Learning through lockdown: How one Lancaster school found a path through the minefield of Covid-19

The Children’s Society warned: “With schools closed for most, young people are directly experiencing social distancing, high levels of isolation and wider dislocation.”

Educators have been faced with the challenge of keeping in touch with children remotely, and safely welcoming them back to school.

Here a teacher from one Lancaster school describes how a resilient spirit and careful planning helped to navigate the closure period.

Elspeth Mukerji, education co-ordinator at Lancaster Steiner School, an independent school for three to 11-year-olds which reopened to all pupils in late June,talks about how the school’s unique ethos guided the community through an unprecedented time.

"When we knew that schools would close we gathered together and recorded our favourite songs, these were sent home for the children to sing when we were apart.

"They were strong, uplifting songs of resilience and community which we hoped gave the children a sense of belonging.

"In this time of isolation I know my own children still felt connected to our community. Throughout lockdown the main aim for us was to maintain connection between the pupils and parents and support the children's wellbeing.

"We met through Zoom meetings every other day. We always began by lighting a candle and sharing the things we were thankful for, children brought jokes and shared their experiences or any work they had completed. It was an anchor in the week for us all.

"The work we planned during lockdown was practical and designed to be completed away from the computer.

"Families shared photos of the activities with each other: baking, whittling, measuring, painting and recorder playing among other things.

"We gave thought to the way we would implement the necessary government recommendations before our return; we wanted ways that would maintain our school's natural and creative environment and help our children to feel accepted and welcome.

"We wanted them to embrace these changes, even be excited by them; one of the things we did was to create a 'socially distanced' rainbow path to lead to our new outdoor sink and into school.

"The children love to walk along it, following the vine and jumping on the coloured circles.

"We intended to make as much time for socialising as the children needed in order to settle back into school but found they have been very keen to begin formal learning together once again.

"Our curriculum is one which seeks to nurture and balance the head, hands and heart and as such we explore our topics in an artistic and practical way.

"Being outdoors and being encouraged in their artistic activity to find their peaceful centre and to take time to undertake all activities with care is vital to anyone's wellbeing in our fast-moving and uncertain world.

"Children's emotional and physical well-being has always been at the centre of our education and is so very crucial in our present time."

What the children said when they returned to school:

"Can we cancel the summer holidays and stay here?" Amelie, aged 8

"I’m so happy to see my friends again." Rowan C, aged 8

"Feels just the same as before, like we've never been away." Leon, aged 9