PUPILS of certain primary school year groups have returned to the classroom this week following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

But for almost everyone involved – parents, children, teachers and wider staff – going back to school will feel a lot different.

The reopening of schools is also likely to see many local variations, with many schools in England making their own arrangements over when and which year groups can return, as well as how many days per week.

Across the BCP Council area, civic chiefs said at the start of the week they expected all primary schools to welcome pupils back into the classoom.

New safety measures in schools include keeping doors and windows open to encourage air flow, introducing one-way systems around school buildings, and permitting no more than 15 children per classroom.

Pupils will be asked to say two metres apart from each other where possible, and regular hand-washing will be encouraged throughout the day.

Break and lunch times will also be staggered, and pupils will be given different arrival and departure arrangements to avoid large gatherings of people.

There will be a reduction in the sharing of classroom equipment, such as books and toys, and pupils will have fewer items to take home with them.

We would like to see your photos.

We are asking schools to send us your pictures of pupils and how they’re socially distancing and making things work in the classroom.