After months of complete lockdown, leaving home can feel worrying. However, across Basingstoke, schools have been working hard to prepare facilities for the return, ensuring both students and staff are safe, happy and catered for. They’ve also been getting systems in place for regular testing of students which will begin on their return. The Gazette spoke to just a few, to give people in Basingstoke an idea of what covid-secure schools will look like. At Everest Community Academy on Oxford Way, parents have access to a handy guide which explains the changes and steps in place. Paul Grills, headteacher, said the focus of the four weeks to Easter will be to settle students back in school, with many health and safety steps remaining in place, including year group bubbles, year group entrances, playground areas and exits, and increased ventilation and hygiene routines.