Head teachers react as students go back to schools across Calderdale

Pupils from both primary and secondary schools will notice a few changes when walking through the corridors as teachers and school staff have put plans into place to abide by Government guidelines.

Gill Shirt, Headteacher at Todmorden High School, said: “Todmorden High School has written to parents and alerted them via Class Charts about the dates and times for their childrens’ return. The letter and the detailed Risk Assessment have been published on the School’s website.

“All teachers have had training in regards to the Risk Assessment and there is a positive feel.

"All staff at Todmorden High School are looking forward to meeting our new year sevens and getting them settled in school.

“We can’t wait to welcome the rest of our student body who will be coming back in carefully controlled stages.”

Steve Evans head teacher at Rastrick High School said: “The staff at Rastrick High School have worked tirelessly to read, digest, plan and implement all the government’s guidance to ensure we are ready to open safely.

“We have implemented a large number of safety measures, including ‘bubbling’ all year groups, a strict one-way system, numerous hand sanitising stations, allocated toilets for year groups as well as delivering lunches to students, among others.

"fter many months of hard work, we are delighted to have our students back in the building and for them to be learning once again.

Speaking of the students, he added: “Students have been very positive across all year groups, following our guidance and accepting that for example they need to wear face masks.

"They want to do the right thing and make sure it works. It is a learning curve for everyone so it is important that we are able to adjust. We are so grateful for all the support from our staff and especially our parents/carers.”

Despite the new rules now in place reception students have started their school careers in primary schools across the valley.

Gina Blagbrough, Assistant Principal at Scout Road Academy, said: “Lots of happy smiley faces, running around, playing and getting to know new friends. The children are really happy to be back in school. Positivity and determination at its best.”

Alice Leadbitter, head teacher at Todmorden CE J, I & N School, said “All the staff were looking forward to welcoming all the children back into school.”