Primary schools across the county welcomed more children back yesterday as part of the government's plan to ease lockdown restrictions with some parents deciding to allow their children to return back whilst others felt it was still too early.

Parents know their children better than anybody else so it is fair to leave that decision to them.

What should be celebrated though is the great effort by teachers and staff at schools throughout Worcestershire who have worked tirelessly to get schools in a position where they are as safe as they can be.

Of course, staff have not stopped working ever since the lockdown was announced and they will now be working harder than ever to keep children, themselves, and families safe.

Whilst many have expressed concerns about the government's handling of schools during the coronavirus and whether the return is too premature, the heroic effort and dedication of schools, particularly in the face of a constantly changing environment and constantly changing advice, cannot be doubted.