Midweek Spotlight: How will social distancing work when schools reopen?

A month into phased return, we are met with a sense of dedicated resolve and attentive measure across all our academies and in schools across the UK. As a result of the huge efforts of staff and parents nationally, we are starting to see how learning can and will continue.

As part of a wider understanding and concern over the practical measures of social distancing in a classroom environment, Peter Groves, Principal at Harris Boys’ Academy East Dulwich delivers great, tangible resources to manage expectations and reassure the parents, staff and students of the HABED school community. Click here to listen Carolyn English, our Director of Secondary education, discuss our concerns over the mental health and wellbeing of children during lockdown and beyond on the Evening Standard podcast.

“We've fitted special sinks in the playground where students will wash your hands first thing in the morning. We'll also check their temperature using an infrared thermometer, for the safety of our community.

The whole school is going to feel much quieter, because there will never be more than around 60 boys in the whole building. There are just 15 desks in each class, so everyone can stay two metres apart. All lessons will take place in one classroom, with the teachers coming to the classroom to minimise movement between classes in common areas. Classrooms are reserved to be used by one group of 15 so that once it has been left, nobody else will use the classroom for a week. We hope that gives you a bit of an insight into how we are going to keep our whole community safe.”