What the first week back at school was like for Chesterfield and Derbyshire pupils

Most returning pupils found themselves in a school environment very different to the one they remember.

The lives of everyone – teachers and pupils included – were thrown into turmoil when the UK went into lockdown back in March because of coronavirus.

MORE: Plans for PEAK development near Chesterfield set to move forward

Now as we all try to adjust to the ‘new normal’, headteachers say youngsters are responding well to the challenge.

Gary Peat, headteacher at Lady Manners School in Bakewell, said the new academic year has started ‘extremely well’ despite the ‘exceptional circumstances’.

"I have been proud of how all members of our school community have adapted to their new learning environment,” he said.

"Attendance has been extremely high and students and staff appear genuinely pleased to be back at school.

"There is a calm and purposeful atmosphere around the school, and students across all year groups have engaged enthusiastically with their learning.”

MORE: Action taken after major road into Chesterfield left an 'unsightly mess'

About 400 children from Highfield Hall Primary School in Newbold, Chesterfield, returned to classes on Thursday.

Headteacher Dr Mike Bywaters said: "We've been really focused on the children's wellbeing throughout lockdown, so we were really excited about welcoming all of the children back, as well as seeing our new reception children.

"It was amazing seeing so many happy, smiling faces coming through the gates last week.”

Year six pupil Isabella said that although she had been ‘a bit nervous’ about coming back to school it was ‘really good to be back’.

Jonathan Lynch, headteacher at Heath Primary School, said he had been ‘overwhelmed’ by the support and patience from parents.

"Routines continue to be tweaked and improved and already classes are buzzing with children happy to see their friends and learning,” he said.

A spokesperson for Bakewell’s S. Anselm’s School said: “We have tried to make school feel as normal as possible whilst having robust hygiene practices in place.

"We’re a smaller school so we have decided to put year groups together in one bubble, allowing us to do sport and to run our usual rich variety of lunchtime and after school clubs.”

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Please subscribe here so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.