Large crowds gather outside Luton school on first day of reopening with no social distancing

Downside Primary School on Chaul End Lane had attempted to keep social distancing in place by offering 'staggered' start times for children.

Instead, large queues formed outside the school gates with parents and pupils huddled close together.

A video showing the chaotic scene has been shared hundreds of times on social media.

Karen Hooker, headteacher at Downside Primary School, said: “Wednesday was the first day of a new term after an unusual past few months and we were very pleased to welcome back 750 children, from Years 1 to 6.

"We have introduced staggered start times for different year groups but unfortunately there were some teething problems as parents and children arrived at school.

"We appreciate that it may take a few days for all parents to adjust to the new process.

"We have reminded parents that children are able to arrive at any time within the allocated times and of this approach to dropping off and collecting children and we are confident that together we will be able to iron out some of these initial issues in order to keep children, staff and parents safe.”