Many happy returns for Burnley girl Amelia on her first day back to school

Pupils entering the Burnley school will find their classroom environment very different ahead of what has been described as a "new normal".

Among those returning is Amelia Taylor, who is not only thrilled to be attending school again, but she turns 11 today and the birthday girl can mark the special day amongst her school friends. She is excited and happy to catch up with her friends and get stuck back into her studies.

Her mother, Kelly, said: "When the COVID-19 lockdown came in place, it was her SATS exams that she was initially worried about. Although on hearing she didn’t have to do them, she was relieved, but also a bit disappointed as she has worked really hard this year towards them.

"When it was announced that Year 6 pupils were allowed to go back, Amelia was so excited. The start date to go back was changed twice, but when July 1st was confirmed, it was a bit of a shock as after being off all of this time to go back today, which is Amelia’s 11th birthday!

"Amelia has been keeping busy in lockdown with her zoom dance sessions with Next Level Dance School, going on her trampoline with her brother, Spencer, and enjoying family walks around Towneley. Myself and my husband are key workers and therefore we have continued to work full time. It has been a juggle working full time and home schooling, but they have enjoyed a slower pace of life outside of working and home school."

Kelly, who works for the NHS, added: "Most of the children in Amelia's class are going onto Unity College in September. Although the class will not experience the transition sessions as planned, it will be nice for them to have the opportunity to talk together as friends and with their teacher about what high school might be like.

"There has been so much lifestyle change in the past few months, but I know Amelia will handle going back to school after lockdown on her 11th birthday in the same smiling way as she always does."