.
‘Good luck to everyone going back in today.’
Ms Harvey – an English teacher in Somerset – shared a picture of a Covid at-home testing guide and wrote: ‘Back to school routine has a new twist. Fine by me.
‘The classroom here I come!’
Meanwhile, parents declared their ‘delight’ that schools had re-opened, complaining that they struggled to keep their children focused on their studies during the lockdown.
Manminder Salan, 31 – whose two children Prabjot, five and Gursimrit, ten, were returning to Khalsa School, Southall, West London – said: ‘I’m so happy that the schools have re-opened and am praying that it stays that way.
‘The children have really missed their friends and are looking forward to playing with them again.
‘The hardest part of the lockdown was trying to get them to do their online lessons. A lot of the time they struggled to understand them, and I couldn’t do anything to help them.’
Ms Salan revealed that online classes for her children started at 9am and finished at 2.30pm.
Fantastic for students and their families: Vic Perhar, who was taking twins Arjun and Amrit, seven, (pictured) back to school in Norwood Green, west London said: ‘It’s fantastic to have the schools open again and I think a lot of parents feel this way’
Mother-of-three Kate Binnington (left) and mother-of-two Elizabeth Gamble (right), both mothers from Leeds, West Yorks., have welcomed back-to-school day as their children are reunited with their friends and teachers at primary school
She added: ‘It was like a full-time job trying to keep them focused. Most of the time they just wanted to go out to play.
Mother-of-three, Kate Binnington, 39, was dropping off Ben, nine, James, six, and Laurie, four.
The occupational therapist from Leeds, West Yorks., said: ‘I’m a bit excited but a bit sad as well because it’s been nice to have the kids at home.
‘We’ve had three boys running about in the house and it’ll be the first time in nine weeks where they’re all gone.
‘But it’ll be good for us and the kids.
‘My boys are so excited to be back and with their friends.
‘It’s been tough juggling work and obviously full time home-schooling but it was nice.
‘The school has been terrific though and we’re confident that everything is safe for our kids.’
Elizabeth Gamble, 38, is mother to Grace, six, and Dylan, three.
The counsellor from Leeds, West Yorks., said: ‘I’m really happy the kids are back because my daughter was desperate to come to school.
‘It’s not even about learning as she’s quite young and you can make that time back.
‘She just really missed her friends. It was her birthday the other day and she was heartbroken because the school normally gives the kids a pencil for their birthdays. And she really wanted one.
‘It’s been quite hectic at home with the kids so I think this is a much needed return to normality.
‘But the school has made this difficult situation much easier as they’ve put no pressure on us and made us comfortable.
‘But it’s the right time I think for the kids to be back.’
Covid tests are voluntary, with teachers describing the struggle of getting parental consent. Pictured: Children in Doncaster
Year 11 student Dante Ross arrives back at Jewellery Quarter Academy in Birmingham as students head back to school today
Toby Stanton, ten, packs his school bag in Ashford, Kent, as pupils in England return to school for the first time in two months
The return to classrooms will come as a major relief for British students who have been forced to learn from home since December due to Covid lockdown. Pictured: A school boy fastens his tie as he prepares to return to school in Manchester
‘Closing the schools during the lockdown has made me realise what an incredible job teachers do. I’m so happy that the kids are now going back because it takes a lot of pressure off me.’
Vic Perhar, who was taking his twins Arjun and Amrit, seven, back to school said: ‘It’s fantastic to have the schools open again and I think a lot of parents feel this way.
‘Part of me just felt like giving up during the lockdown because it was so difficult to keep the kids engaged with their education. They’ve also really missed playing with their friends.’
He added: ‘I just hope that the Government gets the coronavirus situation under control and we don’t have to close the schools again because I don’t know how I will cope with another lockdown.’
Tom Carter, who was taking his daughter Millie, nine, to school in Ealing, West London said: ‘I’ve been praying for this day to come.
A survey by the Association of School and College Leaders earlier revealed that half of secondary head teachers have struggled getting permission from parents for testing which is required to administer the nose and throat swab to pupils
And mask critics, including parents and MPs, say the rules will impact students’ learning. Ministers have vowed to revisit the face covering policy at the end of this month. Pictured: Students arrive at the Jewellery Quarter Academy in Birmingham
‘I don’t understand why the Government closed schools in the first place because kids don’t really get coronavirus.
