Pupils told to leave ties, blazers and bags at home as schools reopen and parents ordered not to ‘natter’ at gates

PUPILS will be told to leave their ties, blazers and bags at home and parents warned not to "natter" at the gates as schools prepare to reopen tomorrow.

Some students have been told not to bring in any of their uniform that isn't washed regularly in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.

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While a few schools have even advised pupils to wear their PE kit every day instead of their normal uniform so they won't need to use changing rooms after sporting activities.

Mums and dads will also be barred from chatting at the school gates, with parents instead given timed slots to drop their kids off to avoid crowds gathering, The reports.

Headteachers have written to parents about the new measures as children prepare to return to school tomorrow.

Neil Roskilly, chief executive of the Independent Schools Association, said: "Schools are giving parents a set time to drop children off rather than have them queuing at the gate.

"The difficulty is that parents love to congregate and chat at the school gates, they have their daily natter.

"Those are old habits and they are difficult to break. Schools are asking them not to.”

SCHOOLS REOPENING

Reception, year one and year six students will head back to classrooms tomorrow - but headteachers have warned they will look very different with strict social distancing measures in place.

Secondary schools have also been asked to welcome back students in year 10 and 12 who are mid-way through exams from June 15.

Some schools have adopted their own measures to prevent spreading the disease - including one that is planning to put children inside a hoop on the playground.

Many are also planning to ask pupils to bring in their own packed lunches to reduce the number of staff needed on site.

But Mr Roskilly warned most schools that ask pupils to wear a blazer, tie, hat or any other “non-essential” items, will be telling children not to wear them.
And younger kids will not be able to bring cuddly toys or other non-essential possessions to school.

'PROBLEMATIC'

Some schools will also provide children with a plastic wallet to keep their stationary in the classroom overnight so they do not need to bring their bags in.

Christopher King, chief executive of the Independent Prep School Association, said some members have asked children to wear their PE kit to school every day rather than their usual uniform.

He told the newspaper: “Many schools are fortunate to have a large site with playing fields and they are looking to incorporate some physical activity into the timetable every day.

“They are asking the pupils to come to school ready changed, because changing rooms are problematic. So this removes one other stress.

“We are told quite clearly by the Government that being outside is a great deal safer than being inside. It seems sensible, if you have the opportunity, to be outside as much as you can.”

NEW SCHOOL RULES

It comes as one in four teachers will only be able to work from home when schools reopen after lockdown tomorrow - while classrooms will only be half full.

A study found many school staff, including teachers and classrooms assistants, would not be able to return to work this week.

Some teachers have health conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, or live with a vulnerable family member, such as a pregnant wife or girlfriend.

Others are at a higher risk because of their age.

The National Foundation for Educational Research study has prompted fears that shortages will affect schools' ability to provide the same level of teaching quality.

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The report, based on a survey of more than 1,200 senior leaders in schools in England, suggests heads are expecting nearly half (46 per cent) of families to keep their kids at home.

Meanwhile a poll conducted by the National Association of Head Teachers found that nine out of ten members intended to open their schools tomorrow.

Schools, colleges and nurseries closed more than nine weeks ago due to the Covid-19 outbreak, remaining open only for vulnerable youngsters and the children of key workers.

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