Suffolk's lockdown babies are starting school today

Although it hardly seems possible, the youngsters who were born during the Covid restrictions are starting primary school this week, with the first day of term for many being today (Wednesday).

These are the children who were born in the run up to August 31, 2020. The first months and years of their lives were spent in the bubble of their immediate families, with masks and social distancing the only normality they had ever known.

However, parents and teachers have been telling us that they are pleased and proud with how the children have rallied and grown and are feeling optimistic about the new term.

“We will have a few wobbles – but we always do on day one,” said Kate Ridall, a Special Education Needs and Disabilities coordinator for Kyson Primary in Woodbridge.

“A lot of the children we have coming to us seem really ready for school.” Having attended the adjoining nursery helps a lot, she explained, as children have the chance to get used to the school environment and meet their new classmates.

Her own daughter, Bonnie, will be starting school today.

“She is very excited,” said Mrs Ridall. “She’s got a little group of friends who she is desperate to see. She is very ready.”

Kate Ridall pictured with her daughter Bonnie, who is starting school today. (Image: Kate Ridall)

Rebecca Francis is Reception and Early Years teacher at Kyson, whose daughter Freyja will also be starting school today.

“As we do at the beginning of every academic year, we will spend the first few weeks developing relationships and getting to know each child as an individual,” she explained.

“Time to play and high-quality interactions will provide us with all the information we need to support our new cohort. Areas we will observe and assess particularly closely are Speech and Language and attachment - however, we will wait to see exactly what the children need before planning interventions.

“After spending so much of their early life at home with parents and carers, there could potentially be some separation anxiety and concerns regarding socialising with peers.

“However, many children have been at pre-school settings, and we are confident that the children will settle quickly and make great progress.”

How are the lockdown babies feeling about starting school?

Sofia Lorenzo's first day of school is today (Wednesday). Her mother Merille said that Sofia is very mature, and likes watching TV with her elder siblings. (Image: Family of Sofia Lorenzo)

Sofia Lorenzo from Ipswich, whose first day is today, is looking forward to making new friends.

“She’s really excited to go to school,” said Sofia’s proud mother, Merille. “She has already had two trials, and she knows her teacher. She’s been saying: ‘I’m excited to go and see Miss Brown!’”

Sofia arrived in April of 2020, just weeks after the country went into lockdown. Merille’s husband remembers waiting in the carpark at Ipswich Hospital with other expectant fathers, all waiting for the phone call to tell them that their baby was about to be born.

Few visitors were allowed to come and meet new babies, and Merille said Sofia was at first overwhelmed and tearful when she came to meet her cousins, aunts and uncles.

Now, however, she has blossomed into a chatty, confident young lady, who loves to talk to her mother’s friends.

Aurora-Rose Caira's first day of school was Tuesday. Her mother, Alaina, said that Aurora-Rose is a social butterfly and a natural mother hen. (Image: Family of Aurora-Rose Caira)

Like Sofia, Aurora-Rose Caira, also from Ipswich, was also eager to start school. Aurora was born in August 2020, meaning that she will be one of the youngest in her year group.

However, Aurora-Rose’s mother, Alaina, is confident that her daughter will flourish.

“She’s a social butterfly, and a real mother hen,” said Alaina. “I have no doubt that she’s going to make lots of friends.

“I’m excited for her – and a bit emotional!”

Like Sofia, Aurora-Rose met many of her family members for some time after she was born, including her grandmother, Alaina’s mother.

“As soon as we were out of lockdown, I really did make up for it. We went to so many baby groups. That really helped,” Alaina said. “Now, she’s very, very sociable.”

Harry Fisk's first day of school will be Thursday. His mother, Faye, said that Harry loves Spiderman and playing on his scooter. (Image: Family of Harry Fisk)

For Harry Fisk from Ipswich, his first day at school will be tomorrow. Harry arrived in July 2020, the month when many restrictions were lifted. However, Harry’s dad still had to wait outside the hospital, like Sofia’s father, only being allowed in when his mother, Faye was in established labour.

Harry’s first few weeks were spent in the bubble of his immediate family and his grandmother.

Harry is a little nervous about being away from his mum, having spent almost all his time with her since she had to start working from home shortly before he was born.

 “He said, I’m a little bit scared, because I’m going to miss you,” said Faye.

However, she is confident that Harry will find his feet at school, having adjusted well to nursery.

“He has really surprised me. He started nursery from nine months, and I thought he would struggle, having been kept inside for a lot of that time with just us,” Faye said.

“But he’s very sociable.”

Harry already has a circle of friends and is looking forward to seeing them at school.