Pupils and staff at Auchenharvie Academy starred in a special report on STV’s Scotland Tonight broadcast yesterday (September 10) on the impact Covid-19 has had on them.

Students and teachers at the North Ayrshire school spoke about their new way of life as a result of the pandemic and how they have had to adapt with the introduction of face masks and social distancing.

Head teacher, Calum Johnston, told STV viewers: “It’s been challenging for everybody, safety is of course of paramount importance. We are just happy to see our young people here and we feel it is the right thing that they are here five days a week.

“The first couple of weeks the focus has been exclusively on relationships, on wellbeing, and getting to reconnect with young people and finding out how they are. We see on a daily basis young people that have been through the trauma of Covid-19 and it is causing them distress and it is our primary focus for us to work with every individual to ensure they get the best support they can to get them back into the right frame of mind for learning."

Andrew McClelland, head of service for education in North Ayrshire, said: “Our staff and pupils of Auchenharvie Academy described the challenges and benefits of the return to school on STV yesterday. Sincere thanks to all for sharing their experiences and showcasing our approach in North Ayrshire."