Sutton primary school pupils greeted with welcome board of messages after end of remote learning

Headteacher Grant Worthington described the return to school as an ‘amazing day’ and said it made Mapplewells feel ‘complete again’.

“Children have been re-establishing relationships with staff and their friends and we have been supporting them throughout to re-join school life,” he said.

“Our remote learners have been brilliant, and we want to thank our families for their support of the school and the fantastic work they carried out to support their children’s learning at home.”

Mapplewells staff created a welcome area for children to enjoy and class photographs were taken and added to ‘welcome back messages’ by staff and placed into a time capsule for future generations to see.

Year six pupil Vienna Harvey said: “The wall made me feel really happy to be back with all the lovely staff at Mapplewells.”

Parents Kerry Eteson said her sons had a ‘fab first day back’.

"They both came out beaming. The welcome board was great,” she said.

Fran Marshall, support staff leader, said the children had enjoyed a joyful week back at school.

She said: “Mapplewells has never experienced anything like this before and the way our pupils, families and staff have pulled together is simply incredible.

"Our school motto especially resonates now, ‘success is in our hands’, and the children’s return will last long in all of our memories.”