Horsham headteacher: schools reopening in March is ‘positive move forwards’

It is understood Prime Minister Boris Johnson will today reveal plans to return all children to school on March 8.

Schools have been shut since early January in an attempt to curb coronavirus infection rates.

But as pupils are poised to return to the classroom Karen White, headteacher at Greenway Academy has shared her delight at the news.

She said: “I am thrilled that all our children are coming back to school, and we can become a whole school community again on March 8.

“We have had over 100 children in school every day, which has helped keep a sense of normality and been in daily contact with all of the other children accessing remote learning.

“They have had three live lessons daily with their teacher, as well as joining in assemblies and social times with their friends, via the school portal.

“It isn’t the same as being in school, however, parents have been very positive about the school’s offer so far.”

Karen paid tribute to children and parents for doing a ‘sterling job’. She added: “We’ve seen some fantastic progress being made by the children, who have shown great fortitude and real independence as learners outside of the classroom, on a daily basis.

“The Greenway staff team has shown great flexibility and been incredibly innovative, ensuring all children have had the best possible offer in an unusual situation. I am very proud of everyone in our community.

“In years to come, when people ask what did you do in the pandemic – our pupils, staff and parents can be proud of what they have achieved and use the lessons learnt to build themselves a great future.

“It has been a difficult year on so many levels; this is a such a positive move forwards.”

Jules White, headteacher at Tanbridge House School, added: “Along with everyone else I feel enormous relief that schools are being fully unlocked.

“Children and families have suffered a great deal and we must all work together to recover ‘lost learning’ and overcome other missed opportunities and related challenges.

“We must also be realistic about the practicalities of opening schools safely. Mass testing is logistically much easier said than done and heads must be trusted to act in ways that keep colleagues and children safe.

“Hopefully we will be given the support and flexibility to do this and the we can deliver the very best provision for every student in our care.”