Online fitness lessons and storytime sessions have been introduced by one Slough school - as teachers work to keep children as engaged and happy as possible after the return to online learning from home.

Kam Nijjar is the headteacher at Long Close School, in Upton Court Road, Slough.

She said that the school had worked with parents to come up with a new structure to the virtual school day in all key stages.

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She said: "As our time in Lockdown progresses and children find themselves at home away from friends and family again, it becomes increasingly apparent that online learning is about more than just academic education.

"The wellbeing of pupils must be at the centre of everything we do because quite simply, children learn best when they are happy and engaged."

She said the cancellation of GCSEs had had a particular impact on Year 11 pupils.

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She said: "Traditional learning has been dramatically impacted, but pupils can take the positives out of learning new key life skills through adapting to changing circumstances, staying positive and always having a good attitude."

Virtual school assemblies are being held at Long Close to maintain a connection between teachers, students and their friends with as many live lessons as possible to create a feeling of normality.

But Miss Nijjar said: "Every week, we collapse the curriculum for one afternoon to give children an opportunity to explore interests outside of academic lessons.

"Children are also invited to meet with teachers on a 1-2-1 basis to discuss concerns, and students are encouraged to take regular time away from computers throughout the day to exercise and spend time with family.

“In addition to this, pupils can also talk privately to teachers and other school staff about how they are feeling and their concerns. Our pupils are comfortable opening up to us and sharing their feelings about lockdown and how it is affecting them this time around."

Miss Nijjar remains optimistic, saying: "The children have shown incredible resilience and approached their lessons with a real buzz and excitement, especially when they can see and connect with each other virtually throughout the school day."