THE so-called ‘new normal’ which schoolchildren are getting used to will continue for Ledbury youngsters, during the lockdown.

Classes will continue, and the playgrounds will remain open on the Recreation Ground.

But it is anything but a normal situation for teaching staff, and Andy Evans, headteacher at the John Masefield High School, announced this week that extra measures to deal with the situation would be announced.

He said: “As a headteacher I am required to be politically neutral in any public statements I make; therefore I will not express an opinion on Government policy and decisions.

“I will however say that our students had an impressive first half term. Students had excellent attendance at around 94 per cent, worked hard and were a pleasure to teach.”

He added:” Staff worked selflessly and with great commitment to ensure all the curriculum including practical subjects were taught effectively, whilst putting in place COVID protocols such as staggered starts, finishes and lunchtimes and keeping all the year group bubbles separate. After such an excellent first half term, where there were no COVID cases, it would have been a huge shame for us to close.”

But Mr Evans told The Reporter: "The challenges in running the school, whilst the country is in lockdown are considerable, and we will be outlining additional measures we will be taking in our newsletter which will be sent out later this week.”

Ledbury Primary School headteacher, Julie Rees, welcomed the fact that schools were staying open.

She said: "We are following government guidelines and are happy to see the children of Ledbury Primary School enjoying their learning and being with their friends."

Meanwhile, the town council has shut the skate park and adult exercise equipment on the Recreation Ground, but the playgrounds will stay open.