Schoolchildren in Winsford and Middlewich will be tested for Covid

Teachers at Middlewich High and Winsford Academy are reassuring parents that stringent safety measures will be in place and all pupils will be tested for Covid to meet new Government guidelines.

Meticulous plans are now being drawn up to work out all the logistics to test pupils regularly, both at school and at home, for coronavirus.

The Government wants children to be tested regularly at school and kits will also be provided for families to carry out further tests at home.

Heidi Thurland, headteacher of Middlewich High School, said: "I am delighted that we will soon see the full return of students.

"Our community has been exceptional during this lockdown period and our staff have worked tirelessly to provide excellent online learning and support to students and families.

"Over the next few days I will be working closely with senior staff, the local authority, Public Health England and Cheshire East heads to ensure that we plan a safe return for our community."

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Every effort will be made to ensure students feel secure and supported.

Middlewich High School students Jack Eagle, Kaitlyn Ashworth and Jake Humphreys

Middlewich High School students Jack Eagle, Kaitlyn Ashworth and Jake Humphreys

"We appreciate some families will be anxious about returning," said Ms Thurland. "I would like to reassure families that we will do everything we can to keep our community safe. We will also carefully consider the wellbeing of students.

"We are already busy planning how best to support students to quickly progress in their learning so that they can thrive and succeed.

"We have worked hard together to keep our community safe and we have an excellent track record for this, I am confident we will meet any and all challenges successfully.

"I fully anticipate the return to school to be successful. We cannot wait to work face to face with all our students. We have missed their love of learning, their laughter on the playground and their unique and brilliant personalities."

Gary Evans, principal of Winsford Academy, said: "We are ecstatic to have the children back, it is what we have wanted for some time.

"We want to reassure parents that we are working out a plan to ensure that all students will be tested for Covid by the end of their first week back.

Winsford Academy students look forward to returning to the classroom

Winsford Academy teachers look forward to students returning to the classroom

"I have been here since June and only had all students in for three months of that time. It is really important for us to all be together and get pupils back into the routine of learning."

Staff have been overwhelmed by the support and appreciation they have received from families during the pandemic.

"We have received some lovely messages from parents thanking teachers for going the extra mile during lockdown," said Mr Evans.

"Home learning has been a massive challenge for everyone. Teaching live lessons at home is not ideal.

The mental health and wellbeing of Winsford Academy students is a top priority for staff

The mental health and wellbeing of Winsford Academy students is a top priority for staff

"We are concerned about the health and wellbeing of students and staff.

"When students return we will have speakers lined up so they can talk about how they are feeling and how we can help them to adjust back into the classroom.

"It will be nice to try and get some normality back in school."