Principal of Malcolm Sargent Primary School in Stamford speaks about first day back after lockdown

The principal of Stamford’s largest primary school has given an insight into how the first day back after lockdown has gone.

Tristan Revell, of Malcolm Sargent Primary School, told the Mercury he was immensely proud of the way staff, parents and children have responded.

Parents turned up on Monday morning (June 1) adhering strictly to social distancing, helped by two-metre spaced markers from the gates into the school grounds.

And pupils have embraced the new protocols including a one-in-one-out system at the toilets and a new hand-washing regime.

“It’s all working really well,” Mr Revell said. “Everything was very positive, calm and organised this morning and the children have adapted beautifully to the new routines.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the way they and the staff have just come in and got on with things.”

A total of 181 children from Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 attended on Monday, although the school had been expecting 208.

Mr Revell said around 400 pupils would have been eligible to return to school, in line with the Government’s guidelines. Malcolm Sargent has 645 pupils on its roll.

“There has been a lot of debate in the national media which has created a bit of uncertainty for parents and they are just wanting to act cautiously,” he said.

“We will see what happens but we think the numbers will gradually increase.”

Despite being closed to the majority of pupils for the past 10 weeks, the school has remained open supporting around 50 families of vulnerable children or key workers.

This has enabled staff to establish systems such as spacing out desks for ‘pods’ of around 10 children.

Mr Revell said the new protocols would have no impact on the quality of education, and he was confident the school’s high standards had been maintained throughout the lockdown.

Telephone and video conferencing meant staff have been able to stay in touch with families and pre-recorded classes allow a “full timetable of daily lessons”.

Both the year groups in school and those still at home would continue to receive the best education, despite the changes that have had to be made.

“It’s ‘different’ school, but it’s still school,” he said.

How are other schools coping? Let us know by emailing steve.creswell@iliffepublishing.co.uk or calling 07808 632807.

Schools are being left to decide for themselves about June 1 return