There was a buzz of excitement in the playgrounds and smiles all around as children returned to school following a long period of home learning.
Since the 5th January, schools have been closed to the majority of children except those of key workers, vulnerable children and those with EHCPs.
At Alderley Edge Community Primary, where the children were greeted today with balloons and banners to celebrate the reopening of school, this meant that two-thirds of the children had been remote learning since the start of the year. They had been attending daily live lessons with their teachers and completing work independently at home.
Mrs Walsh, Head Teacher, said, "We are delighted to have all our children back in school. The teachers have worked exceptionally hard to ensure that the children's learning and wellbeing has not been negatively affected during this latest phase of school closures. The staff have been onsite throughout and have taught 'live' lessons to all children (in and out of school), delivered assemblies and wellbeing sessions and led many virtual theme days such as Victorian Days and World Book Day.
"The children have engaged brilliantly with home schooling and I am confident that we have mitigated any potential loss in learning caused through school closures. The children are in a strong position returning to school. Our focus this week is supporting the children's mental health and readjustment back into school routines. Thank you to all our parents for supporting us and your children during home learning. It has been a huge team effort."
Mrs Nicola Smillie, Headmistres at Alderley Edge School for Girls said "It's been fantastic to begin welcoming our school community back to AESG today!
"Whilst the remote learning provision has been outstanding, we are so glad to be back teaching students face-to-face. We have missed the buzzing classrooms!"
Mrs Julia Langford, Head Teacher The Ryleys School said "It has been wonderful to welcome the children back today and have the school once again filled with laughing, chatting children.
"The children have been so excited to be reunited with their friends and teachers - a very happy and positive start for all of us."
