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The first week is nearly done and the huge smiles say it all: “It’s great to be back!”.

The long wait to return to school ended on Monday for nursery and P1-P3 pupils at least.

Headteachers at schools in Badenoch and Strathspey said they were delighted to see the youngsters once again, and said they had settled back into the 'new' old routine.

Carrbridge head teacher Clare Lake said: “All the children arrived with big smiles on their faces, although their parents had bigger smiles.

“It was clear to see that the parents had worked very hard with online learning and that the children had continued to make progress while at home.

Kingussie Primary School head teacher Patricia Johnston was equally delighted to welcome back their youngest learners. “The children have returned to school with a spring in their step, and have settled back into the classroom routines with ease,” she said.

“It is so lovely to see such happy, smiling faces from both staff and pupils.”

Aviemore Primary School head teacher Emma MacCallum said their pupils are enjoying spending time with their friends, and learning in the classroom again.

She said: “Our initial focus will be on health and wellbeing and getting back into our routines.”

Grantown Primary School head Kip Clark said: “It is wonderful to have children back at school. They are so happy, full of smiles, and there is a real buzz in the place. They all say they are pleased to be back with their friends and teachers, to be learning in school again.

“We have missed them all and can’t wait for the senior pupils to join us.”

School communities across the Highlands are being encouraged to remain vigilant on safety measures following the partial school return.

Councillor John Finlayson, chair of the education committee, said: “I want to take this opportunity to urge the members of our schools' communities to remain aware and continue to follow national guidance to reduce the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.

"While we understand the feeling of normality which accompanies the return of pupils to school, it is important to remember that the virus is still present in the Highlands.

"In order to protect our school community and keep schools open, we must work to make sure that there is reduced opportunity for the virus to spread outside of schools too.

“I want to thank each child, young person, parent, carer, staff member and their families for their ongoing compliance with these measures and for their patience and understanding while we have worked to deliver a quality education experience in these challenging times.

The Scottish Government has made a special allowance for schools with a roll of 25 pupils or fewer to return where all of the pupils are taught in one single class.

In Highland schools like this, all pupils from P1-P7 will be able to return to school from today.

The current position for school aged childcare settings remains unchanged. Only children of key workers and vulnerable children can access childcare in out of school settings.

More information, guidance, and support can be found here

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