THE past two years have been a 'blur' for Norley CE Primary School, but head teacher Helen Kelly is keeping the school strong as she looks back on the challenges and achievements of 2021.

Helen said: "2021 started with another lockdown in January, a bit different from the last one in March because we had 50 per cent of children with us in school.

"The teachers were splitting themselves in two, teaching children at home remotely and supporting children in school.

"This was extremely difficult but, with the support we had from everyone, we managed to do our best for the children.

"After March, when all children returned to school, we wanted to make sure the children didn’t miss out on anything.

"We had sports day without parents, whole school collective worship via Zoom so we were all together, and a celebration beach day in school because we couldn’t travel out of the area.

"Despite some groups of children having to isolate during the last weeks of term, everyone had the chance to share in these special events, albeit with adaptations.

"Our year six leavers were amazing and enjoyed a special day together after their isolation ended.

"After being in bubbles for so long, the highlight for me was seeing all the children playing together again."

Helen added: "Christmas is a special time, time to be together.

"It isn’t necessarily what you do, but who you do it with and this has been brought home to me all the more this Christmas.

"We are a small school and this enables us to share those special times and moments together.

"This is what makes us unique and feel like a family.

"It looks like Covid is here to stay, so we have to find ways of working around it, it can be like wading through treacle though.

"If we stay vigilant, follow guidance and act quickly, I am sure we will be able to continue to give our children the exceptional educational experience they deserve.

"Our children are special and it is a privilege to be part of their lives.

"The best thing we can do for them is to try to show resilience, to show positivity and to find ways to adapt to reduce anxiety."

In 2022, Norley is looking forward to more trips and visits, a residential visit for class four and late class three, bringing the curriculum to life and allowing children time to be together.