With schools north of the border returning earlier than their English counterparts, Scotland’s only Jewish school — Calderwood Lodge primary in Glasgow— has had a fortnight to adjust to the new way of operating.

Staggered pick-up times, one-way systems and regular cleaning are now the norm. Headteacher Lisa Corr told the JC that having been “apprehensive” about how the children would settle back in after so long at home, the reality was that pupils were enthusiastic about returning.

Parental co-operation and not having to socially distance in class had also contributed to a “calm and relaxed return.

“It was a very surreal experience having to close the school,” Ms Corr added. “Obviously we’re in the job because we want to have children in school and it’s really lovely to have them back.”

Barry Berlow-Jackson, chair of Calderwood’s parent council, said he and his wife Miriam were initially “in two minds” about sending daughter Millie back to school.

His wife was particularly concerned about the cleaning chemicals being used around young children and Mr Berlow-Jackson, 45, was apprehensive about the effects of Scottish weather. “We’re coming into autumn soon and it’s already wet and rainy here. When the kids start to get colds and coughs — as they all do — we just don’t know how that’s going to work. How are they going to be able to differentiate between your usual run-of-the-mill cold and something more serious like Covid.”

However, he commended Calderwood on its careful approach.

Another parent, Shayna Conn, felt the school was handling the reopening “perfectly fine” and was “very happy with what they’re doing. My daughter’s very happy to be back at school.” Ms Conn, 42, said daughter Adi was a very social child and had been pleased to see her classmates, having been miserable during lockdown.