A HEADTEACHER has described a socially-distanced return to school as it prepares to reopen for more pupils.

Burlington CE Primary and Nursery School in Kirkby is among the schools to have reopened to pupils after Cumbria County Council left the decision to headteachers and governors.

The school’s headteacher Sarah Powell said the decision to reopen for Year Six pupils was made her alongside the governing body.

She said: “After much preparation, sorting and assessment writing, the decision was made by myself and my governing body to open to Year Six first this week.

“Today has been our first ‘open’ day. A day spent socially interacting with each other while social distancing. The children were excited to come back but all were a little nervous as they were not sure what they were going back to.

“Staff were unsure too, but the school’s preparation, openness and constant communication with parents ensured all knew what the school would look like.

“Now that the first day has been completed the staff feel more settled and the children are more relaxed.

“Gail, a member of our local community and previous Lollipop person, brought cakes to welcome back the children. This was a lovely and much appreciated gesture. Next week we extend our age range to include our Year One pupils and the week after Reception. Our parents have been fantastic throughout this time engaging with the home learning set by school staff.”