Hundreds of youngsters returned to their classes today (Monday) as primary schools re-open across Harborough

But they will be going back into a very different learning environment as they will have to maintain social distancing while hygiene is paramount
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Hundreds of youngsters are returning to their classes today (Monday) as primary schools re-open across Harborough.

Many pupils will see their playground pals for the first time since schools were shut by the Government on March 20 as the Covid-19 crisis struck.

But they will be going back into a very different learning environment as they will have to maintain social distancing while hygiene is paramount.

Hundreds of youngsters are returning to their classes today (Monday) as primary schools re-open across Harborough.Hundreds of youngsters are returning to their classes today (Monday) as primary schools re-open across Harborough.
Hundreds of youngsters are returning to their classes today (Monday) as primary schools re-open across Harborough.

Children in the Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 classes will go back at 10 primary schools that form the Learn Academies Trust (Learn-AT).

Eight of those schools are based in Market Harborough and surrounding villages.

The Learn-AT Trust Board met on Thursday evening to review each school’s risk assessment procedures and preparations for expansion of school provision.

“Trustees agreed that everything was in place for the schools to begin welcoming back children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6,” said the Trust.

“Children will return to school in stages over a period of two to three weeks, starting with the youngest children on Monday June 8.

Schools are continuing to care for increasing numbers of the children of key workers and vulnerable children in all age groups.

“Each school will take time to ensure that their new systems and procedures for hygiene and social distancing are effective and to evaluate current pupil numbers and school capacity, before inviting the next group of children to return.”

Stef Edwards, Learn-AT’s Trust Leader, told the Harborough Mail: “All Learn-AT staff are looking forward to welcoming as many of our children back to school as possible.

“The safety and well-being of our pupils, our staff and all their families remains our most important priority.” She stressed: “We are determined to proceed cautiously and carefully to make sure that our schools remain as safe as possible for all members of our communities.”

The Lubenham-based Learn Academies Trust was founded in 2016 and has 10 member primary schools:

Blaby Stokes CE Primary School

Church Langton CE Primary School

Great Bowden CE Academy

Husbands Bosworth CE Primary School

Lubenham All Saints CE Primary School

Market Harborough CE Academy

Meadowdale Primary School

Red Hill Field Primary School

Ridgeway Primary Academy

St Andrew’s CE Primary School, North Kilworth­