Children are returning to their classrooms as the government eases lockdown measures.

Anti-Covid measures have been brought in at the 45 schools in Swindon opening their gates today to reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils.

Our photographer was allowed to take pictures of socially-distanced classrooms at Goddard Park Primary where children will have their temperatures taken by teachers as they arrive.

The head teacher did not want to speak to the Adver but a video on the school's website, filmed from a child's point of view said: “It will be a little bit different back at school.

“I might be in a different classroom. I might have a different teacher.”

It explains that children will have to wash their hands on arrival. They will will have their own table where they will eat lunch and they must have their own equipment.

The video ends saying: “Going back to school is important. Going back to school is good for me”

It adds that if the child is worried, upset or angry that teachers will be available to talk about it.

Noremarsh Junior School in Royal Wootton Bassett is opening for Year 6 pupils whol will be split equally into groups of 15 boys and girls. Each child will have their own desk spaced two meters apart and will use their own pens, pencils and stationery.

Pupils will come into and leave the school at staggered times with a 10-minute gap and staff will only work with one group of children to minimise risk.

Head teacher Andy Simpson said: “Clearly, life at Noremarsh Junior and every other school will not be the same as it was before the epidemic for the foreseeable future.

“We are able to support our Year 6 pupils’ return, but it will mean utilising almost all of our available resources and staff.

“I am very proud of the united team approach of all our staff throughout these very challenging times, and I know parents appreciate the innovative approaches and flexibility my colleagues are showing throughout this period.”

Mr Simpson said the school has communicated with all parents of Year 6 children and explained the decision to send their child in is theirs alone.

He added that the school will be working with the children on their transition to Royal Wootton Bassett Academy.

He said: “The children will be given a 30-minute lunch break and at all times will remain within the same teaching group with no mixing between groups, and we will be taking every opportunity to maintain social distancing.

“Staff who need to make contact with any child for medical treatment will use PPE, and parents will be informed straight away.

"If a child exhibits any symptoms, they will be immediately isolated and parents will need to collect them immediately.

“No more than one child will be allowed in the toilet at any time and handwashing will be strongly encouraged throughout the day.

He said: “We’re determined they will have a wonderful few weeks in their final term so we’re putting together lots of activities like an online leavers assembly and a virtual residential instead of the annual residential trip we had booked in Devon.”

The borough council has said parents who decide not to send their children to school will not be fined.