Harborough village primary school set to feature on TV as part of the coverage to mark one year since the first lockdown

A Harborough village primary school will mark the first anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown by starring on the regional BBC news.

Excitement rose to fever pitch as BBC East Midlands Today went to St Andrew’s Primary School at North Kilworth to talk to pupils, teachers and parents – and feature them on TV.

They spoke about all youngsters returning to school after the latest national nine-week lockdown - and to look back at how families have coped over the last 12 months.

BBC news reporter Amy Payne popped in as she’s making a special educational report showcasing the year since the first lockdown on March 23rd last year.

A year on from visiting another Learn Academies Trust school, Market Harborough’s Ridgeway Primary Academy, Amy went to find out how local schools are gearing up for the future.

She spoke to Ruth Burton, Head of School at St Andrew’s Primary School, about how they are moving forward.

“It’s been an exciting experience for the children to have BBC East Midlands filming at the school talking about both the past year as well as looking forward to the future.

“Remote learning has changed so much in the last year.

“During lockdown our teachers and children have had the opportunity to see each other online regularly which has helped them with academic lessons as well as for as for their own well-being,” said Ruth.

“Unfortunately, connectivity has meant at times this has been a real challenge.

“The children have come back and settled well into school life and are enjoying being with their friends.

“It will take time for everything to be normal again.

“However, as we look to the future we are optimistic that the children of St Andrews will continue to flourish.”

Heather White, the school’s executive head, said: "The children are settling into school life again, glad to see their teachers and friends.

“School life still isn’t normal for them yet as we are still in bubbles and are missing opportunities to come together as a whole school. “Hopefully it won’t be too much longer before we enjoy things like assemblies, singing and sports days.

“Like all schools in the Learn Academies Trust, we are concentrating on pupil well-being.”

She added: “We feel this is the best way for children to get back to their routines and begin to learn at school again.

“We would all like to take this opportunity to thank all our incredible parents who have helped to support their children through this last lockdown.

“They really have all done a great job.”

Watch out for Amy’s special educational report on St Andrew’s Primary School which will air in the week beginning Monday March 22 on BBC One East Midlands Today.