Melton family tell their story as part of national back to school campaign
A family-of-six from Melton Mowbray have appeared in a national back to school campaign in a national newspaper.
The campaign, which celebrates the return to a more 'normal' school life following the end of COVID-19 restrictions, features the story of nine-year-old Evie Moore and her family, who cannot wait for the start of term.
Evie, who attends St Mary’s Church of England Primary School on Brampton Road, was diagnosed with Leukaemia at the age of three.
Even before the pandemic, Evie had already missed a lot of time at school as she courageously endured chemotherapy treatment and lengthy stays in hospital, before being told she was cancer free three years ago. So, when the first lockdown arrived and Evie had to shield, it meant even more time away from school.
Mum, Helena Isaac, said: “Evie was catching up and the school was pleased with her progress, so losing face-to-face schooling all over again to the pandemic was hard.”
With three sisters, Freya, seven who also attends St Mary’s; Sophia, three; and baby Alice, born just before the pandemic started; lockdown was a busy time for the family at home. Nothing could stop Evie though, she loves learning and with the support of her Dad, Chris, was determined to try her best.
As the start of the new academic year approaches, Evie, like children across the country, can look forward to many more freedoms around school now that Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed.
With an end to social distancing, bubbles and a return of school-wide events it will feel much more ‘normal’. However, schools are keen to reassure families that some safety measures will remain in place, with regular testing of staff and continued vigilance surrounding health and hygiene.
Louisa Morris, Headteacher at St Mary’s Church of England Primary School, which is part of the Rise Multi-Academy Trust, said: “We’re all looking forward to the new school year – returning to more normality but with some safety procedures maintained, including regular Covid-19 testing for staff.
“Schools aren’t going to pretend Covid doesn’t exist. We’ll keep our focus on good hygiene and ventilation and we will follow public health advice to help everyone keep as safe as possible.
“The feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive. They know some safety measures will still be in place, and that reassures them.”
Evie's Mum, Helena, ended: “St Mary’s and the Rise Multi-Academy Trust have been brilliant – and on top of the rules and hygiene all the way through they have a huge playing field so there’s plenty of space for all the kids to run around.”