First published on Fri 12 Mar 2021 11.21 EST Schools in England reopened on 8 March with new regular testing and mask-wearing in classrooms. Both have been recommended by the government for secondary schools, but are not compulsory, raising concerns among some teachers and students. Two teachers and a pupil have spoken about their first week back at school. ‘It would be better if we had blended learning’ Photograph: Louise Neve As pupils return to primary school after weeks of online learning, they bring with them “a different kind of stress” said Louise Neve, 51, a teacher in Hampshire. This week she has been frustrated by the safety guidance for junior schools as social distancing is largely unrealistic for younger classes. Her “bubble” of 28 pupils, aged eight and nine, are provided with hand gel and the classroom windows are opened an inch or two.