SCHOOLS across the county have begun welcoming pupils after lockdown and the summer holidays.

It was a long time for many but pupils were happy to see friends and teachers once again.

And after parents tried homeschooling it would also be the first in school education many pupils will have had since March, when schools closed due to the pandemic.

There has been an ongoing debate about reopening schools, with some parents and teachers expressing concerns about safety.

But the government has insisted it is safe, with schools showing the measures they have taken.

We reported recently that after a government U-turn secondary school pupils over the age of 11 will have to wear face coverings in corridors and communal areas.

READ MORE: Face masks U-turn for England’s secondary schools

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Among the other measures pupils were finding in the 'new normal' at country schools were staggered arrival and departure times, different entrances for different year groups, increased hand washing, and socially distanced classrooms.

Worcestershire County Council figures showed out of 242 schools in the county that had shared details with them, five went back on Tuesday, 87 yesterday, 137 today, seven tomorrow and six are starting on Monday.

Tudor Grange Academy principal David Butler said: "It has been lovely to start to welcome back students.

"They have been positive and enthusiastic and are looking forward to a successful and fulfilling term. It is great to see them back."

Meanwhile parents shared with us some fantastic pictures of their little ones first day back.

Kathleen Jenkins who shared a picture of son Thomas wrote: "Looking excited, adding a little crazy to these strange and new normal times."