OVER 30 per cent of West Somerset pupils of nurseries, reception and year one and year six classes returned to school this week and the signs are that youngsters are pleased to be back – and that numbers will increase in the coming days.

Minehead First School head teacher Adam Evans said: “We have had about a third of the children who are eligible to come back this week, but we are taking calls all the time and expect that number to grow considerably next week.

“Our children are having a fantastic time in school and the weather has really helped us, as they can spend quite a bit of time outside.”

Paul Rushforth, CEO of the West Somerset Academies Trust (WAST) which has eight schools in the area said: “It has been great to see the joy on children’s faces as they see their friends again.

“We are trying to make the experience of our children as normal as possible.

“We have taken all the sensible precautions you might expect but it is vital that our children enjoy as normal a school experience as possible.”

Mr Rushforth said that some parents had been concerned about the psychological aspect of a socially-distanced school: “We are very aware of this, and have made a special effort to ensure that staff are very welcoming and that our schools are filled with happy and relaxed adults.”

Minehead Middle head of school Brigitte Dane said: “We have had a lovely start to this term with about 50 children in school each day. The school is coming to life once more.”

And Maida White, deputy head of St Peter’s First School, Williton, added: “We have had 22 children in this week – it’s a delight to see them again. We made sure they have fun while learning.”

WSAT early years director Emma Murch said: “Three of our four nurseries welcomed children back and we are running at about 25 per cent normal capacity. Staff have commented how lovely it is to see the children learning and playing so happily.

“Of course, it is almost impossible to keep small children apart but the risks to young children are vanishingly small, especially as we have so many strategies in place to keep everything spotless.”

Pictured are children from St Peter’s First School, Williton.