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‘Thrilled to be back and smiles all around'; Cardiff schools receive positive feedback after first week of reopening

3/7/2020

Schools from across Cardiff have been praised this week as they reopened their doors to welcome pupils back to the classroom for the first time since March.

Every one of Cardiff's primary, secondary and special schools reopened from Monday 29, June so that children and young people could ‘check in, catch up and prepare', the approach set out by Welsh Government.

With social distancing measures in place including a third of pupils in at any one time and staggered start and finish times, schools looked differently, butfeedback has been that children couldn't wait to get back again and Headteachers and their staff were delighted for them return.

To help assist parents and pupils returning to school, a series of Frequently Asked Questions has been published on the Council's website, providing answers on a range of topics, including health and safety, the curriculum and childcare. Click here to view the FAQS, which are also available in several different languages:https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Schools-and-learning/Schools/FAQ-for-parents-and-pupils/Pages/default.aspx

The Council has also produced a child friendly version of the FAQS, which can be found here:https://www.childfriendlycardiff.co.uk/schools/school-restart-information-for-children-and-young-people/

Some positive comments from pupils, parents and Headteachers across the city include;

Wil Howlett, Headteacher Albany Primary School:"This week we have really enjoyed welcoming our children and families back to Albany. It has been great to see all the children come into school smiling and enjoying their day in their new class bubbles. We have been very proud of how well the children have listened and followed the new rules and routines to make the school safe. The key message has been that whilst things may look different we are still the same and to keep smiling. Thank you to the children, families and staff for a fantastic first week back at Albany Primary School."

Jessica Grundy, parent at Danescout Primary School:"We were greeted at the gate by my daughter's head and teachers and she happily went in, following social distancing markers on her way. When I collected her she told me what a great day she had and can't wait to go back again."

Sian Burt, Deputy Headteacher at Howardian Primary: "The children who returned to school this week have been absolutely thrilled to come back, their excitement has blown us away! We have been doing lots of wellbeing activities and as much outdoor learning as possible, including street art, collage, bug hunts, bike races, making and flying paper planes, designing obstacle courses, making ‘worry dolls', treasure hunts, yoga, dancing and singing."

Liz Roberts, parent from Rhiwbeina Primary School:"The school made a huge effort to ensure children were welcomed back in a way that was safe for everyone. My daughter loved her first day back and the teachers were brilliant at making sure they all had a happy day, despite very different circumstances."

Rachel Woodward, Headteacher at St Alban's Primary School:"It has been wonderful catching up with the children this week. They have had fun filled days with their friends, explored their emotions through natural art, created a reflective lockdown branch, revised ICT skills to support thei home learning and finished with a relaxing art session. It was lovely to see the children leaving school with huge smiles on their faces and looking forward to returning next week!"

Francesca Williams, parent at Hywel Dda Primary School said:"Fantastic first day back in school. The school were highly organised and very efficient. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed herself and can't wait for next week. A great transition to normality."

Jonathan Keohane, Headteacher at Roath Park Primary School:"It has been amazing this week to get all of our Roath Park family "home" after 14 long weeks. The old building has been brought back to life with laughter and enjoyment - the type that only comes from the energy of children."

Karen Brown, Headteacher from Millbank Primary School:"We were thrilled to welcome back so many of our pupils through this week, with 81% attending to join their bubble once through the week. This was fabulous! Having our road closed by Cardiff Council was a massive help as well, and earned us a lot of very positive comments from residents in the street."

Mari Phillips, Headteacher Ysgol Y Berllan Deg:"It has been fantastic to see pupils and parents once again. It was a pleasure to walk around the school and feel the staff and the pupils' happiness and excitement of being back in their familiar environment."

Chris Newcombe, Headteacher Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch: "I have been delighted to welcome some of our pupils back to school this week in small nests. It has been fantastic to see their happy, smiley faces as they meet their friends and teachers for the first time in months!"

Rhian Lundrigan, Executive Headteacher Glan yr Afon and Bryn Hafod Primary School: "What a wonderful week we've had at both schools in The Rainbow Federation. We have created a safe, child friendly site across both schools, using hearts to ensure that staff and pupils adhere to social distancing in and around the site.

"Stand on a Heart, Stay 2 metres apart has been our motto since Monday. It has been such a positive week for staff and pupils. All staff have planned fun activities for the bubbles, focussing on well-being. All the planning and re planning over the last 3 weeks has all been worth it to see lots of smiling faces, so excited to see their friends and peers. We are looking forward to seeing even more pupils over the next three weeks at Glan yr Afon and Bryn Hafod Primary School".