Return of children to Walsall schools is hailed a success by council chiefs
The return of all children to Walsall schools this week has been hailed as a success with teachers and pupils delighted to be back.
Education bosses said attendance levels since pupils started going back to the classrooms from March 8 were high with a general feeling of positivity.
Seven pupils across six schools in the borough were found to be Covid positive, as a result of the regular testing taking place and they, along with other children and staff are isolating.
Nursery, primary and special school children all went back on Monday while a staggered return was put in place for secondary.
A meeting of the Walsall Council’s education overview and scrutiny committee heard how regular testing is being offered to all secondary aged children at the schools, along with home testing for youngsters, staff as well as their family members.
Funding
Councillor Chris Towe, portfolio holder for education and skills, said by Wednesday, March 10, Walsall primary schools had recorded a 95 per cent attendance rate, special schools had 87 per cent and secondary recording 57 per cent.
He added £200,000 funding had been secured for additional digital devices for children in reception up to Year 2 to support remote learning for those not able to access it.
Councillor Towe said: “We continue to work closely with school leaders, unions and staff to ensure schools are supported in reviewing their risk assessments and are operating in light of national guidance.
"We also continue to hold weekly headteacher briefings.”
Sharon Kelly, Walsall Council’s director of access and inclusion, added: “The return to school has been superb. It’s been a real positive experience for the children, staff and the families.
“The testing programme is going well and have a high rate of consent within the population of the school communities.
“Biggest feedback and comments received has been ‘how fantastic it is to hear the buzz of the children in the buildings’.”
Committee chairman Lee Jeavons, who is chair of governors at Christ Church CE Primary School in Leamore, said: “The staff were relieved to get some sort of normality and see the children back in school. That’s been absolutely great.”
