SPORTS days are set for a return at primary schools across the county this summer after pupils missed out last year.

The coronavirus pandemic has put a halt on many events in the last 12 months, ranging from large-scale music festivals to smaller community events.

Now, Marston-based training provider Ignite Sport UK is working with Oxfordshire schools to help deliver sports days.

In preparation for the school visits, Ignite staff members are tested twice weekly for Covid-19 and have taken part in a course in infection prevention.

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Schools that have already signed up for the Ignite sports days include Radley Church of England Primary School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School (Headington) and St Windrush Valley School (Ascott-under-Wychwood).

Hannah Bladen, general manager of Ignite, said the return of sports days in Oxfordshire will provide a welcome boost to pupils whose engagement with physical activity has been limited by the pandemic.

She said: “Sports days not only inspire positive change to pupils’ physical health, but also help develop key social skills through interaction and fresh challenges.

“It’s been a particularly difficult year for many people, and we hope sports day will mark another footprint in the return to normality following the pandemic.”

Ignite said all its sports days will adhere to the latest guidance provided by the Government, to ensure the safety of pupils and their families.

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As part of this, the training provider says that all members of staff are tested twice a week for Covid-19, and have completed an award in infection prevention, mitigation and management.

Ms Bladen added: “Safety is our highest priority, and no sports day will be delivered without the appropriate measures in place.

“Dependant on Government guidelines, all pupils and staff will be required to take part in their education bubbles.

“We’ll also distribute hand sanitiser to groups so equipment can be safely wiped down after usage.”