CHILDREN have returned to Thorverton Primary School and Mrs Sarah Parkes, Head of School reports: "It has been so lovely to have all the children back in school and to see and hear the happy productive buzz of all Thorverton children learning in school again.

"It’s been a really good couple of weeks settling all the children into a new routine and seeing them playing with their friends again.

"I’d like to thank all parents and carers for stepping into the teachers’ shoes and keeping their education going all last term. It will have made a difference."

As part of the Exe Valley Federation, the school is working on a "Recover, Refocus and Readiness" curriculum, which is all about making sure that children are emotionally and academically ready for the new year, acknowledging that every child is in a different place after returning from home learning since March.

Class One has been using the playground for its phonics activities and the children have also completed a scavenger hunt on the field whilst Classes Two and Three are making a start on their new projects.

The Reception children have been particularly fortunate to be the first ones to use a brand new outdoor learning area. The planning and construction of this zone has taken time and has been driven forward by a willing band of helpers, led by Adam McKee.

It is a wonderful space in which to flourish! The children will spend much of their time using it as a natural extension to their indoor classroom.

A local resident has generously given the school the proceeds from the sale of a large collection of books collected by her parents who were both doctors. This donation will be used to purchase some more books for the library, which is due to be completed in the next few weeks.