CHILDREN, teachers and parents were delighted on Monday when P1-P3s were allowed to return to school as part of the gradual 'road map' out of lockdown.

Enniskillen Model Primary School's Principal, Winston Glass, said: “All in school were delighted to welcome the Year 1 to 3 children back to school safe and well.

"We catered for some 200 pupils today, with virtually every pupil in attendance. Staff and parents were highly supportive in helping to ensure that all of the children were feeling comfortable on arrival, and regular pastoral checks were made throughout the day.

"It was lovely speaking to the children again, and watching them play happily with their classmates.

"It felt as though these past few difficult months were a distant memory. Having the vibrancy of so many pupils on site again was wonderful,” he said.

Principal of Killyhommon Primary School, Boho. Mrs Reesha Rasdale said: " The entire staff of Killyhommon Primary School are delighted to have the P1-3 children back to school. It was just brilliant to see such happy faces run into the school grounds with smiles on their faces as they met their friends, for the first time in more than 10 weeks.

"The noise, chatter and laughing just brightened the day.

"At this stage we can all agree that nothing compares to face to face teaching. We are so looking forward to the day that all the children return to school and enjoy the many benefits of school life."

In Tempo Principal Fergal McCann said: "All of the P1-3 pupils returned to school on Monday [March 8].

"It was great to see all of the pupils with their smiling faces back at their desks."

He continued: "At St Mary’s we made sure to allow all of the pupils to talk to their friends about their experiences, play and have fun.

"The teachers allowed them plenty of time and space to re-connect with everyone which is crucial. We hope that this will be the end of the disruption to their education and that all pupils will be back in school at the earliest opportunity."

Speaking on Monday, Education Minister Peter Weir hoped for a fast-track return to class for children.

Visiting a primary school in Belfast, he said: “It would be great, for instance, if we could get all our primary school children back before Easter.

"That will ultimately be in the hands of the Executive. I think we need to see continuity of learning."