A MUM who had to balance work and having her daughter at home because of the coronavirus crisis says no one was prepared for what was about to come. 

Solicitor Michelle Bowyer is the mum of eight-year-old Lola-Bo, who is a student at Orchid Vale Primary School.

“I don’t think any parent expected schools to be closed for the rest of the academic year,” said Michelle. 

“After a couple months past the reality hit that this was it for the foreseeable future. I’m sure most schools were the same but my daughter’s school was completely unprepared for remote learning. They were so supportive but largely we were on our own. 

“I don’t think my daughter was particularly adversely affected with her education, but socially she has missed out, she is an only child and she’s not been able to see her friends. 

“When I look back to the past year I do think we were all feeling our way through the darkness.”

Michelle said remote learning stopped being fun after as Lola-Bo lost motivation. 
Her daughter is beginning to feel nervous ahead of Monday's return. 

Lola-Bo said: “I’ve found learning at home has been good, I enjoy being with my mum. I’m a little bit nervous about going back to school because I haven’t seen my friends in so long and I’ll be around a lot of people again.”