Parents of schoolchildren in Coalville have been told they will receive details about next month's return to the classroom in the coming days.

Schools are due to open again on March 8, and Julia Patrick, CEO of the Apollo Partnership Trust which runs three of the schools in Coalville, has set out how the return is due to work.

In a letter to parents, she said: "We are thrilled that we are able to welcome our pupils and students back to our Apollo schools from March 8th.

"This week we have been planning the return of our young people to ensure the safety of our whole school community.

"In addition, the staff at all of our schools are keen to ensure that we consolidate and build upon learning in order for our young people to move forward with their education.

"Teachers are aware at what stage individual students are and once back in school, will move forward from that point.

"The care, guidance and mental wellbeing of our children is paramount and we intend to focus on this upon this initially as our young people return to school.

"The protocols around the return of primary pupils are very different to those of the secondary students. Secondary students testing should take place prior to their full return.

"As I am sure you appreciate, this would be almost impossible to undertake for all students on March 8th. Therefore, our secondary schools may phase their opening for different year groups.

"This may vary at The Newbridge School and The Castle Rock School due to the differing size of year groups and school numbers.

"The Heads of our schools will be writing to you shortly to explain the plans for the individual schools.

"Finally, we are extremely grateful to you all for working together as a school community over the past few months, it hasn't been easy."