A Penrith school is quietly celebrating this week as they welcomed their final pupils back to school. Following government guidelines, Hunter Hall, on the outskirts of Penrith have been implementing a steady, staggered return to school since 1 June and on Wednesday 24 June, Year 2, the last year to have continued distance learning from home, crossed the threshold to join their siblings and peers.
It’s not all been plain sailing, despite the school’s diminutive size, pupils ranging in age from 3 – 11 years and plenty of outdoor space, there have still been many challenges. School procedures have been overhauled to help organize and implement social distancing and bubble measures with pupils.
Classrooms have been reconfigured, cupboards turned into creative spaces, and as much use as possible made of out of the outdoor and indoor space. The school hall has become a classroom, as has the library. Two large mess tents have been kindly loaned to the school and along with a trusty tarpaulin, have been turned into outside shelter around the school grounds. Lots of classroom furniture has been placed in storage and instead children have a tray with their own textbooks and equipment. Staff have also been conscious of trying to give year 6 leavers some positive opportunities to finish their Hunter Hall careers on a high. To this end, the annual end of term production of ‘Peter Pan’ is being produced as a ‘feature film’, rather than as a play, in order that social distancing can be maintained.
Parents have been incredibly supportive of the move to get the whole school back, allowing the children to reconnect with their friends and get those extra vital few weeks of learning in place following a very successful period using Microsoft Teams to keep connected with the children and still be able to deliver the full curriculum just as in school – even managing to deliver their cookery classes and Outdoor Education curriculum, with lessons like bike maintenance and route planning.
School lunches have been dispensed of and picnics are now the norm with parental approval, allowing more flexibility to organise lunchtime and playtime safely, with bubbles having their own area for lunch and a set time to eat and play.
Staff have done their utmost to mitigate the effects of the pandemic with extra support put in place for children who need it, both during distance learning and also upon return to school. Lots of bubbles and social distancing has meant that staffing duties are many and lessons have been adapted as some bubbles have meant that classes have had to be split between rooms and areas.
Headteacher Donna Vinsome said: “I am delighted to welcome all the children back, and whilst it has been a gargantuan task from the beginning of lockdown to make sure the children’s welfare and educational needs are met, to have them all back in school for these final few weeks is superb.
“However, it only works if we continue to try our hardest to maintain the government regulations, and it has been a truly huge team effort from staff, parents and children alike to uphold the rules they have put in place. Our governors have supported us all the way and our health and safety committee review our risk register at least weekly, to review our safety measures and keep us all as safe as possible.
“All schools are different and have their own set of circumstances and challenges to deal with, but with some very creative thinking, a lot of very hard work from the beginning of lockdown, over the Easter break and throughout this term, as well as of course a huge amount of good will from all, we have found a way to make it work. We are all absolutely thrilled to have them back to school”.
Founded in 1986, Hunter Hall is an independent prep school for children aged 3 – 11 years with a focus on small class sizes and tailored teaching for each and every individual, helping children discover a life-long love of learning. For more information or to take a virtual tour, visit www.hunterhall.co.uk
