IT was a case of smiles all round as Northwich children returned to schools on Monday after months of being taught at home.

The return of schools is the first step in the government's easing of lockdown restrictions, with children across the town happy to be back with their friends.

Catriona Stewart, Headteacher at Kingsmead Primary School, said it was great to have everyone back under the one roof.

"Children, staff and parents were delighted to be back this morning, it was smiles all round, adults on the grounds from behind their face coverings," she said.

"It has been almost a year now since Covid hit schools and while restrictions and risk assessments will be in place for some time yet, it’s great to be back together under one roof.

"Children’s excited, hopeful and optimistic faces showed us very clearly this morning that they are far from the ‘lost generation’ being talked about in some quarters.

"Children, school staff, parents and carers are back together, appreciating education for everyone, together in one place, like never before."

Northwich Guardian: Children returned to Hartford Manor School after several months being taught at home.

Children returned to Hartford Manor School after several months being taught at home.

Simon Kidwell, Principal of Hartford Manor School said: "Since March 8 was announced by the Prime Minister as the target date or the full opening of schools, the staff, parents and children have been looking forward to seeing each other and getting back to face-to-face teaching and learning.

"Attendance for the first day back was higher than average with 97.6 per cent of school-age children in school compared to between 25 and 30 per cent of the children on-site for the first two months of 2021.

"The first day back felt like a real primary school - vibrant and busy with happy children.

"We will continue to follow the recommended safety measures including children working in small bubbles, enhanced hand and respiratory hygiene and well-ventilated classrooms to ensure our school is as safe as it can be."

Northwich Guardian: Children returned to The Grange Juniors on Monday.

Children returned to The Grange Juniors on Monday.

Children also made a happy return to The Grange Juniors, who tweeted: "Lots of happy smiling faces at The Grange Juniors this morning.

"It's wonderful to have everybody together at school again."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lots of happy smiling faces at The Grange Juniors this morning. It's wonderful to have everybody together at school again <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/backtoschool?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#backtoschool</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/backtoschoolsafely?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#backtoschoolsafely</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/liveyoureducation?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#liveyoureducation</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thegrangejuniors?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thegrangejuniors</a> <a href="https://t.co/eHNDX3l3UK">pic.twitter.com/eHNDX3l3UK</a></p>— The Grange School (@Grange_Cheshire) <a href="https://twitter.com/Grange_Cheshire/status/1368920227392741379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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