Returning all students to the classroom is “a journey rather than a race”, a Lichfield secondary school headteacher has said.
Pupils across the country will return to in-person education from 8th March following the current lockdown.
Two secondary schools in Lichfield have confirmed a staggered restart may be necessary – and in a letter to parents, King Edward VI School also outlined similar proposals.
Headteacher Jane Rutherford said it was important to recognise the challenges pupils have had over the past year.
“We know that our students have had a range of experiences during lockdown.
“When students return to school we understand that some students may have thrived while some may have struggled -the most important thing for us all is to take positive steps forward.
“It is a journey rather than a race to re-engage with life in school.”
Jane Rutherford, King Edward VI School
Pupils will also need to be tested when they return to school – a fact which is likely to impact on when all students will be back full-time.
“From 8th March we will begin the programme required to offer all 1,500 students three rapid lateral flow tests, three to five days apart.
“Conducting up to 4,500 individual student tests is a huge undertaking and will require an intensive programme supported by at least 25 members of staff on each testing day.
“The return is being staggered to support the testing process and transition back in to school but it is anticipated that all students will be back in school full-time by 15th March.”
Jane Rutherford, King Edward VI School
