Rasen area pupils and staff are all set for a welcome return to the classroom

There is light at the end of the tunnel now as pupils prepare to return to the classroom on Monday, March 8.

In his statement to the House of Commons on 
Monday, February 22, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “All the evidence shows that classrooms are the best places for our young people to be.

“That’s why I’ve always said that schools would be the last to close and the first to reopen.

“And based on our
assessment of the current 
data against the four tests, I can tell the House that two weeks’ from today pupils and students in all schools and
further education settings can safely return to face-to-face teaching, supported by twice-weekly testing of secondary school and college pupils.”

Headteacher at Market Rasen Primary School, Andrew Smith, welcomed the news and has praised pupils who have been working from home throughout the 
pandemic.

In a statement, Mr Smith said: “ We are really thrilled we can get all of our children back in school and can’t wait to see everyone on March 8.

“Those children who have been working at home have done brilliantly with some amazing support from their families but it’s not the same as being in school with teachers and their friends.

“We have plans in place to ensure a smooth return for all children and to put in extra provision (social, emotional and academic) for any 
children who have been
adversely impacted by this closure .”

Taking to Twitter on 
February 23, Tealby School said: “Following the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday, we look forward to welcoming all pupils back to school on March 8 . We will write to parents as soon as possible with full details about the return. We have missed you all!”

Meanwhile at De Aston School, headteacher Simon Porter has confirmed students will be returning to the classroom on a staggered basis, and that a ‘highly complex logistical plan’ is in place to carry out the required 2,800 Covid tests.

In a letter to parents, Mr Porter said: “We urgently need more parental volunteers to help with testing. If you wish to volunteer, please email [email protected]

“All previous Covid safety protocols are still enforced. In addition, it is now the case that all staff and all pupils must wear a face covering inside the school building at all times when in the presence of any other person, that will mean they will be worn by all in lessons.

“As with every headteacher, I simply wait each day for the latest announcement and then try to find a way to make it work. I couldn’t make it work without the dedication of my staff, nor without the support from parents.”