‘It’s been a very difficult and challenging time. Not only have kids missed out on education but also the social aspect of school life. Whatever happens now, schools must not be allowed to close again because it was driving me nuts having my daughter at home all the time.’
Kajinder Lamba, 30 who was taking her daughter Abnoor, ten, and son Harnoor, three, to Clifton Primary School in Ealing, West London, expressed concerns over Covid regulations that have been put in place.
She said: ‘I’m delighted that schools have reopened but a bit worried that it might lead to an increase in infections again.
‘It’s been very difficult having two kids at home and making sure that they are doing their schoolwork. But I also want them to be protected and not catch coronavirus.’
She added: ‘I’m sure parents all over the country are celebrating today but we want schools to make sure that they are safe environments for our kids.’
South London headmistress Alex Hutchinson wrote on Twitter she ‘can’t stop smiling’ ahead of the return to school – telling her students last night that she will ‘see you tomorrow’.
Head of Tanbridge House School in Horsham, West Sussex Jules White told the BBC that the return to school brings ‘immense relief tied to a little apprehension’.
Mask critics say the rules will impact students’ learning. Ministers have vowed to revisit face covering policy at the end of this month. Pictured: Children line up to enter the Thomas Bullock Church of England Primary Academy in Shipdham in Norfolk
The return to classrooms will no doubt come as a major relief for British pupils who have been forced to learn from home since December due to Covid lockdown rules. Pictured: Children on their way to the Upminster Junior School in Essex
Clifton Primary School, Norwood Green, West London opens today. Paul Whiteman, from the NAHT, said students will be supported ‘socially and emotionally, not just academically’ amid concerns over the mental health impact of period at home
Tests processed as children arrive at Outwood Academy, Doncaster. Testing is not compulsory and requires parental consent
A survey by the Association of School and College Leaders earlier revealed that half of secondary head teachers have struggled getting permission from parents for testing which is required to carry them out. Pictured: Students in Doncaster
Boris Johnson dismissed concerns over return saying real risk to children was in not going back. Pictured: Children in Essex
New safety measures: Social distancing signage is seen as children arrive at Outwood Academy in Woodlands, Doncaster
Colby Hoare, 12, helps Taylor Hoare, seven, get ready for school on March 08, 2021 in Truro, England
Students and teachers rushed to social media to share their joy at heading back to school
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson (pictured) proposed changes he likened to the sweeping reforms of the 1940s to help pupils make up for lost time
Paul Whiteman, from the National Association of Head Teachers, said students will be supported ‘socially and emotionally, not just academically’ amid concerns over the mental health impact of their period at home.
The Association of School and College Leaders chief, Geoff Barton, has warned that a wave of non-compliance from students over the Government’s face mask rules could create ‘ramifications’ for school insurance policies.
The union – which represents secondary school heads – is writing to parents who object to new masks rules, according to the Telegraph.
Students are being told to wear masks anywhere indoors, including classrooms, where it is impossible for secondary students to keep two metres apart.
Previously, face coverings only had to be worn in hallways.
A survey by the Association of School and College Leaders earlier revealed that half of secondary head teachers have struggled getting permission from parents for testing.
Mr Barton blamed this on ‘misinformation’ about the tests.
It comes as Boris Johnson yesterday batted away concerns around today’s school return – saying the real risk to children was in not going back to class.
The Prime Minister warned that youngsters remaining at home longer than necessary would suffer in the future.
Ahead of millions returning to their classrooms, Mr Johnson was asked about lingering fears over Covid infections.
But he replied: ‘You ask about the risk [of schools returning] – I think the risk is actually in not going back to school tomorrow given all the suffering, all the loss of learning we have seen.’
His comments came as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson proposed changes he likened to the sweeping reforms of the 1940s to help pupils make up for lost time.
Innovations set to be phased in next year include longer school days and shorter holidays.
With children returning to school after two months in lockdown, Mr Johnson said he was ‘very hopeful’ of a resounding success.
He added: ‘I’m massively grateful to parents who have put up with so much throughout the pandemic and teachers who have done an amazing job of keeping going.
‘I do think we are ready, I think people want to go back, they feel it, they feel the need for it.’
Mr Williamson has pledged that today’s resumption of face-to-face teaching for all is part of ‘an irreversible approach’ to reopening.
