The government’s guidance now enables education settings to risk assess and manage the return of all primary year groups following Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils returning earlier this month (June). Claires Court has put in place all the recommended and best practice safety measures to re-open to all Junior year groups at its Junior Boys site near The Thicket in Maidenhead. 

James Wilding, Academic Principal, said: “We are delighted to see children safely return to schools. Our top priority is always the safety and wellbeing of all of our community, including pupils, their families and our staff. We have carried out extensive risk assessments and are following the best practice guidance to keep everyone safe.”

Safety measures include working in small classes, known as bubbles (between seven and 12 children), staying within bubbles during the day, staggered breaks and lunchtimes, social distancing, regular handwashing as well as the school being deep cleaned daily.

Any pupils not returning are still able to continue with online learning, which includes live classes, academic work, sports, art, music, drama and other activities. 

Mr Wilding added: “With the right safety precautions in place, it feels right that where we can we facilitate our pupils returning to school and  having social interactions with their friends and teachers, which will be a great benefit to the wellbeing of our families. Throughout the lockdown we have fully appreciated the pressures that families are under to work from home and home-school. The chance to get back into school is fantastic for the children and we will continue to support all our families whether they are coming back now or hopefully in the near future. We are also monitoring daily updates on guidance, keeping our families well informed and continuing to provide the best academic and wellbeing care we can, be that at school or if people are still at home.”

Claires Court’s Nursery re-opened on June 8, followed by some provision for Years 10 and 12 from June 15. 

Follow Claires Court on social media to see how the return to school has been and the activities that have been going on during lockdown.

Claires Court is also planning virtual open events in June for families considering the next steps in their children’s education. For more information visit www.clairescourt.com or email registrar@clairescourt.com