Bognor Regis schools prepare to welcome returning pupils

Rather than reintroducing than reintroducing all of their students on the same day, schools will be staggering their return over the course of the first week, in order to keep students and staff as safe as possible.

Mark Anstiss, head teacher at Felpham Community College, said: “We won’t be able to have all the children back on Monday the eighth, we’ll have to stagger it over the first few days but hopefully everyone will be back by Friday.”

Between rigorous testing, mandatory face masks and an even greater focus on hygiene in schools across the area, the return to physical education in two weeks’ time could be difficult.

Despite the challenge, many schools say they welcome the return.

Mr Anstiss said: “We’re all delighted with the news. Students have had a lot of challenges since the third lockdown but I think everyone is now ready to come back to school and I think that’s where children learn best.”

His sentiments were echoed by David Oakes, headmaster of The Regis School, who said he was ‘excited’ to be welcoming students back.

He said: “I definitely think it’s the right thing to do, the children need to be in school.”

“There is no panic, we’ve got a plan. I think the government giving us two weeks feels like a luxury compared to the last 12 months, so actually we will be ready for when the students return.”

Just like Felpham Community College, The Regis School will have to test students before they return, meaning they will also have to spread their re-opening across a number of days.

With twice weekly lateral flow testing for teachers and staggered starting times for students, Edward Bryant school is making many of the same adjustments as others in the area.

Acting head teacher Emma Purkis said: “We’ve made a significant number of changes to our school to ensure it’s as safe as possible and they will continue to be in place.”

Nick Gibb, MP for Bognor Regis, said he was pleased to see schools reopening: “This is the right thing for children’s education, social development and well being. It will come as a huge relief to many parents who have had to juggle their work with home schooling.”