BASINGSTOKE schools have been reacting following Prime Minster Boris Johnson's televised address yesterday evening (Monday).

The new restrictions during a third national lockdown will include schools not opening until at least mid-February, and people needing to stay home other than for essential journeys, while non-key workers are asked to work from home where possible.

Here is what education settings had to say about the lockdown:

Chris Edwards, head teacher at Brighton Hill Community School, wrote on his twitter: “Don’t worry Year 11s. We will get you through and ensure your hard work is rewarded, whatever happens! #YellowArmy.”

On the School’s Facebook page, Mr Edwards added: “Obviously, tonight’s news will be very difficult to digest. Rest assured that our whole school community will be fully supported to ensure that everyone gets through this together. We will take particular care to ensure that our Year 11s, who have just found out that their exams have been cancelled, will not be negatively impacted and that all of their incredibly hard work will be rewarded.”

Kings Furlong Junior School’s head teacher, Miss Westaway, said she was ‘saddened’ and ‘disappointed’ in a letter sent to parents.

The letter read: “ I am saddened that we have had to start the new year in this way. The commitment from the staff today and this evening has been astounding and I know that they are also disappointed that we cannot open as usual. I know that you may have several questions but please bear with us while we get things organised.”

A Basingstoke nursery worker also revealed the "anxiety" workers feel at being placed on the front line as other parts of the education industry shut.

The employee said they and colleagues feel "forgotten about" and "degraded" over the government's ruling.

They told The Gazette: "I work in early years and I am disgusted and upset that schools will be closed but early years will remain open.

"What is the difference between a four-year-old at school and a four-year-old at preschool?

"We get sneezed on and coughed on, we are not allowed to wear masks because of the children.

They continued: "We feel after this we are not cared about. People forget that we are mums too. We have to go home to our families and we end up putting them at risk.

"We are no different than teachers in school - in fact, we have more contact with personal care. We feel so degraded and upset."

They added: "Our anxiety levels are so high. I think the government just sees us as people who look after children but we are so much more."