An academy trust has revealed its social distancing plans for students as it prepares to reopen its schools.

James Roach, CEO of the Inclusive Multi Academy Trust, which covers Cherry Tree, Laurance Haines and Beechfield Primary, has discussed the measures that will be implemented into each school.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last month that from June 1, primary schools could begin a phased reopening, with Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils being the first to return.

Mr Roach said Year 6 pupils are expected to return next Monday (June 8) and Year 1 students on May 15, once Year 6 has settled.

Read more: List of primary schools that have reopened - and those that remain closed

If that is a success, the trust said it will introduce Reception children on June 22 and Nursery children on June 29.

Staff also received on-site training on Monday (June 1) and classrooms have been rearranged to fit in with Government guidelines.

He said: "There are at least two metres between desks in classrooms and shared areas. Children aren't allowed to come to the front and items and toys have to be washable, and kept away for one day before being brought out again.

Read more: We visit a primary school to see how pupils are keeping safe as they return to class

Watford Observer:

Laurance Haines students will be sitting on separate tables at least two metres apart. Credit: Inclusive Mutli Academy Trust

"We have a one-way system in some shared areas of and we have taped off climbing equipment outside."

Classes sizes, also known as "bubbles", will contain at least 10 children and one staff member who will teach the students, eat with them and take them outside for break.

Watford Observer:

Mr Roach said transition contact is allowed, such as passing by another student in a hallway. He also addressed the concerns about early years children and how they will be able to social distance from others.

He said: "It's not guaranteed but we can try to educate them. It's reprogramming them to think in a way which is more Covid-19 friendly.

"We have been open all the way through for key worker children and we have seen younger children learn to keep personal distance. We did have the luxury of space and the wider opening means the physical luxury diminishes.

Watford Observer:

How the classrooms in Cherry Tree have been arranged. Credit: Inclusive Mutli Academy Trust/James Roach

"But the children have been talking about social distancing, even games like football have been adapted, so now going within two metres of another player is considered a foul."

Lunch breaks have also been shortened by 30 minutes to ensure children are maintaining social distance outside but the school day will be shorted by 30 minutes as a result. Mr Roach has confirmed when students go back to school they'll be taking part in a new recovery and wellbeing programme.

Watford Observer:

How the lunch hall in Cherry Tree Primary School has been set out. Credit: Inclusive Multi Academy Trust/ James Roach

He added: "The wellbeing curriculum is about socialisation. We're thinking about the mental health of children especially those who have an attachment to their parents, and making sure they feel happy to come back.

"Staff will continue to set home learning for children not at school. The children in school will also complete this work."