Hundreds of parents have thanked their children’s schools for getting their sons and daughters back into the classroom safely.

Mums and dads took to the Echo’s Facebook page to pay tribute to headteachers across south Essex whose schools threw their doors open to children.

Headteachers told this newspaper earlier in the week has in fact been “one of the best ever”, thanks to joint efforts of staff, parents, and pupils.

98 per cent of pupils returned to Greensward Academy in Hockley, with just two parents set against sending their children in.

Una Simons, impressed with Phoenix Primary School in Laindon, said: “They have gone above and beyond since we’ve been back and even more so during lockdown.

“Mrs Geary is an amazing head teacher as well as all the staff. Thank you for all you have done.”

Kate Clifton thanked St George’s Primary School, in Eagle Way, Shoebury, adding: “Well done to all staff for your dedication to the children throughout lockdown and your efforts to make school warm, welcoming and as loving as always for the children’s return.

“We are all incredibly grateful.”

Milton Hall Primary School, in Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff, received praise from Jessica Abott, who said: “Thank you for staying open throughout lockdown for key workers’ children and [for keeping] the school a safe environment for all of the children to return back to.

“All the staff have done an amazing job.”

Sonia Congrave thanked Eastwood Academy, saying: “The school has done an amazing job during lockdown and now getting all the children back and safe.”

Jamie Kelly, praised Friars Primary School and Nursery, in Constable Way, Shoebury.

She said: “They have been excellent the whole way through.

“Lockdown was very professional and the kids were well looked after while I had to work and now the entering and exiting the school is really good and easy too.”

Emma Hickmore also lauded the Shoebury primary school.

Hayley Newman thanked staff at James Hornsby School, in Leinster Road, Laindon.

She posted: “Well done all the staff at James Hornsby.

“The support they have given the students during lockdown and since they have returned is brilliant under such difficult circumstances.”

Kerry Collett said: “Let’s not forget our fantastic nurseries. Little Treasures have remained open through lockdown and has been fantastic.

“Their communications have been second to none. Working with babies and toddlers who do not understand must be hard.

“A big congratulations to them for keeping our babies safe.”

Michelle Holiday said: “Eastwood Primary have been absolutely outstanding since the beginning of lockdown and all throughout, I cannot fault them.”

Michelle Berwick said: “St Anne Line Junior School have been fantastic, focusing on the children’s mental health and settling them into the new routine gently.

“It’s very reassuring to know our children are in safe hands.”

Ali Mil said: “Earls Hall Primary School in Westcliff have been amazing before the holidays and have now been totally amazing for all the children going back. Such a wonderful school, so thankful to them.”

Sarah Wilson said: “Darlinghurst Academy in Leigh. The safety and also the well-being of the children is their number one priority.”

Sara Wright said: “Belfairs Academy in Leigh - amazing staff and excellent support for the kids.

“During lockdown they did all they could to continue to provide education and support to my girls.”