No bags, non-uniform and one-way systems - this is how Leeds schools are preparing for phased reopenings

Now, with restrictions easing, the Government has said it aims to get all primary school children back before the summer break.

The initial focus is getting children in Reception, Years One and Six back in the classroom.

Leeds City Council has been working with schools on their plans for gradually increasing numbers, but has said it is up to headteachers to decide when it is best for their own schools to reopen.

As such, there is no 'city-wide model' for exactly how and when individual schools will open.

Saleem Tariq, Leeds City Council’s director of children and families, said: “Schools across the city have implemented a number of approaches to protect the safety of children and staff as more return to school.

"These are in line with national guidance and as a result of their own risk assessments.

"These measures include, amongst others, establishing smaller class sizes for the year groups eligible to return from this week, providing additional space between desks, staggering break and lunch times, staggering drop-off and collection times and thorough cleaning of all rooms during and at the end of each day.

“It is important to remember that schools have remained open for vulnerable children and the children of keyworkers throughout the lockdown period, and teachers across the city have continued to find interesting and innovative ways to provide education and pastoral care to children and young people at home.

"This has been a phenomenal, citywide effort and I want to thank everyone involved."

Packed lunches not allowed

Hillcrest Academy in Chapeltown is opening today (Thursday) for reception and nursery children who have been registered.

From Monday, June 8, pupils in Years One and Six who have registered to return will be given a place in one of two bands.

Pupils will be split into groups of no more than 12 and will attend on alternate, full days with slightly different start and finish times.

Other measures being implemented at the Gorse Academies Trust primary school include cleaners working throughout the day and a strict one-way system throughout the school site.

Pupils are being asked to wear their own clothes, which must be washed immediately after school and before they wear them again.

School bags and packed lunches are also not allowed, with the recommendation that pupils only bring a suitable coat.

Lunches will be provided free of charge and delivered to classrooms in grab bags.

There will also be strict and frequent routines for hand washing, including new sinks outside.

Classroom 'bubbles'

Scholes Elmet Primary School has also begun a phased reopening, with vulnerable children and the children of key workers prioritised.

A message on the school's website yesterday (Tuesday) said: "We’ve 31 children in school.

"We were expecting a few more but over the last couple of days some parents’ remained concerned while others had their work shifts confirmed/changed.

"It was good having low numbers of children because it’s meant that our staff can also get used to working around lots of other adults – it’s important that they social distance, too, so they protect themselves as much as possible and therefore stay healthy to come to school.

"Most parents had read the communications that are being sent out.

"However, we did have some bags brought to school – they got sent home."

Pupils will work in separate groups of ten, referred to as 'bubbles', with children and adults from one bubble not mixing with those from another.

Pupils will also be provided with their own learning packs with items such pencils, whiteboards and pens.

Appointments for parents

In a message to parents, Andy Gamble, executive headteacher at Low Road and Windmill primary schools in south Leeds, said their phased reopenings would begin on Monday.

The returning year groups - early years, Year One and Year Six - will operate on a one week on, one week off basis.

At Windmill, parents will not be able to enter the building without and appointment and the main driveway will be closed at the start and end of the school day to ensure social distancing can be adhered to at pick-up and drop-off times.

No 'city-wide model'

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for learning, skills and employment, said: “At Leeds City Council, we believe that it is really important for children to be able to resume their education and learn and interact with their peers.

"However, we have been clear throughout that this needs to be done in such a way that the risk to pupils, staff and parents is minimised as much as possible.

“The path to reopening has been extremely challenging for all involved.

"Headteachers across the city have carried out rigorous risk assessments and health and safety checks in order to develop their own plans on how to reopen safely based on the individual circumstances of their schools.

"As such, there has not been a city-wide model for the initial phased re-opening of schools, but we continue to support them to gradually work towards increasing their pupil numbers at a pace that their circumstances allow.

“I want to personally thank headteachers and staff in primary schools and early years provision across Leeds for everything they are doing to support more children to return to school."