School ‘excited’ at prospect of pupils’ return

School attendance will be mandatory for all pupils from March 8, with secondary schools able to phase return over the opening week, as well as there being a Covid testing system in place – and head Ray Baker says Lytham St Annes High School, with more than 1,400 pupils, is relishing the prospect.

“We appreciate the Government’s timely delivery of its guidance to schools, and we will work with students, parents and colleagues to ensure the guidance is followed and that risks are kept to a minimum,” said Mr Baker.

“The Government plans for us to test all students each week up until Easter will present a number of challenges, but as we have proved throughout, we will find a way to make things work.

“We are proud of how the school and our local community have responded over the last 12 months.

“Student work has been exceptional, staff commitment has been fantastic and parent support has been humbling.

“The excitement of returning will not blur our focus on keeping the site as safe as possible.

“Our infection rates as a school have been incredibly low and this is testament to the behaviour of the students, following the social distancing routines so regularly.

“Student engagement over the period of lockdown has been exceptional, allowing to avoid any talk of “catching up” and just making sure children get back to learning and enjoying their time at school.

“The thought of children back in school, sports being played and a glimpse of normality is keeping us all going through these difficult times, but we look forward to the coming months with cautious optimism.

“We will share our plans for the first week back with parents shortly, so that everyone is prepared thoroughly and we can limit any anxieties and worries that people may have.”

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