Westbourne House School welcomes 'smiley, happy' children back

Those were the words of one parent after children were welcomed back to Westbourne House School yesterday.

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.

Westbourne House School said pupils' return to school went 'very smoothly'. Following government guidelines, all pupils had an allocated work and outdoor play space and they brought in pack lunches and everything they needed to school. The children also wore their sports uniform.

The school spokesperson said: "It was heartwarming to welcome back lots of smiley, happy children.

"Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils returned to join the key worker children at school. Parents praised the school for all the hard work that has gone into enabling the various years to return.

"As they arrived, the children were visibly excited."

When asked which part of returning was most important to them, the school said the children all replied 'seeing friends'.

"The day didn't disappoint," the spokesperson added.

"The children enjoyed reconnecting with teachers and spending time with good friends. In their groups of 15, pupils had a balanced mix of lessons and outdoor breaks, including a picnic lunch under the trees.

"Pupils from Years 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8, were greeted by their teachers online first thing this morning. These pupils continue to benefit from the timetable of live online lessons and pastoral time that Westbourne House put in place at the start of the Summer Term."

One Year 6 parent said her child came out of school the happiest he has been 'in ages'.

She added: "Thank you for all the hard work that has gone into enabling year 6 to come back into Westbourne House School.

"It sounds like the staff have ensured just the right mix of lessons and outdoor breaks. He said having lunch with his friends under the trees was brilliant. Thank you.”

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