AS THOUSANDS of children in Winchester returned to school today after lockdown, the Chronicle went to one primary to find out how parents felt.

In March it was confirmed that two pupils from Oliver’s Battery Primary School were self isolating after they travelled in a taxi that had had another traveller with a confirmed diagnosis of the virus.

Soon after schools closed under Government guidance, but for the first time in seven months the majority of pupils returned this morning.

Oliver’s Battery Primary has introduced a range of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus including increased hand washing and pupils remaining in 'bubbles' throughout the day.

This morning parents were also not able to enter school buildings, with some children making their own way to class. Drop off and pick up times are also said to be staggered.

Mum Jaqueline Gehring said: “I think they are very ready to be with their friends and have normal teaching.

“I think we are all concerned about the virus and have got to make sure that we are all safe.

“I am going to hear back from them [my children] tonight, but everything we have been sent from the school they have considered everything they possibly can.

“They have done everything they can to make it safe.”

And Angela Louth, whose child is in year 3, said: “It was quite difficult this morning obviously has they have been off for so long.

“It will be different for them, they [the school] have done all they can do, we’ve got to get back to the new normal at some point.”

Another mum added: “I feel absolutely fine about the children being back, no problems. They have gone off happy, looking forward to seeing their friends.

“We have talked about it, so they know it is going to be different.”

Not all parents were at ease, with one mum telling the Chronicle: “I am actually quite nervous about it, it is all a bit confused.

“I don’t think it was very organised to be honest. I don’t know if that is because it was the first day and it will get better.”

One of her children will be starting school next week, adding: “I am nervous for her as it will be completely different rather than normal starting school.”

Headteacher Carly Redfern said: "We have been really pleased to welcome back all the pupils at Oliver’s Battery School today – it is amazing to see how much they have all grown! The children have all enjoyed being back in school and it is so lovely to see so many smiling faces in the classrooms.  

"In order to ensure the safety of all staff and pupils, the school have carried out extensive Risk Assessments and ensured that all appropriate measures are in place to reduce the risk of infection."