Whitehaven's lockdown babies start new adventure at school

Youngsters who were born at the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 started primary school last week.

These children, who were born in the run up to August 31, 2020, spent the first months and years of their lives in the bubble of their immediate families.

Reception children enjoying the fun at St Bridget's Catholic Primary School in Egremont (Image: Submitted)

Now they have reached a special milestone in their lives as they enjoy their first days at school.

Wendy Figes, headteacher at Kells Infant School in Whitehaven, said: “These marvellous children were born during the Covid pandemic. The majority of these young people are well known to us, as they were part of our ever-growing nursery.

“This group of pupils have a wide range of skills and talents, several of them are bilingual , a few already play sports in local teams, a few are talented artists, singers and dancers and some have amazing knowledge regarding dinosaurs and trains.

Reception children explore the mud kitchen at St Gregory and St Patrick's Catholic Infant School in Whitehaven (Image: Submitted)

“We are proud of this amazing group of students, who are all individuals with so much to offer the world. We wish them every success in their academic life and look forward to watching them grow.”

Joanne Fearon, headteacher at Bransty Primary School in Whitehaven said: “Our Reception pupils have made a fantastic start in their new class, learning the rules and routines and showing excellent behaviour and kindness towards each other.

“They are enjoying meeting new friends, meeting new staff and finding their way around different areas in school. They have settled really well and are already looking forward to learning new things which have been planned for them. They are a delight and a huge asset to our school already.”

Reception children enjoy a book together at St Bridget's C of E Infant School in Parton (Image: Submitted)

Ruth Colley, headteacher at St Bridget’s C of E School in Parton, said: “This September we have welcomed ten Reception children to St Bridget's, Parton.  They have all settled in marvelously and it has been a joy to see them playing calmly and happily with new friends; learning as they go.”

Suzanne Smith, executive headteacher and Natalie Palmer, head of school at St Bridget's Catholic Primary School and Nursery in Egremont, said: “We are thrilled to have 22 children in our Reception class who have all settled in well, learning in our indoor and outdoor provision. We cannot wait for them to continue their school journey at St Bridget's.”