Children moving to secondary school in September are meeting their teachers, buying their uniform and learning about their new subjects – all via the internet.

With schools closed to the majority of students until after the summer break, the transition of Year 6 children into their first year at secondary has had to be adapted.

Those due to join Year 7 in September are already in regular contact with Burnt Mill Academy, in Harlow.

Dan Bolt, assistant headteacher in charge of Key Stage 3, said: “One of the strengths of Burnt Mill Academy is our communication with parents. We always strive to ensure our paths of communication are always open and that we are providing regular updates and information.

“Myself and other heads of year are having conversations with each other every day and are in contact with our students every two weeks, at least. That has been going on for weeks to see how they are doing during the partial closure of school.

“We are trying to support our students as much as we can as so many things can be impacting their mental health right now. Sometimes, all they need is a conversation; other times, we can make referrals to support services.”

Mum Carla Berger said of her child’s transition to Burnt Mill: “I really appreciate the school doing all the extra things they can in these unprecedented times to help my child and the rest of the new Year 7 to transition as easily as possible.

“We are so grateful.”

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