A MUM concerned about the challenges of keeping teachers and children safe with the possible return to school has come up with an innovative solution to the problem.

Louise Stephenson, who lives in Durham, was worried about how her 11-year-old son, Harry, would be able to keep to social distancing once he was back in the classroom. But now hopefully a solution to the issue has been created, thanks to her scheme for low-cost desk dividers which are now being manufactured.

Mrs Stephenson, managing director for the north for Where The Trade Buys dreamed up the solution after recognising the need to find a way of getting young people to social distance.

The desk dividers have been created in a range of designs and colours, with a Perspex window which still allows the child to see out into the classroom while being protected.

Where The Trade Buys is also planning to work with schools and create bespoke designs for the dividers, so they can be personalised.

They are being made out of Correx – a durable board – so they can be wiped clean and are easily packed away or disposed of.

“There are parents around the country who will have the same concerns about the fact their children may be returning to school in the near future,” said Louise.

“So I worked with our team on the idea and we have come up with range of stylish design templates which people can choose from, or we can work with a school to create the dividers to their specifications,” she said.

“I think these will offer a really fun, practical and safe solution to a problem that many of us are worrying about.”

The dividers are sold in packs of six and cost £45.58p plus VAT. Visit www.wherethetradebuys.co.uk.

It is one of a number of health and safety essentials which the company has created in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, which has included diversifying to produce PPE.

It has also produced a range of desk dividers suitable for use in offices, which again can be personalised with company branding, inspirational messages or essential information.