Parents' worries over return to school as siblings face being split up and children wish to hug their teachers

Parents have shared their concerns about sending their children back to school after lockdown.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Families who were enjoying the sunshine at Seaburn on Thursday spoke of their worried ahead of classes starting again next month.

Brian Twidale, 52, and wife Claire, 39, had travelled from Hartlepool to keep sons Bradley, 17, and 11-year-old Josh safe: “We have been to Seaton Carew, but everyone there is ignoring social distancing,” said Brian.

“I don’t really want them to go back,” he added.

Iain and Sarah Murray with Henry, Penelope and FelicityIain and Sarah Murray with Henry, Penelope and Felicity
Iain and Sarah Murray with Henry, Penelope and Felicity
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I would like to see the Houses of Parliament return first before the kids go back.

“Bradley goes to a special school and they have been absolutely brilliant – they have left it up to us.”

Read More
Mobile coronavirus testing centre opens at Sunderland leisure complex - this is ...

Sarah and Iain Murray, from East Boldon, were at the seafront with eight-year-old Henry, six-year-old Penelope and Felicity, three.

Brian and Claire Twidale with Bradley and JoshBrian and Claire Twidale with Bradley and Josh
Brian and Claire Twidale with Bradley and Josh

The children attend East Boldon Infants, Juniors and Nursery. At the moment only Penelope’s year has been invited to return and the couple are reluctant to break the siblings up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“All three want to go back but I don’t want to separate them,” said Sarah.

“Penelope has said she is looking forward to hugging her teacher, hugging her friends and playing with all the toys – I suspect there will be no toys and no hugging.

“It will be totally different.”

Lindsey Robson with Ben and DannyLindsey Robson with Ben and Danny
Lindsey Robson with Ben and Danny

Lindsey Robson, who was out with sons Ben, nine, and three-year-old Danny, is a teacher herself and explained the challenges the school was facing in inviting even a limited number of children back.

“How on Earth are you going to socially distance reception children?” she asked.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We are going top open all 16 classrooms, so there should only be about nine children to a classroom. We are giving each child a tray with everything they need, but reception age children aren’t used to sitting still,” said Lindsey,43, from South Shields.

Lauren and Tony Lonsdale with Lucas and LeoLauren and Tony Lonsdale with Lucas and Leo
Lauren and Tony Lonsdale with Lucas and Leo

Tony and Lauren Lonsdale’s children, Lucas, nine, and Leo, six, go to Mill Hill Primary.

Leo has been invited back, but the couple aren’t keen: “It will not be the same environment he had before,” said Lauren, 39, from Hall Farm.

“They are going to use two classrooms, so he won’t necessarily be with his classmates,” added 45-year-old Tony.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.

Related topics: