Blackpool schools re-open in style

It was a first day of term like no other as thousands of children began returning to school for the start of the new year .
Raheem and Molly-Alice  are jumping for joy to be back at Mereside Primary AcademyRaheem and Molly-Alice  are jumping for joy to be back at Mereside Primary Academy
Raheem and Molly-Alice are jumping for joy to be back at Mereside Primary Academy

Hand sanitiser dotted around the building, one way systems, staggered start and finishing times as well group pods or bubbles - and for some, face masks, are some of the new norms that staff and pupils are getting used to.

Roger Farley executive headteacher of Westminster and Mereside Primary academies said staff were delighted to have pupils back in school and added: “The children spent time talking about their experiences over lock down with their teachers, with the pastoral teams on hand for children should they need support. Children were very keen to engage in learning and show their teachers any new skills they had gained over lockdown.”

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Samantha Upton, head at Mereside Primary Academy said: “ The staff and I are delighted to see our school full of happy children and a hive of activity again. This is what we come to work for.

Social distancing in lessons at Westminster Primary in BlackpoolSocial distancing in lessons at Westminster Primary in Blackpool
Social distancing in lessons at Westminster Primary in Blackpool

“All staff have worked so hard to ensure a safe return for our children and to see their smiling faces and hear their chatter as they came through the gates has made it all worthwhile.

“We are so proud of the way our children have adapted and can’t wait to see them flourish and grow this academic year.”

One Mereside mum Karen Redford said “Staff did a fantastic job making sure the children and parents knew where to go”.

Christina wrote on Facebook: “The atmosphere was amazing this morning . Just like normal which was brilliant. Well done guys.”

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