But the return to classrooms is likely to be significantly slower than expected for some families, as most secondaries take days to set up new practices, before resuming properly next week.
However, Mr Williamson told Andrew Marr on his BBC1 show yesterday: ‘This is our first step, our real first step in terms of moving out of national lockdown and it is our schools that are leading the way. We are very much factoring in as part of the roadmap that actually schools will be staying open.
‘That is why we are taking a cautious approach because we intend for it to be an irreversible approach and that schools will continue to remain open.’
Most of Britain’s primary schools will reopen this morning – despite major pushback from teaching unions who call for a more staggered approach. Pictured: Student Leah Anderson takes a lateral flow test at Outwood Academy Adwick in Doncaster
Prime Minister warned youngsters at home longer than necessary would suffer in future. Pictured: Students in Nottingham
Back to normality: Students return to the classroom at Nottingham High School after months of lockdown during pandemic
Among the most immediate concerns for secondary schools will be testing every pupil twice in the first two weeks of term, before encouraging a shift to testing themselves at home. Pictured: Students in Nottingham High School use hand gel
He also promised that schools would reopen after the Easter holidays, even though the impact of today’s return on the virus will only become evident to scientists during the April break.
Among the most immediate concerns for secondary schools will be testing every pupil twice in the first two weeks of term, before encouraging a shift to testing themselves at home.
All secondary pupils are to be regularly tested to try to avoid schools becoming ‘vectors of transmission’. But problems with getting consent may threaten the plans.
One head teacher in Halifax has said only a quarter of parents had agreed for their children to be tested, while in Tower Hamlets, east London, a school has reported that the ‘vast majority’ have opted out.
There is also concern over mask-wearing by secondary pupils, as advised by Public Health England. Some teachers fear they cannot insist on them being worn due to weak government guidance. But that will be reviewed at Easter.
Geoff Barton (pictured left), from the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL)’s, has warned that a wave of non-compliance from students over face mask rules could create ‘ramifications’ for school insurance policies. It comes as Boris Johnson (right) batted away concerns around school return – saying the real risk to children was in not going back to class
Meanwhile Mr Williamson indicated that a ‘transformative’ reform of the entire academic year could be on the table in a review led by catch-up tsar Sir Kevan Collins. ‘We are looking at holidays, we are looking at lengthening the school day, we’re looking at a whole range of measures and we’ve asked Sir Kevan to leave no stone unturned’, he told Sky News.
He added: ‘I would see this as one of those moments, a bit like the 1944 Education Reform Act, that came out of the Second World War, about how we can be transformative in terms of changing and improving the opportunities for young people.’
But any such changes are likely to be subject to lengthy debate and phased in gradually, with the traditional teachers’ ‘perk’ of the lengthy summer holiday fiercely guarded by education unions. Paul Whiteman, of the NAHT, said he was not keen on ‘gimmicks or any quick answers done on the cheap’.
‘A properly supported long-term commitment to education and children is the only way forward’, he added.
Among concerns for secondary schools will be testing every pupil twice in the first two weeks of term, before encouraging a shift to testing at home. Pictured: A student at Great Academy Ashton is taken through the Covid testing procedure
Ofsted boss Amanda Spielman also sounded sceptical, telling Sky that ‘a number of schools have experimented over the last couple of decades with things like five-term years and I don’t think many of those have persisted’.
She said it was important that schools ‘go with the grain of what parents will embrace to make sure that all children get the very most out of their education’.
Geoff Barton, of the ASCL union, explained: ‘The next few weeks are clearly going to present challenges in reintegrating children back into the routines of school life and managing Covid safety measures.
‘Secondary schools and colleges are also expected to provide Covid tests and implement policies on face coverings. It is a very demanding situation.
‘But the immediate and overwhelming feeling will nevertheless be one of joy in once again seeing all children returning to classrooms and school communities brought back together.’
Labour is calling for catch-up breakfast clubs at school to help children recover from what it has calculated are an average 109 days of lost face-to-face learning.
Education spokesman Kate Green said of the party’s ‘Bright Future Taskforce’ strategy: ‘Ministers should listen to Labour’s call for breakfast clubs to give every child a healthy breakfast, more time to play with their friends and extra time for teachers to provide targeted catch-up support.’