PRIMARY schools in West Devon are preparing to open for the first classes in more than two months on Monday — with desks spaced far apart to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Classes will open for children in the first two years — Reception and Year 1 — and the final year,Year 6, although parents do not have to send their child back if they have concerns.

Chrissie Read, mum of four and chair of Okehampton Primary School PTFA, said that feelings were ‘quite mixed’ among parents.

‘Some are quite happy for them to go back, but some don’t want their children anywhere near the place. One comment on Facebook was “until Parliament goes back, my kids aren’t going back”,’ she said.

‘We had a survey for parents on whether we wanted to send our children back and I said ‘no’ for my little boy in Reception because I didn’t think he would cope with all the restrictions.

‘He wants to go back to see his friends and play with his friends but with social distancing I didn’t think that would be possible.’

She added: ‘My daughter Erin is in Year 6 and she is desperate to see her friends but we have yet to hear back whether she will be offered a place.

‘There are 90 children in each year at Okehampton Primary School and they are not able to all go back. They have got to give priority to key workers and more vulnerable children.’

Meanwhile, at Horrabridge Primary School and Nursery School, headteacher John Clarke and the governors and staff were this week rearranging the school and classrooms to accommodate small groups of around six pupils. The nursery is opening as well as Reception and Years 1 and 6 and the children of keyworkers in other years.

‘We are fortunate that we have a large site and all rooms can be accessed through exterior doors via one our two playgrounds,’ said a school spokesperson. ‘We will be using all rooms, our large community hall, as well as all our outdoor space and field. We have taken a video of the new school layout and sent that out to our families to allow the children to be well-prepared for their new-look environment.’

Devon County Council, the local education authority, said it was up to parents to decide whether their children should return to school.

Council head of education and learning Dawn Stabb said: ‘The county council is working in close cooperation with Devon headteachers to put in place all the Government guidelines on safety in schools. When all the necessary safety and risk assessments have been completed, we will fully support schools in offering more places for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6.

‘The timing of when places become available will vary across the county and individual schools will be in touch with pupils’ families about the measures they are taking and when they may be able to offer a place to their child.

‘Parents will reach their own conclusions on when it is best for their children to return to school and it is only right that they do so.’

In an open letter to parents, she added: ‘To be as safe as possible your school will ask you not to come into the school and to carry on being two metres apart at the school gate.

‘Your children will be in smaller classes and will not mix with other groups and may have different break times.

‘Attendance is encouraged. If you feel worried about your child or family’s safety, please talk to your school in the first instance. No action will be taken (such as a penalty notice) if you decide it is not safe to send your child to school.

‘It may not be possible for very young children and older children without capacity, to follow instructions on social distancing and in this situation we do not expect those individuals to attend.

‘Parents may be feeling a mixture of emotions, that’s understandable. We are here to help and support families. If you need help or support, please contact your school first and they will put you in touch with services who can help.’

Secondary schools will begin to reopen for pupils in Year 10 and Year 12 from June 15.