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As part of our new feature, we are talking with members of the Outwood Family and finding out how life has changed for them since the wider reopening of the primary academies.

This time we chat with Alyson Million, Principal at Outwood Primary Academy Park Hill.. 

Read on to see how Alyson and the team at OPA Park Hill dealt with the wider reopening of the academy to children.

[Outwood.com] Hi Alyson, thanks for taking the time to chat with us. We appreciate you鈥檙e busy, so let鈥檚 get to it! Things have been turned upside down recently, for reasons we are all too aware of. So, as we begin to enter a new 鈥榥ormal鈥�, how were you feeling prior to the academy reopening?

鈥�Hello! Thank you for asking me to take part. Well prior to the wider reopening I was feeling confident. I knew that we had been well supported by the Trust and union to open the school so that it was and is as safe as possible for staff and the children. 

鈥淭he checklists, risk assessment and ordering of resources and equipment, all of which were supported by colleagues beyond our individual academy ensured that every eventuality has been considered. 

鈥淚 was also proud that staff at all levels, who were able to, contributed to preparations for reopening and this has ensured that everyone is on board, and ready to support our children and each other.鈥�

That sounds very positive and like everyone came together to help, but on the flip side which bit of the wider reopening did you find most challenging?

鈥淚 think the most difficult part was having to move all the furniture from Reception to where the Nursery classrooms will be located. Getting this done was rather an achievement! 

鈥淎lso, ensuring that the large number of staff are able to move around the building safely, observing the social distancing aspects of the risk assessment.鈥�

The practical elements of the reopening sound like they have been challenging for a lot of people. Finally, what would you say has been the most surprising part of this wider reopening for you?

鈥淭o be honest, I was very pleasantly surprised by the response of the Year 1 children to the new layout of the classrooms. Obviously it is quite a change for them so there were some nerves about how they would take to the room, but the children have made very positive comments about their new teachers, having their own tables and equipment, and their learning.鈥�

Well that sounds like a lovely positive way to end this quick chat!