Therapy dog welcomes pupils back to Skegness school

So pleased to see you! Head teacher Mrs Caroline Wellsted with the new school therapy dog, welcoming pupils Amaiya Facey 8 and Torin Facey 11

This morning's reopening of the Richmond School, like at so many others on the area, was a milestone moment in the pandemic - marking the beginning of the roadmap outlining the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.

During the third lockdown since the pandemic began a year ago, the school remained open for 150 children of key workers but on Monday all 420 pupils were expected to return.

The Standard has followed the Richmond School's pandemic journey and managed to snatch a few minutes with headteacher Mrs Caroline Wellstead between her welcoming the pupils and chatting to parents.

Deputy head Ricki Danks with the new school therapy dog.

"It's really exciting to welcome the children back - once again - and let's hope it's for the last time," she said.

"We opened in June last year and again fully in September and we were really disappointed when we had to close again after all the work we had put in.

"Let's hope with the speed the Government is doing the roadmap we will be able to stay open this time.

"School is where the children need to be. My teachers can now be in school interacting with the children. It's what they went into teaching for. For the last eight weeks they have been teaching from home in their living rooms.

Back to school - Melanie Tait of Skegness with her children Emily Moses, 4, and Ruby Moses, 8.

"We have learned a lot over the past year - some of the practices we have brought in we will keep doing - but I couldn't have done any of it without the support of my brilliant team.

"One of things I will remember most is seeing the faces of the children skipping into school, so happy to be back."

The newest member of Team Richmond is a six-month-old Cockapoo puppy - who will be the school's therapy dog.