THE past year has seen teachers and pupils adapt to new ways of working and “rise to the challenges” during the pandemic.

Fordingbridge Infant and Junior Schools Federation has been taking a look back at this time which saw the majority of children being taught from home online.

March 23, marked a year since the first lockdown was introduced in England.

A statement from the schools said: “The past year has seen Fordingbridge Infant and Junior Schools Federation face and rise to many challenges; from ensuring that on-site we are Covid safe at all times, thanks to an absolutely phenomenal effort by our caretaking and cleaning team, teaching and support staff and the children themselves, to ensuring that high quality teaching has been provided to all of our children whether in school or at home.

“Periods of home learning have seen two systems of teaching running in parallel, in-class teaching and support for vulnerable and key worker children in school, and alongside this remote learning via the Seesaw app. This inclusive and successful approach has only been possible with the commitment and dedication from our amazing Federation team, and their willingness to explore and embrace new technologies and ways of working, and the enthusiasm and support of our wonderful children and their families.”

Despite these new ways of working the schools have been able to continue providing specialist support including online emotional Literacy support assistance, speech therapy and one-to-one guided reading sessions.

The school continued: “At times it’s felt like a steep learning curve for all of us but as one Federation Family we’ve believed in each other, striven to remain positive for all of our children at all times, and achieved so much each and every day over the last year despite the challenges. Many long lasting positive legacies have come out of this period of time, not least of all the embedded resilience we see in our children, as we’re absolutely delighted to be able to welcome them all back into school once more, where their learning journeys can continue alongside their friends."

Balloons and banners greeted all pupils from Fordingbridge Infant and Junior Schools Federation when they returned to school on March 8.

They were made by key worker children who had been in school over the spring term were hung on the school gates and in classrooms, to welcome children back who had been home learningsince Christmas.

Fordingbridge Infant School children also had a opportunity on their first day back, with everyone being led on a guided safari around the school and grounds.

Dressed in explorer outfits, some including binoculars, they searched for the African wild animals who had come to visit.

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