LAST WEEK Hatherden CE Primary School re-opened its doors to all pupils from Reception to Year 6.

This decision has provided all pupils with nearly three weeks of classroom-based learning before the summer holidays after a staggering 15 weeks off school due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to this, this achievement has provided all pupils with the opportunity to interact with each other, play together and begin successful transitions to new year groups, helping to alleviate anxiety whilst allowing parents to return to work.

The move follows the Government’s announcement that more pupils in further years could return to school as long as they are able to accommodate them and meet a number of protective targets, including limiting class sizes to no more than 15.

Primary schools reopened to years’ one, six and reception on June 1, followed by years’ 10 and 12 in secondary schools, but it is expected that all students will not be returning until September at the earliest.

But Hatherden was able to buck the trend.

The primary school is one of the first schools in Hampshire to reopen fully with children, parents, staff and governors saying this has been a “huge success.”

The school’s headteacher, Mrs L. V. Bracken, said: “A full reopening is a fantastic opportunity for all of the pupils at Hatherden CE Primary School to receive face to face teaching and to be able to socialise with other children.

“It is wonderful to hear the pupils’ laughter filling the corridors again after such a long time.”

Schools in England have been told to keep classes or whole year groups apart in separate “bubbles”.

Primary schools are encouraged to have bubbles that include a whole class, while secondary schools are likely to need bubbles that consist of an entire year group so the full range of subjects can be delivered.

Older children will also be encouraged to keep their distance within groups of students and from staff.

Schools have also been advised to stagger break and lunch times, as well as start and finish times, to keep groups apart and avoid creating busy corridors, entrances and exits.

Students have also been advised to keep their use of public transport to a minimum in the autumn.