I?m really pleased to see pupils in all academic years going back to school this week. We have worked with and supported our local schools with their plans to reopen for this academic year and we are confident that our schools have undertaken considerable work to ensure that everything is safe.

However, it?s important to remember that Covid-19 is still present in our communities and so we must continue to take all precautions to keep each other safe. You can support your school by:

• Keeping children who are ill at home and getting them tested if they show symptoms of Coronavirus
• Encouraging children to continue with regular hand washing
• Finding out about the measures in place and helping your children understand why they are important and what they need to do.

We have become aware of hoax messages circulating on social media about schools having children tested for Covid-19 without seeking permission from parents; and children being taken into quarantine if they test positive for the virus. There is no substance to the circulating rumours and they bear no resemblance to what will actually happen in the event of a young person being unwell ? please find out more here.

There are many ways pupils can travel to school and I would always encourage families to choose travel modes that have the least impact on the environment where possible. Anyone who lives within two miles of their school should consider walking, cycling or scooting, if they can. This will help to reduce pressure on buses and trams, reduce their carbon footprint and increase their exercise. Find out more about travelling safely to school

As much as many children will be looking forward a return to ?normality?, for some children, returning to school is an anxious time, even without the extra concerns that coronavirus brings. Help is available, find out more about mental health support for children and parents.

The Wise Owl Walk has landed in Nottingham this week! Taking place between 1st September and 6th November - The Wise Owl Walk will take you across the city centre to find all ten owl sculptures. Nottingham BID have created the trail in partnership with Wild in Art and a selection of artists; the Wise Owls are each a piece of beautiful art in their own right.

The trail is a great way for people of all ages to explore the city and will help to bring people back into the city centre in a Covid-safe way. Nottingham is well known our events and experiences and it?s great to see these types of initiatives start back up and adapt to the ?new normal?. I?m sure that Nottingham families and visitors will really enjoy the trail. Find out more Wise Owl Walk

In another boost to Nottingham?s public transport options, the Park and Ride at the Racecourse reopens tomorrow. This will provide further travel options for commuters and shoppers and help to reduce congestion and improve air quality in the city centre.?

The site is served by Nottingham City Transport?s Red 44 low carbon bio-gas buses, the service provides a convenient and low cost way to access the city centre. If you are using an electric vehicle, you can charge your vehicle at this site. Find out more about the Racecourse Park and Ride ?