Staff and students at Northampton Academy were reunited today for the first time since lockdown began in March, with the new Year 7s starting their time at secondary school.
Whilst all students at the academy have benefited from online learning throughout lockdown, today was the first time many have been able to meet up with staff and begin lessons as normal.
However, in line with government guidance, there are some very specific measures in place at the school to ensure that staff and students are able to teach and learn safely.
Key precautions that have been put in place include:
- Enhanced cleaning procedures.
- Increased hand hygiene procedures, including regular use of hand sanitiser. All students and staff will be supplied with a bottle of hand sanitiser.
- Keeping year groups in the same ‘zones’ and bubbles. There will be year group specific toilets and canteen facilities and no crossover of students between year groups.
- Use of facemasks in communal areas.
Principal Chris Clyne, who takes up his post this year after three successful years as Vice Principal at Northampton Academy, said:
“We’re incredibly pleased to welcome our students back to school today. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by an excellent team of staff who have given their all over the lockdown period and over the summer to make sure we’re in a great position for the start of the new year.
“Our number one priority is making sure that everyone in the school is able to learn and work safely whilst still enjoying their experience as things gradually start getting back to normal. I know our students are very excited to be returning after not seeing their teachers and friends for such a long time and everyone is keen to make sure that we make the most of the academic year ahead.
“Beginning secondary school is always a nervous time for students – never more so than this year – so we’re doing everything we can to make sure every new pupil feels welcome and to help them get into a routine at Northampton Academy.”