MORE pupils in Oswestry have now started their return to school following closures after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Woodside Primary School, in Gittin Street, welcomed back Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children this week in addition to continuing to provide care for children of critical workers.

Since the announcement that schools would close on March 23, Woodside has continued to stay open for vulnerable and critical worker children.

Claire Bennett, headteacher, paid tribute to her staff who have continued to look after those who have still need to attend school.

She said: “I’m so proud of the staff who’ve been committed to providing care and support for our children and their families through these difficult times.

"I’m also very proud of our children who, despite having to get used to school looking very different, have followed the new rules to ensure we are all as safe as possible.

"It’s been a real team effort and I’m really grateful to the parents and carers for working closely with us.”

The school had an independent risk assessment undertaken and planned carefully to ensure more children were able to attend as safely as possible from June 1.

Some measures the school has taken include groups of no more than nine children, staggered start, finish, dinner and play times and frequent handwashing and cleaning.