PUPILS at Whitchurch Church of England Primary School were among the many to return to the classroom on September 3, led in one by one by a member of staff.

And most parents at the school were pleased to return to the school run as classes returned with a raft of new safety measures in place.

Jen and Jon Walters from the Forest of Dean returned their two daughters to the primary, and said: “The children are excited - they can’t wait to get back. Things have got to get back to normal, and school is the best place for them. We’ve had emails from the school about the precautions, so we’re not nervous at all. The survival rate is 99.74 percent - so there’s more chance of being hit by a bus!”

Another parent, Rhydian James, said: “I’m quite content with it. I think the reality is that they’ve got to go back, to socialise and begin the learning process. I don’t feel nervous - we’ll just have to see what happens, which is what everyone has to do.”

And Anna and Michael Herbert said: “It’s their very first day, so it’s quite exciting, and we’re very proud of them! We’re a little bit nervous, but not too much, because the school is on top of it all – from a Covid perspective, we’re comfortable with it all.”

Jonathan and Joanne Parker said: “We’re feeling fine really, our child was at the nursery here. We’ve had a few sessions last week and met the teachers, who are really great. Our son’s excited to start at school – he’s been wearing his uniform all week and randomly putting on his tie!”

For others, the return to school was met with more apprehension.

Amanda Williams, who returned her daughter, said: “I’m nervous, and I must admit, I feel forced to take her back to school. I’ve kept her safe for six months, and now she has to go back, so I feel quite sick.”

And for Rachel Wilks, the concern was for other family members who are shielding.

"I’m just weighing up the costs, because the children need to socialise and learn, but we don’t know what will happen. I just hope the children are sensible,” Rachel said.

But fellow parent Lauren Gilmore said despite her apprehensions, she was happy with the move.

"The children are excited and really need to be in school," Lauren said.

"As a parent, you are always going to worry, but the school has it under control with systems, and the risk is low.”