WINSFORD youngsters, their families and schools are being thanked for their efforts following the return to school from lockdown.

Cheshire West and Chester Council says all the borough's schools have worked hard adapting their sites and procedures to make them Covid-secure.

Staff have worked with the council's public health team on how to use NHS Test and Trace and manage cases of Covid-19 at school, while scenario planning has helped schools to prepare for any coronavirus outbreaks.

Cllr Bob Cernik, cabinet member for children and families, said: “I’m really pleased that all schools in Cheshire West were able to fully reopen for the autumn term and have welcomed back all year groups successfully.

“Thank you to everyone involved in getting pupils back into the classroom, including parents and carers, who have been following the national and local guidance related to Covid-19.

"For many children being back in the classroom with their friends and teachers will be the best place for them to learn. If a child does need to self-isolate, due to Covid-19, schools have arrangements in place for home learning so that they can keep up with the lessons they are missing at home.

“I would also like to express my thanks to all our schools and their staff who have worked incredibly hard throughout lockdown and over these last few weeks of schools reopening to welcome pupils back and adapt to a new way of working.

“It is early days, but I believe that if we all follow the guidance issued nationally and locally, we can help stop the spread of Covid-19 and ensure that children can continue their learning in the classroom.”

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Children with symptoms should stay at home and have a test booked by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk

Parents and carers can also help prevent the spread of coronavirus by washing hands regularly, walking or cycling to school if possible and following schools' instructions on drop-off and pick-up times, CWAC says.