STUDENTS at a special educational needs school have been praised for adapting to a new way of life during the coronavirus lockdown.

Like many schools across the country, Southview, in Conrad Road, Witham, was forced to close to the majority of pupils back in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It means many pupils have had to come up with ways to keep themselves busy over the past few months while also learning new skills.

Bosses say they have risen to the challenge and the youngsters have been sharing their lockdown activities with each other over the internet.

Admin assistant Zoe Cordwell said: “As a school we are in touch with our parents offering support not only for education but also practical purposes like shopping and picking up prescriptions as a lot of our children are very vulnerable so cannot leave the house.

“The children have really done fantastically and have adapted to their new routine well.

“The teachers and communications team are running regular Zoom classes so the children can all stay in touch with their class friends and their teaching assistants.

“We have been running yoga, story time, cooking and music lessons online to try and keep a routine which is really important for our children.”

Southview provides learning for children aged between three and 19 who are physically and neurologically impaired.

The school remains open for those students whose parents have been identified as key workers by the Government.