PUPILS, parents and staff at schools across Bolton rejoiced today as many children returned to the classroom for the first time in months.

After months of home learning when only children of key workers were permitted to attend school, pupils have been reunited with their friends and are returning to some form of normality, under the first phase of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

Tonge Moor Primary, which has 420 pupils, welcomed pupils back with balloons and banners.

Deputy headteacher Natalie Kelleher said: "There are a lot of happy faces today - on children, parents and staff. It’s brilliant to see everyone back. We all feel different today - it feels like the start of a new school year.”

Pupils are in class bubbles of around 25 to 30 pupils, and families must abide by staggered entry and exit times to ensure playgrounds do not get overcrowded.

This week, the school is welcoming youngsters back with ‘Dream Big Week’, where students will focus on future aspirations and careers.

Parent Sarah Taylor said: “Thank-you to the whole school team for their continued hard work to keep our children safe and happy, in and out of school. It was like spring has sprung at the end of another long winter watching the kids reunited.”

Town hall bosses have praised teachers for working hard to ensure home learning could continue throughout lockdown, as children returned to school.

Cllr Anne Galloway, schools cabinet member, said: “Today marks a positive step towards the lifting of lockdown restrictions as many children return to the classroom for the first time in months.

“We are seeing falling Covid infection rates in the borough and a rapid roll-out of our vaccination programme where the most vulnerable age groups are being vaccinated against the virus.

“Teachers and staff have worked so hard during the lockdown to support home learning, but school remains the best place for our children’s academic and social development.

“As well as providing an online learning programme, schools have remained open throughout the pandemic for vulnerable pupils and the children of critical workers. I wish to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication to children’s education and well being during this past year.

“Families should be reassured the council has worked closely with all schools to make sure Covid secure measures and robust safety plans are in place.”

Speaking today at a Downing Street press conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that despite the return to in-person teaching being a massive step forward in terms of easing lockdown restrictions, that the Government will continue to be ‘driven by the data’.

He said: “This has been an emotional day for many students and the overwhelming feeling has been one of relief.

“The great risk now is keeping them out of school for a day longer.

“The return to schools will of course have an impact on the spread of the virus, so it is vital more than ever to follow the rules.”