Recap all the updates as children return to the classroom in schools across the Portsmouth area

The majority of pupils have been learning at home since schools shut in late March as the country went into lockdown.

Although they did remain open for children of key workers.

However now at the start of the new academic year, pupils are returning back to the classroom.

Earlier this week headteachers and council bosses urged parents to make sure they sent their children back to school.

Education boss at Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Suzy Horton said: ‘We have been working with schools since day one to make sure everything adheres to the highest infection safety measures and the message from the council is that we want kids and staff to be back in school safely.

‘We aim to get schools back to as much normality as possible. We have had regular video and phone calls with headteachers and, although feelings have waxed and waned as the government gave out different instructions, all schools are ready to have all pupils back.’

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth and Hampshire headteachers and council bosses urge parents to send children back to school

We have sent reporters to two schools in the Portsmouth area this morning – Park Community School in Leigh Park and New Horizons Primary in North End and they will be bringing you all the updates and reaction.

Follow all the latest in our live blog below.

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