BEXTON Primary School headteacher Emily Armstrong is hoping the phased return of pupils to primary schools in Cheshire East will help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

From June 15 all eligible nursery-aged pupils will be able to attend Cheshire East schools on a limited and controlled basis where staffing capacity and space allows. Similarly, all primary school reception class pupils will be able to attend.

All year one pupils will be able to attend their primary school from June 22, and from June 29, and where capacity permits, all year six pupils will be able to return to school.

Mrs Armstrong said: "Although we fully understand why Cheshire East have requested all schools delay their return to school, we are obviously disappointed we won’t be able to finish the year off with some of the classes.

"We are hoping the phased return will make a positive impact on reducing the spread of Covid-19 so we can get back to ‘normal’ as soon as we are able.

"Whilst we are disappointed not to be seeing more of the children sooner, it does give us valuable preparation time to ensure the maximum safety of any children who do return to school.

"We’re all desperate to see the children – it’s been very quiet without them here!"

Mrs Armstrong added: "We would like to say a huge thank you to Adam Fowle and his partner Ali Umpleby, who have offered to provide the school with some protective visors.

"They have donated over 2,100 to NHS hospital staff, care homes, district nurses and many other frontline workers.

"We were thrilled to receive this offer, as this will mean each group will have one available, along with the masks, aprons and gloves we’ve ordered."