No Need To Be Scared About School, Say Youngsters

Most schools around the UK will have now reopened following the Covid 19 lock down. They will have had new hand washing stations and sanitising stations added to make sure children can keep their hands clean on a regular basis and avoid catching the virus. The lay out of the schools will also have had to have been changed to ensure social distancing. To help with this, most schools will have input one way systems in classrooms and corridors to ensure that pupils can maintain a 1m+ distancing from each other.

Schools will have also had to give their pupils guidance and training on what can and can't be done at school now e.g. at some schools at lunch time, pupils will only be able to buy their lunch in the canteen and then will have to eat it outside to ensure social distancing. Some schools will ask their pupils to bring in packed lunches.

On their first day back all students will have been given an induction day to find out what all the new measures which have been put in place are and start getting used to using them. They will now have to line up outside different buildings and classrooms to ensure there is no rush to get in or out of any particular location.

School pupils have given their own advice to youngsters returning to school.

Pupils from Greater Manchester primary and special schools say they were nervous about going back into the classroom but that quickly disappeared.

Miley, Lily, Bolu, Sadie, Katelyn Kane, Lewis and Candice and teachers Mr McMahon, Mrs Maders and Mr Goodwin all returned to their classrooms before the summer holidays and say they soon adapted to the new rules.

Miley tells pupils: "You don't need to be scared because everything will be okay. Your teachers will look after you."

Lily adds: "Keep calm, teachers know what they are doing."

Salford City Council has put the films, made by the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership,  on its website, along with information and tips on going back to reassure parents.

Deputy City Mayor Councillor John Merry said all schools in the city are expecting to welcome pupils back. All have followed government advice to the letter and will make any changes required if fresh guidance is issued.

Councillor Merry also promised that anxious parents would be encouraged and supported to get their children back in school.

"Schools have worked very hard to make changes to their buildings and routines to keep everyone safe," he said.

"They fully understand children who have been learning at home for the last few months will be nervous about coming back to the classroom and worried about catching up. They will make sure everyone feels safe and welcome, help them catch up and make it clear that they and their parents can talk about any worries or concerns.

"Parents can support our schools by not sending their children into school if they are unwell and keeping them away if anyone in the house has either tested positive for coronavirus in the last 14 days or is showing symptoms of coronavirus.  

"If there are any cases of coronavirus amongst children or school staff our public health team will work closely with our schools to make sure the appropriate action is taken. 

Professor Sandeep Ranote, clinical director for mental health, Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said: "It is completely normal for children and young people to feel anxious about going back to education.

"Returning to routine after such a long break would be daunting even without the added stress created by the pandemic and the feeling of not knowing what things are going to be like.

"That's why we are working with schools and colleges across Greater Manchester to help them be confident in talking to their students and pupils about their well being, to listen to their concerns and to be able to provide or direct them to the necessary support."

The three minute films can be seen under top tips at www.salford.gov.uk/returntoschool