IT might have been an exceptional and unusual year for us all, but at least one thing has stayed ‘normal’ – a new generation of children have started school.

Usually around now the Swindon Advertiser is busy organising its annual First Days at School supplement.

Editor Pete Gavan explained: “As with many other things, 2020 is a little different.

“When the paper began to talk to schools before the summer break, it quickly became clear that, as no-one quite knew then how schools would be organising the new reception classes, it was not going to be possible to do our usual supplement.

“Some schools were unhappy with the idea of a photographer visiting the premises, or not sure if this would be allowed.

“Others were worried that it would be too difficult for reception age children to co-operate with having a class picture taken while maintaining social distancing. We also have to take care of our staff, and the staff in schools.

“Now the schools are back, it has become clear many would like to see their reception classes feature in the paper every bit as much as we would like to be able to include them.

“So we need you to help. We are inviting primary schools to send us in pictures of their reception classes, taken in accordance with social distancing and of course only picturing children whose parents/carers are happy for them to feature.

“Class pictures need the name of the school, the class and the teacher, and you will need to be sure it’s a photograph that is free to be reprinted – so with no copyright.

“We would also like to invite parents/carers to send in pictures of their children in their school uniforms, and to ask their child’s school if they are sending in a picture to the Adver.”

Please email pictures to newsdesk@swindonadvertiser.co.uk

They should be at least 1MB in size, and sent as jpeg attachments to an email.