THERE were plenty of smiles in Chepstow this morning as pupils were welcomed back into schools for the first time since March.
Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, one-way systems and safety posters are in place, reminding primary school pupils to stay safe and practise social-distancing.
"We've remained flexible and had to stay positive," Pembroke Primary School headteacher Helen Hampson told the Argus this morning. "All the kids are laughing and telling us their stories of lockdown."
Pembroke Primary had stayed open since March for around 20 children whose parents were key workers, she added, and this week the school will welcome back 67 pupils – around one-third of the normal number.
"We have been able to take everyone who wanted a place [and] we haven't had to turn anyone away," Mrs Hampson said.
READ MORE: Follow our live coverage of schools re-opening
The lockdown had forced staff to develop their IT skills as classroom assignments moved online.
"Learning packs have been made available for those families without IT access – we don't want any left behind," Mrs Hampson said. "What we have missed, though, is face to face contact. Our school is a community."
READ MORE: 'She actually begged to go back': Parents' views on sending children back to school
Pupils returning to Pembroke Primary this morning will have had a pleasant surprise thanks to caretaker Chris Pearce-Webb, who has decorated the car park and entrance area with rainbows and smiley faces.
Chaiyen and Charlie Hall were among the pupils arriving for lessons at Thornwell Primary School this morning.
"I don't think it's that scary," mum Cheryl said. "They've been in the whole time as I'm a key worker.
"I've been giving them work to do to bring in. It's been more about childcare."
Of the lockdown, Charlie said: "It's been really weird – we're missing our friends."
Another parent at Thornwell said she was also a key worker, but was glad more kids were coming back because her son needed routine.
She said she was confident that the school had all the safety measures in place.
Thornwell pupils Freya Hines, Justin Hines, Ethan Hines, and Joshua Siggins were also happy to be getting back into the classroom.
They said they were all looking forward to the restart, and had brought some chocolates for their teacher.
And another parent at Thornwell Primary said there were "so many emotions today".
She said she was "happy, nervous, and glad" and "thinks the school has everything in place for the kids to be safe".
- Have your children returned to school today? We'd love to see your photos and hear your thoughts. Email us at newsdesk@southwalesargus.co.uk by the end of the school day today.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here