Pupils have been returning to schools around England on what was for some their first day in class since the coronavirus lockdown in March.

While some schools took the opportunity for a teacher inset day ahead of the resumption of lessons, others welcomed back their students with social distancing signage, spaced-out desks and sinks in the playground to ensure good hand hygiene.

Schools go back in England
Pupils on the first day back to school at Charles Dickens Primary School in London (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Schools go back in England
Staff were on hand to offer a socially-distanced greeting (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Schools go back in England
Students wash their hands before entering class (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Schools go back in England
Pupils and parents were asked to queue up for drop-off on the first day back (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Schools go back in England
Desks were spaced further apart (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Schools go back in England
Colourful barriers were also used to break up play areas  (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Schools go back in England
Social distancing markings in the reception at the Jewellery Quarter Academy in Birmingham (Jacob King/PA)
Schools go back in England
Teacher training takes place ahead of the return of pupils (Jacob King/PA)
Schools go back in England
A cleaner disinfects the reception (Jacob King/PA)
Schools go back in England
Social distancing signs were spread around (Jacob King/PA)
Primary school pupils
Teacher Joanne Conlon with some of her class pupils on their first day of P1 at St John the Baptist Primary School in west Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)
Schools return
Dinner staff dispense a hot lunch to pupils in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)