We’re back

LOUISE NORTH outlines the logistics of returning to the in-real-life classroom after months of separation and lockdowns

We were delighted to welcome pupils back to the College on 8 March. Our Covid-19 testing processes have been up and running since January, thanks to an excellent logistical plan, some fantastic parent volunteers and a calm and measured approach. Our priority has been to ensure that each child returns to their school routine confident, reassured and hungry to get back into the classroom.

The wellbeing of our community: the pupils, the staff and our parents, is of paramount importance, and this lies at the heart of every decision that we make. Our focus has been on making sure that our Covid-19 risk assessments are up to date, our social-distancing instructions, the wearing of masks and the use of hand sanitiser are all at the forefront of our planning and communications. The pupils are accustomed now to the routines and restrictions that we have to introduce, but moreover they understand why they’re

important and have been brilliant in sticking to the guidance. They’re also supportive, kind and understanding towards each other.

Back to normal without the big song and dance

Our routines have changed to accommodate more social distancing and to allow pupils to maintain their year group and house and form bubbles. Across the prep and the senior school, we’re a community of approximately 700 pupils. Our

tutor system is such that individual proactive care is at the forefront of what we do, as we nurture each young person to be the best that they can be. We build confidence, equip our pupils with skills and give them the opportunities to develop into self-assured and creative young people with a zest for life.

Louise North is Principal of Framlingham College in Suffolk

OUR PRIORITY HAS BEEN TO ENSURE THAT EACH CHILD RETURNS TO their school routine confident, reassured and hungry to get back into the classroom. THE WELLBEING OF OUR COMMUNITY: THE PUPILS, THE STAFF AND OUR PARENTS, IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE

Getting the logistics right

We’re following the government guidance with regards to testing, which has meant that every pupil will have been tested for Covid-19 three times over the last 10-day period. We ensured that every child completed their first test before 8 March. The College buildings were all deep cleaned before our return and we’ve increased our cleaning routines to ensure that all classrooms are cleaned in between lessons. Our boarding houses are also regularly cleaned and checked, and our pupils regularly use the hand-sanitiser stations spread around the sites. We also have protocols in place to keep pupils safe if they do test positive. Senior Deputy Head, Susan Wessels has led this extraordinary effort, and she’ll continue to do so for as long as is necessary.

The College had a small number of boarders staying in school throughout lockdown, and many boarders returned prior to 8 March to complete their quarantine period before the start of school. This has meant that we have almost all of our pupils back in the College buildings, living and learning together once again.

Straightforward, helpful communication is crucial to ensure parents, pupils and staff understand what arrangements are in place. This will continue to help us to create a safe, happy and purposeful environment.

Individual care remains a priority

Moving forward, we’re enhancing our pastoral support structures, drawing on health professionals and adding wellbeing seminars and yoga sessions by expert speakers to our offering. Our house structure, housemasters and mistresses, tutor programme and commitment to developing and celebrating the individual mean that we feel very well placed to look ahead with optimism. The future for the Framlingham College community is very bright indeed.