'We cannot wait to see them all' - Sunderland school prepares to fully reopen on March 8

Fatfield Academy, in Southcroft, Washington expects to welcome back nearly 150 children for the first time in more than two months when coronavirus lockdown restrictions begin to ease on Monday, March 8.

Headteacher Tracey Pizl said: “We are really excited and cannot wait to see back them back.

"It will be amazing to have them all in again and we have some fun things planned for the next three weeks to re-engage them in learning.

“While they have received remote learning, it is not the same as face to face.”

With 85 pupils – around a third of Fatfield’s 230 roll – continuing to attend lessons, all of the staff have worked in school since the last round of restrictions were introduced at the start of January.

Mrs Pizl said: “In the first lockdown a year ago, you were looking at around 10-15 children in total coming to school.

"This time around we have had 85 children take up the offer and so none of the staff have worked from home.

"As well as teaching the pupils in front of them, they have also provided remote learning for those still at home and I cannot praise them enough for their work and dedication.

"All they wanted was the best outcomes for the pupils. It is a challenge they have risen to.”

Pupils returning to Fatfield for the first time since January should notice few differences on Monday.

Mrs Pizl said: “We have always had measures in place to minimise the risk.

"We have separate lunchtimes to get pupils through the hall safely, playtimes are staggered and we partition the yard so one class is separated from the other.

"Pupils do share not equipment and if adults cannot keep two metres apart then we will wear masks.

"We have also asked parents to wear masks on the yard when they deliver pupils.

"What we have already had in place will remain in place. It is about making sure all the measures are adhered to safely.”

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