SCHOOLS across Worcester and the wider county welcomed back pupils yesterday as the first phase of lockdown loosening began. It was the first time in months that many pupils had been able to walk through the school gates, see their friends, and return to the classroom, after weeks of home-schooling. Bryony Baynes, Kempsey Primary School headteacher, said she was delighted to have pupils back in school. “It is so lovely to see everyone back, and all their smiley faces," she said. “There will need to be catch up, but children are incredibly resilient and I think with some routine, hard work on our part and the children’s part I think we will get there.”