The new normal means the school day will look a bit different for staff and students as measures to keep buildings Covid-19 secure are introduced.

At primary and secondary schools across the county, students are now encouraged to use one way systems and hand sanitiser stations have been placed throughout the buildings.

ASPIRE Federation, which runs Kingswood, Leeds and Broomfield, Platts Heath and Ulcombe primary schools, is also splitting play times and staggering drop-off and pick-ups as it welcomes back pupils today.

Emma Hickling, executive headteacher said: “Some new measures are in place and children and staff will stay within their bubbles.

“Children will also have their own equipment, split play times and lunch times and there will be set drop off and pick up times for different classes.

“We have cancelled all school events until Christmas and staff meetings and assemblies will be via zoom.

“We are not welcoming any additional visitors into the school buildings as we are trying to keep bubbles as intact as possible. We have government issued PPE if staff wish to wear it and we are operating as per the government advice.

“I am very pleased to be back. We have a recovery curriculum in place for the first four weeks which is centred around well being and building up learning resilience.”

At St Francis Catholic Primary School in Maidstone, similar measures means pupils will have to stick to the two metre floor markings and sectioned off play areas.

The school on Queen’s Road has issued detailed advice for parents on its website along with a video showing all new safety measures.

Leigh Academies Trust which runs seven primary, and two secondary schools in Maidstone , Malling and the Weald says it is fully prepared for every scenario.

Face masks will be optional for staff and pupils, classroom layouts have been changed, one-way systems installed and all school trips cancelled for the foreseeable future.

A spokesman said: “Every aspect of our operations has been risk assessed to ensure that where possible social distancing is maintained.

“Our schools have installed clear signage to remind everyone of the need to socially distance.

“We have also invested in extra day-time cleaners who will focus on cleaning surfaces that are regular contact points like door handles."

St Augustine Academy which will welcome back all students on Monday says it has spent months 'scrutinising every minute of the school day' to prepare.

It added: "Staggered timings of lessons and breaks allow students to move around safely and they are all required to bring a face mask and hand gel to school.

"Staff will be monitoring how students move around between lessons to ensure everyone is being responsible about their safety and that of other students and staff."

The school in Oakwood Road, Maidstone is still hoping to hold two open events on September 25 and 26 with pre-booked slots for prospective Year 6 students.

While facemasks are encouraged in secondary schools, they are not compulsory and the government says it is down to each individual school's discretion.

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