Plans in place at Middlewich High School to cope with any new coronavirus rules

Staff and pupils have remained calm and positive since returning to lessons four weeks ago.

Speculation is mounting that the Government may introduce new rules as cases of Covid-19 continue to increase across the north west.

So far no classes have had to be sent home.

Students have remained calm and positive

Headteacher Heidi Thurland said: "I visit classrooms every day and students are very respectful, calm and focussed. Confidence in the school keeping children and adults safe is strong. Nothing has affected a whole cohort or bubble.

"We are trying to plan for lots of different scenarios. My view is to keep the school open for as long as it possibly can be. We will adapt to guidance as it comes."

Students have adapted well to the new coronavirus regulations

A new infrastructure has been introduced to provide technical support to pupils, teachers and parents.

"We have invested in webcams for teachers so they have microphones on camera should we be in the situation where they need to deliver lessons from the desktop," said Ms Thurland.

"We are also developing a google classroom platform and ensuring that parents understand the way information gets across in online tutorials.

"It will allow parents to see how homework is being set. We will be reviewing every child's information communication technology provision at home. If there are situations where access to computers is not available, we will find the resources."

A full curriculum is being delivered

A virtual open day last week has been hailed a huge success as staff and students teamed up to record videos to describe the school to prospective pupils and families.

"We are really proud of our new promotional material," said Ms Thurland. "Students and staff spent time reflecting on their experiences. We are trying to reach out to our community as much as possible. We can meet families in a Covid secure way after school."

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All the new systems in place are under constant review.

An extended hot meal menu is being introduced and an out of hours emergency line is now available for families.

"We started with a reduced menu but now we are improving that offer," said Ms Thurland. "Lunch is a key meal for many of our students. We will continue to evaluate what we doing.

"We are delivering a full curriculum. PE sessions are going on. We have wanted it to be as normal an experience as possible for our students.

"There is a lot of speculation that half term could be extended. I do not want to shut the school though I understand we may have to.

"Whatever eventuality happens we have clear plans in place and infrastructures in place to support them."

An out of hours emergency line is now in place for families to call at weekends and evenings when the school is closed.