As schools are gearing up for a return to the classroom, some parents have been told their children will be returning to a different school than the one they left.

Rather than returning to their own grounds, primary pupils in three schools in the Tenterden area will soon be resuming their studies at a secondary school.

Watch: 'Schools will have to return in phases'- Kent Association of Headteachers

In line with government guidance, pupils in reception, Year 1 and Year 6 from Rolvenden, St Michael's and Tenterden Junior and Infant Schools will be returning next week.

But rather than going back to their own schools, they will be having lessons at Homewood School instead.

Provided the government's criteria for relaxing lockdown measures are met, pupils will start to use the Ashford Road site on certain days.

This is understood to be part of a three-phase plan to "get back to normality".

In a letter to parents seen by KentOnline, Sam Crinnion, executive head teacher of the Tenterden Primary Federation, said: "We are getting back to normality in three phases.

"Presently we are at phase one, provision for key workers and specific needs.

"Phase two will be to expand the present hub provision on the Homewood site to accommodate more pupils.

"Phase three will be a full opening of all schools."

The letter also sets out measures to ensure social distancing, including limits on pupil numbers alongside a timetable for "minimal contact".

Government guidance for pupil numbers is a maximum of 15 per teacher, while there will also be staggered play times and separated play areas for all three schools.

Children will not be expected to wear school uniforms but are asked to wear a fresh set of clothing each time they come in.

Hand sanitisers will be available for the children to use, while there will also be two cleaners working full time to make sure surfaces are kept clean.

Each classroom will be sterilised by a 'fogging machine' every night.

Read more: All the latest news from Tenterden