Returning pupils are being 'very sensible' at The Prebendal School - 'We couldn’t have hoped for a better start'

The headteacher of The Prebendal School in Chichester said she 'couldn’t have hoped for a better start' as more pupils were welcomed back this week.
Headteacher Louise Salmond Smith said the children are 'really happy to be back with their friends' but are also following the teachers' instructionsHeadteacher Louise Salmond Smith said the children are 'really happy to be back with their friends' but are also following the teachers' instructions
Headteacher Louise Salmond Smith said the children are 'really happy to be back with their friends' but are also following the teachers' instructions

Schools have remained open during the coronavirus pandemic for the children of key workers and vulnerable children but, from Monday, more than two million more pupils have been invited back across the country.

Louise Salmond Smith, headteacher of The Prebendal School, said the children are 'really happy to be back with their friends' but are also following the teachers' instructions.

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She said: "They are all being very sensible about staying away from each other, and have been very creative in finding things to occupy themselves in the playground.

Lunches are being eaten outside 'when the weather is fine'Lunches are being eaten outside 'when the weather is fine'
Lunches are being eaten outside 'when the weather is fine'

"We couldn’t have hoped for a better start. Parents have been delighted that their children have been able to return to some sort of normal routine."

Mrs Salmond Smith said there are painted markings in the playground to 'help make it easier for pupils to social-distance'.

She added: "Lunches are being eaten outside when the weather is fine, and we are making good use of our large playground and outdoor classroom.

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"Pupils are in ‘pods’ of no more than seven, which is making the distancing in lessons really effective.

There arepainted markings in the playground to 'help make it easier for pupils to social-distance'There arepainted markings in the playground to 'help make it easier for pupils to social-distance'
There arepainted markings in the playground to 'help make it easier for pupils to social-distance'

"We have 50 pupils in total coming in over the course of this week.

"Day one started with an ‘induction’ for all pupils, and then we had a socially-distanced fire drill, which went like clockwork. A deep clean takes place at the end of each day."

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

Mrs Salmond Smith said parents have been delighted that their children have 'been able to return to some sort of normal routine'Mrs Salmond Smith said parents have been delighted that their children have 'been able to return to some sort of normal routine'
Mrs Salmond Smith said parents have been delighted that their children have 'been able to return to some sort of normal routine'
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