Here is what Doncaster parents and carers think about their children going back to school

The main concerns of the Free Press commenters were bus capacity and social distancing at the school gates.

We reached out to parents and carers to see what they have felt about their children returning to school in the last two weeks.

One commenter on the Doncaster Free Press, Louise Wollerton, said: “I believe schools are doing all they can to protect the adults and children in the school.

“What happens outside of school is not up to the school - parents are still letting the children play together and meet up - don't blame the school.”

But commenter Ashlee Sarah Bussey, disagrees, she wrote: “The social distancing rules are being ignored by the schools, not the parents.

“It certainly seems like, within the classroom, nothing changed and the kids are still breathing over each other.”

One issue which came up multiple times with our commenters is that of the busses and whether it’s possible for pupils to social distance effectively whilst traveling on them.

Commenter Jen Sables said: “What gets me is the kids are in bubbles at school but they all pile on to the school bus together.”

Katrina McCann replied to this by saying: “I can understand slight capacity relaxations but our kids are crammed on the school bus just like before lockdown.

“Because of this I've taken the decision to drive them to school and the kids will walk home.”

Katrina says that this is a manageable option for now but will become harder in the Winter months as the walk is about an hour long.

The picking up of children from school is also a topic out commenters are concerned about.

Katrina Jane Parker said: “Parents are standing far too close and kids are not going in at the allocated time because they are late.”

Commenter Joanne Heeley agreed with this opinion, she said: “Unfortunately some parents don’t think social distancing applies to them and don’t keep their distance which causes a lot of anxiety.

“As someone who lost a loved one to Covid-19 the free for all when leaving after drop off and pick up is quite scary.”

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Please subscribe here https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/ so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.