First look inside Sheffield classroom as teacher warns students will ‘sit pretty close together’

Schools across Sheffield closed back in March as the pandemic swept across the country with parents left having to home school their children.

Some children returned to school in July for a phased reopening but the government is now advising all parents to send their children back in to be taught by their regular teachers.

Good Morning Britain reporter Katy Rickitt went to a school in Sheffield to see their safety measures but admitted parents could ‘still be concerned’ about sending their children back to school

She said: “Here at this school in Sheffield they brought children in for a day back in July to make their own place names and give them some reassurance.

“As far as safety is concerned, everyone has their own pencil case, they’re all facing forward. But the teacher is pretty honest about the fact that if the government want everyone to go back to school they are going to have to sit pretty close together.

“You can see why some parents are still concerned about the return to school.”

Sheffield City Council has revealed there are a number of measures in place to keep children safe.

According to the council, children will be washing their hands more regularly, social distancing in places where it can be and contact tracing when there are positive cases.

Parents have also been reminded that there will be sanctions, including fines, for non-attendance or term time leave and schools will be recording attendance.

Sheffield Director of Public Health, Greg Fell, has also advised all secondary schools, further education colleges and Universities that face coverings should be worn by pupils and staff in communal areas and corridors.

However, he said it is not necessary to wear them in the classroom.

A spokesperson said: “If your child goes to secondary school you should provide them with a face covering. You may also be asked to wear a face covering if you need to go inside a primary or secondary school.

“Face coverings do not need to be worn by pupils in primary school settings.”