Today it was a pleasure to meet with Principal Adam Ryder at the Morley Academy, and tour this outstanding school and see how the brilliant team there have adapted to the current situation. 

It was good to hear that the school has been open throughout this difficult time for the children of key workers, and now the school is open to all students on a rota basis. Positively, 98% of students have returned to school, and I saw firsthand that they were eager to learn. 

During lockdown, pupils here have been using google classrooms to keep up with their learning, which was reassuring to hear. Additionally, the school turned an ICT room into a small call centre to enable teachers to speak regularly with children and families, impressively they have been making up to 400 calls a day! 

The school has adapted well, with bubbles formed to keep social distancing between students and a maximum of 10 pupils per class. During lunch students have a specific eating area and everything is regularly cleaned to a high standard.

I was pleased to see that the school have installed a number of external hand washing facilities across the school to help fight any chance of infection and to keep everybody safe. 

Speaking with staff, it was good to hear that plans are already in place for a full return and that they are looking forward to having everybody back at school as soon as possible. I join them in looking forward to schools returning so that every child across our country can continue to receive fantastic education and prepare for their bright futures.