As this month’s Vision magazine is delivered across Brentwood, there will be a hint of a small of autumn in the air and our children will be returning to school, many of them for the first time since schools were closed in March for the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.
As the start of term approaches, now is the time for families to think about the practicalities of returning to school in September – safe in the knowledge that schools are prepared for their children’s return. Some children were in school during the lockdown – mostly those whose parents are key workers – plus Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 once lockdown was lifted a little, but for the others, this is the first time they have entered the school buildings in almost six months.
I wrote to every headteacher at every school in Brentwood and Ongar during the lockdown to offer my support as they coped with the huge responsibilities and demands of setting up online teaching, checking in with their pupils, and making sure vulnerable children were being supported effectively. I can tell they have done an amazing job – and are certainly even more appreciated by the parents who have had to home-school their own children for the duration.
There is no doubt all these children, be they the youngest infants, or next year’s GCSE and A level students, have missed a huge part of their education, and indeed, childhood. So many milestones and key events have been missed, from last days at school and proms, to school plays, sports and playing with friends.
There is some concern from parents, teachers and young people alike, but the Government has a #backtoschoolsafely campaign - to reassure parents and students that schools and colleges are safe and ready for their return in September. This aims to help reassure parents that school is the best place for their child to be, that schools and colleges are ready and waiting to get back to teaching, and that they have the right protective measures in place. The campaign will also help parents plan the school run to avoid public transport where possible.
I am all too aware we will be seeing the effects of this six month period of missed education for many years to come but it is time for the children to return. All children deserve to be back in school as it is the best place for both their education and wellbeing – having played their part to help combat this virus by staying at home, now is the time they should get back to the education they deserve. I have no doubt the teachers and support staff are ready to meet this challenge and I am here to support them in whatever they need.