This is what schools will look like for Northampton's Year 10s and 12s going back today

Staff at Northampton's Malcolm Arnold Academy have given an insight into what going back to school will be like from today (Monday) for Year 10 and Year 12 students.

The Academy, part of the David Ross Education Trust, shared their video showing just how far they have gone to make sure returning to school is safe for students and staff.

The measures are similar to those at all the county's secondary schools as they start to welcome back next year's GCSE and A level students for the first time in nearly three months.

Schools are divided into bubbles or zones, each with its own dedicated entrance and a maximum number of students. Desks are spread out at least two metres apart in classrooms.

Many schools are limiting numbers of students that can be accommodated on on each day, with shorter days and fewer breaks, with each student getting their own desk which is then sanitised at the end of the session.

Malcolm Arnold's principal Kimberly Lawton, Principal Academy said: “We have missed our students very much and we look forward to seeing some of them back in school from Monday.

“We have put together a programme of quality lessons from specialist teachers which will supplement the home learning that they have been doing, a programme which will build as we gain in confidence over the coming weeks.

"We are very proud of our staff who have worked so hard to adapt quickly to the new lock-down, and we are proud of every one of our students for doing their best in engaging with home school.”

Malcolm Arnold has remained open for children of key workers during the lockdown but Academy staff have added extra hand sanitiser stations, social distance signage.

The academy’s risk assessments ensure that risks have been minimised as far as possible, and staff have been trained on the new approach.

The David Ross Education Trust has assessed the academy’s preparations and is content that the school is ready to open, and that the site has been made as safe as possible for staff and students. Union representatives have been consulted throughout.

Regional Director of the David Ross Education Trust, Helena Brothwell added: “Malcolm Arnold Academy has been open to key worker children and other eligible children throughout lock-down, and we look forward to opening more widely from Monday.

“As well as delivering remote teaching, our staff have kept in touch with every family in our school community through weekly pastoral phone calls, checking that everyone is okay, safe and well, and these will continue even after wider opening.

“We have taken our role in supporting our community, both academically but also at a human level, very seriously and we are extremely proud of the team.”