Wigan school is still full of life amid pandemic

Marsh Green Primary School is now a hive of activity again, with class bubbles and a one-way system to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Many youngsters could not attend lessons when the national lockdown was imposed in March, but the school did stay open for some, such as those whose parents were key workers, and had a higher than average attendance.

While it was initially recommended schools should welcome pupils in reception and years one and six in July, Marsh Green said those in the others year groups could also return for two days a week.

Headteacher Gill Leigh said: “It meant that every child who wanted a place could come back and that really lifted our attendance. It also alleviated nerves. For some children coming back was such a massive move.”

Since September, the focus has been on the school’s “reconnect” curriculum.

Mrs Leigh said: “Some children hadn’t come back in all that time, so it was reconnecting with each other on a social level, reconnecting to a routine and reconnecting with learning.”

Lessons are split into smaller chunks now, with breaks for children to go outside, be mindful or do yoga.

Staff had to find out what pupils knew when they returned, which they did by talking to them and playing games.

Mrs Leigh said: “We didn’t want to expect children to pick up from where they left us.

“To us, it’s important that everyone achieves and does well, but first of all we want children to be settled and happy and then the results

come.

“We are trying to inject as much fun as we can into lessons.”

Children are encouraged to be more active and work is done on PSHE topics, like helping them make friends and learn about bullying.

It has also been vital to support children grieving for loved ones or feeling scared due to the pandemic.

It is not always straight-forward - some staff have been off work after contracting coronavirus and some bubbles of children have had to stay home at times to isolate.

But the school makes regular contact with pupils at home and sets work for them.

Mrs Leigh praised the “absolutely fantastic” staff and support from parents.

Ofsted recently visited the school as part of a national project to see how the education system is managing the return of pupils.

It found children were studying all subjects on the curriculum, teachers had checked their new starting points and changes had been made to cover any gaps in learning due to the pandemic.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here