CHILDREN said they felt relieved and excited to be back in the classroom after studying remotely at home for months.

All students returned to Middlewich High School at the same time on Monday as Covid tests were carried out last week.

Headteacher Heidi Thurland said: "It has been fantastic to see and hear students on the school site. I have very much enjoyed visiting lessons and as always have been impressed by our respectful, engaged young people.

"Testing is going smoothly once again, a great start for our community."

A meticulously planned operation was organised every day last week to test each pupil for coronavirus.

Year 7 students delighted to be back with their friends

Year 7 students delighted to be back with their friends

Year 7 students delighted to be back with their friends

Year 7 and 11 will be tested again this week and then all pupils and staff will be given kits to test themselves at home twice a week.

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Year 7 pupil Ben Wigston said: "I am happy to be back as I found home learning hard. I was nervous about having my test but I was soon reassured as we received more information. It wasn't that bad after all."

Fellow student Ethan Price said: "I feel excited because I get to see all my teachers and friends again.

Pupil Jake Humphries added: "It's better to be back at school and see all of my friends, and it's nice to get away from my siblings."

Sisters Izzy and Ava Hulbert-Thompson

Sisters Izzy and Ava Hulbert-Thompson

Sisters Izzy and Ava Hulbert-Thompson

Special health and wellbeing sessions are being organised to give children a chance to talk about their feelings and help them to adjust back into their school routine.

Assistant headteacher Steve Wiseman said: "Students have gone back into the same bubbles they were in before lockdown so it has worked very well.

"They are really pleased to see each other and are concentrating on getting used to lessons together again.

"We are signposting children who may need support. We are giving all pupils the opportunity to tell us if they are struggling with anything and how we can best help them to improve.

"We are very proud of how they have all been studying at home."