PUPILS were welcomed back without their uniforms this week after more than two months at home during the coronavirus lockdown.

Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils returned to Burgess Hill Girls School on Monday but classes look very different to before schools closed on March 22.

The independent school has made significant changes to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Classes each have their own specific drop-off point and only the children are allowed into the school building.

Pupils take their own water bottles but no toys or books are allowed to be taken in.

Instead of their usual uniforms, the girls are wearing their comfortable home clothes and shoes which are suitable for all types of activities.

The school hopes to welcome back Year 10 and Year 12 pupils in the next few weeks.

Burgess Hill Girls Headteacher Liz Laybourn said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome back some of our pupils this week.

“I am incredibly grateful to our staff, parents and children for their support in making it happen.

“Seeing the girls’ happy faces as they get stuck-in to school life again makes it all worthwhile.

“I am now looking forward to the time the whole school community will be back together, hopefully it will not be long.”