REDDITCH children are set to return to school next month after Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the government's "roadmap out of lockdown".

As part of the first phase of the government’s plan, schools will be reopening on March 8.

Mike Bennett, headteacher of Ridgeway Secondary School in Astwood Bank said staff are looking forward to seeing their students return.

He said: "We understand and value the importance of being together and learning as a community because it is so vital for the mental wellbeing and academic progress of our students.”

Redditch MP Rachel Maclean has said we are now on the "one-way road to freedom" following the announcement.

She said: “The country needed a clear timeframe for the ending of restrictions and the Prime Minister has delivered a sensible plan which balances the health risks and the need to restore our freedoms.

“I’m pleased students will be returning to school on March 8th.

"The best place for students is in the classroom.

"I’d like to thank teachers for all they’ve done during this pandemic to continue providing students with the education they deserve.

“Once schools are back open, it is right the Government takes a cautious approach to re-opening the economy.

"The steps we take must be irreversible as we can’t head back into further restrictions.

“We must say a massive thank you to everyone involved in the roll-out of the Covid vaccines for making this roadmap possible.

"We’re on the one-way road to freedom now.”