The broadcast reported on the difficulties that schools across the country have faced to reopen safely amid the coronavirus crisis. As lockdown measures began to ease back in June, Claires Court, following the government’s guidance for schools to re-open for specific year groups, have been able to gradually invite more and more of our pupils back into school for the final weeks of the summer term, with our Nursery pupils, Junior pupils from Reception to Year 6 and our Year 10 and 12 students all returning. The report highlighted the recommended and best practice safety measures in place at Claires Court for children to return. 

Speaking to Sky News’ political correspondent Tamara Cohen, Claires Court’s Executive Head Justin Spanswick said: “Pupils’ safety and wellbeing is at the heart of all our decisions so we have strict procedures in place including small class ‘bubbles’, wellbeing and health checks upon arrival to school, social distancing and spaced classrooms, and good hygiene education and practices throughout the school day. Managing class sizes and the integrity of bubbles will continue to be very important, and across the education sector we recognise the challenges this will bring for schools.

“We have been able to bring most of our pupils back to school and feel this is a great benefit not only for the children’s education but also their wellbeing and chance to see their classmates and teachers.”

The government’s guidance allows 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), and a return for all pupils is anticipated for the next school year, starting in September.

Tamara Cohen, Sky News political correspondent, commented in the news features: “Schools like Claires Court have been able to bring more children back to the classroom and provide pretty close to the full classroom experience for those at home, but under current social distancing guidelines that requires space and resources, which may not be available everywhere.”

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. 

Watch the media clip here.