SCHOOLS have been making their final preparations for the full return of pupils on Monday after spending more than two months closed.

Apart from for vulnerable children and the children of key workers, the doors of all schools across the Bradford district have been shut since January 4.

Schools opened for just one day in 2021 before the nation was plunged into a third national lockdown and all schools had to close their doors as Covid-19 was spreading out of control.

Relaxation of Covid rules around Christmas and the Government’s failed tiered system of restrictions, combined with the emergence of the new more transmissible Kent variant, cause infection rates to sky-rocket and left the Government no option but to close schools.

Plans to introduce testing in schools had been hastily announced by the Government at the end of 2020 at short notice, but thanks to the lockdown schools have now had sufficient time to get testing systems in place and train up staff to run the regime.

At most secondary schools, staff and students will be tested twice weekly for Covid-19 to try and control the virus better, and systems have been set up to try and make the system run as smoothly as possible.

Some students will also be required to wear masks in school until the Easter break to restrict the spread of infection.

At Bradford Grammar School, the sports hall has be repurposed as the school’s testing site, with chairs spread out across the hall and testing tents and privacy barriers set up to allow the system to go as safely and efficiently as possible.

Parents are also to be offered testing in a bid to keep infections down, a decision which readers of the Telegraph & Argus had mixed views on.

Some were happy to get tested and others questioning the need for added tests given the success of the vaccine rollout.

Kellie Birkby Dryden said: “After seeing first-hand the effects of Covid - my family work in health care and NHS - and with my dad only just getting out of a three-week coma from Covid, my daughter and I will be getting the tests.

“Sooner be a little uncomfortable getting a test than going through this again.”

Karen Verdeyen added: “Can’t see what the big deal is if it keeps everyone safe.

“Too many selfish people here who only think of themselves.”

Cameron Chapman disagreed, saying: “Why have a test with no symptoms?

“Most of the vulnerable are now vaccinated; all this is going to lead to is parents having to take time off work to self-isolate and having to live off Statutory Sick Pay for two weeks.”