Thousands of pupils excited by return to a more familiar school routine

KIDS can’t wait to get back to a regular routine in the classroom and mix with all their mates, not just their bubbles, as the Government eases restrictions in schools and colleges – and one plucky little girl is especially looking forward to the new term.

Evie Moore, nine, was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was three. Even before Covid hit, she’d already lost a lot of school as she courageously endured chemotherapy treatment and lengthy stays in hospital.

Now Evie and her parents, Helena Isaac and Chris Moore, both 34, are relieved about the return to a more familiar learning routine. Step four of the Government’s Covid roadmap means pupils can take part in more group-based activities, thanks to the easing of social distancing.

“Evie was catching up and the school was pleased with her progress, so losing face-to-face schooling all over again to the pandemic was hard,” Helena admits. “If Evie was to fall back any more it would be so detrimental – at the moment, she’s just over a year behind. I’m so looking forward to getting back to some form of normality for her.”

Evie loves learning. Even during the first lockdown, when she had to shield with dad Chris as her carer, she stuck diligently to her online schoolwork at the family home in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

That wasn’t easy with her sisters in the house – Freya, seven; Sophia, three; and baby Alice, born just before the pandemic started. “The baby was easy to keep entertained but with Sophia nearly two then, and Freya, who didn’t want to do her online learning, lockdown was chaotic,” Helena laughs.

So what can pupils like Evie expect when the bell rings for the start of autumn term? Apart from the bubble and social distancing changes, under-18s are now exempt from the legal requirement to self-isolate if a close contact has Covid. Only children who test positive must stay at home. And assemblies, competitive sports, drama and musical activities can resume with the whole school together.

But schools will remain vigilant, with plans in place to keep the virus under control and children in school, focusing on good hygiene practice and increased ventilation. Schools may also reintroduce social distancing and bubbles if needed.

And secondary students should be taking two rapid Covid-19 tests at their school or college when they return to class in September, and then twice weekly at home. The testing is quick and easy and helps protect family and friends.

After chemo sessions and spending her fifth birthday in hospital having a bone marrow transplant, Evie has, happily, been cancer free for three years now. And Helena is confident that Evie and sister Freya will be safer at school. Both girls attend St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Melton Mowbray, part of the RISE Multi Academy Trust.

“St Mary’s and the Trust have been brilliant – and on top of the rules and hygiene all the way through,” Helena says. “They have a huge playing field so there’s plenty of space for all the kids to run around. And I’m feeling more positive in general now Chris and I are both double vaccinated.”

St Mary’s headteacher Louisa Morris (pictured above) is cautiously optimistic about the upcoming school term for Evie and her 200 other pupils. “We’re all looking forward to the new school year – returning to more normality but with some safety procedures maintained, including regular Covid-19 testing for staff.

Schools aren’t going to pretend Covid doesn’t exist. We’ll keep our focus on good hygiene, with pupils not just showing the taps their hands but doing proper ‘lather in between the fingers’ washing.

“Our increased school cleaning regime will continue, and we’ll make sure that our classrooms are properly ventilated. We will follow public health advice to help everyone keep as safe as possible. So if there are high transmission rates in our community or an outbreak in school, we have plans to manage that.

“The feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive. They know some safety measures will still be in place, and that reassures them.”

Like thousands of other pupils, the sisters are excitedly getting ready for school. So what’s Evie most looking forward to this term? “Maths and English,” she says. Then she smiles: “And break time when I play hide and seek with my friends.”

Source: Read Full Article