THE head teacher of a Northwich school badly hit by floods last month said she is really looking forward to children returning when lockdown restrictions are eased next month.

Kathryn Magiera, Head Teacher of Witton Church Walk CofE Nursery and Primary, said plans are now in place for all children to be taught at Rudheath Senior Academy, where there is currently spare capacity.

Although children across the country will be returning to the vast majority of schools on March 8, the Witton Church Walk pupils won't be starting work until two days later.

Mrs Magiera said: "We're very excited to welcome all the children back and for everyone to be together again.

"We've worked really hard to find somewhere safe for them to all come back to for the transitional period.

"Luckily Rudheath had some spare classrooms which we've been able to hire, so I'm really looking forward to March 10 and going up to Rudheath, where we can all be together."

While most children have been learning at home due to lockdown, the school has remained open for vulnerable youngsters and the children of key workers, and eligible pupils have been learning at Memorial Court in the weeks since the floods.

However, the extensive repair got underway this week and it is hoped to be completed in time for all the children to return to their rightful home by April 20.

Mrs Magiera added: "The repair work is all on track so far and the builders have started this week.

"We're hoping to be back at our own school after the Easter holidays on April 20.

"Obviously you never know with things like this, but that is the aim and that is what we're hoping to do.

"The most important thing is getting our school community back together.

"I know the staff are really excited about that and so are the children and their families."

After the ground floor of the school was deluged by flood water in Storm Christoph, a GoFundMe page was created and following a raft of generous donations £10,891 has been raised.

"The children and their families have all been excellent throughout lockdown," Mrs Magiera added.

"But we are very much looking forward to having everybody together again."