Nottinghamshire school installs 'social distancing' barriers to reduce risk of spreading coronavirus

A Nottinghamshire primary school has taken tough action so parents and children socially distance during drop-off and pick-up times - to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.

Lantern Lane Primary School, in East Leake, has installed steel barriers around the edge of the school, creating a two-metre gap between the classroom doors and parents dropping off and collecting their children.

The barriers were installed by local firm, Hardstaff Barriers, of Kingston on Soar, which specialises in road safety and security barriers.

They were set up at the primary school free of charge.

Hardstaff installed the red and white steel safety barrier system, known as M.A.S.S, 24 hours after it received a request for assistance from the school.

Donna Griggs, Business Manager at Lantern Lane Primary School, said: “We wanted to install the barriers to keep everybody at the school as safe as possible.

Barriers being installed at Lantern Lane Primary School in East Leake (Hardstaff)

“We are confident that the barriers will reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 during these busy times, when many parents are present in one place. We are doing everything we can to keep the children, their parents and our staff safe and thank everybody who has assisted us so far.

“The barriers also act as a reminder to socially distance and give the message that the school is serious about adhering to the rules.”

M.A.S.S is also used across the UK as a road safety barrier. The system is specially designed to self-stabilise if a vehicle collides with the barrier, providing additional protection outside the school.

Dave Todd, Director of Hardstaff Barriers, added: “We were delighted to be able to assist Lantern Lane Primary School in this way, when the need to protect their pupils, staff and parents is greater than ever.

“The school has made the very responsible decision to install a robust steel barrier around its classroom entrances, providing an effective and highly visible social distancing system.

“As a local business committed to supporting the local community, we are very pleased that the school approached us and that we were able to swiftly step in and help them.”