See the excited faces in our gallery, as children set out on the first day of the new school year.

East Anglian Daily Times: Alby starting reception at Martlesham Primary AcademyAlby starting reception at Martlesham Primary Academy (Image: GEMMA CLARKE)

Many youngsters in Suffolk and north Essex are marking a real milestone this week with their very first day in reception class.

East Anglian Daily Times: Chloe starting year three at Dale Hall Community Primary School, IpswichChloe starting year three at Dale Hall Community Primary School, Ipswich (Image: SAMANTHA BRAY)

It’s a day they will remember all their lives - and which their parents will also remember with pride.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lida starting Year 4 at Sidegate Primary School, IpswichLida starting Year 4 at Sidegate Primary School, Ipswich (Image: SAM RAHMATI)

MORE: 5 ways to help your child deal with back to school anxietyGoing back to school and starting a new year is also a milestone for older children, who have all had a lot of disruption over the past months, losing out on a lot of school due to the coronavirus pandemic.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lola starting Year 1 at Claydon Primary SchoolLola starting Year 1 at Claydon Primary School (Image: KATIE HERMAN)

Of course, schools have made many changes to ensure safety, but it’s now hoped families will be able to get back into the routine of children going to school, meeting their friends and feeling more sense of normality.

East Anglian Daily Times: Honey-May starting Year 6 at Gorseland Primary School, Martlesham HeathHoney-May starting Year 6 at Gorseland Primary School, Martlesham Heath (Image: VAL NICHOLSON)

East Anglian Daily Times: Ena-Lillian, aged nine, and Monia, aged five, in Year 1 at Hillside Primary in IpswichEna-Lillian, aged nine, and Monia, aged five, in Year 1 at Hillside Primary in Ipswich (Image: SHARDEL BORN)

East Anglian Daily Times: William, six, and Darcie-Leigh, seven, going to Sprites Primary Academy in IpswichWilliam, six, and Darcie-Leigh, seven, going to Sprites Primary Academy in Ipswich (Image: NICOLLE TAYLOR)

East Anglian Daily Times: Violet, four, starting reception at Witnesham Primary SchoolViolet, four, starting reception at Witnesham Primary School (Image: Faye Ellis)

East Anglian Daily Times: Seth, aged five, going to Claydon Primary SchoolSeth, aged five, going to Claydon Primary School (Image: Marie Collins)

East Anglian Daily Times: Skylar, aged four,on her first day at Gorseland Primary SchoolSkylar, aged four,on her first day at Gorseland Primary School (Image: DANIELLE CLARKE)

East Anglian Daily Times: Jessica, five, going to Britannia Primary in IpswichJessica, five, going to Britannia Primary in Ipswich (Image: KIERAN DOGGETT)

East Anglian Daily Times: Sebastian, 10, of St Mary's Catholic Primary School in IpswichSebastian, 10, of St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Ipswich (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Kyle starting Year 6 at Debenham Primary SchoolKyle starting Year 6 at Debenham Primary School (Image: WENDY CRANE)

East Anglian Daily Times: Alysia is starting Year 2 at Claydon PrimaryAlysia is starting Year 2 at Claydon Primary (Image: ABII JADE)

East Anglian Daily Times: Evie, four, starting at Rushmere Hall Primary SchoolEvie, four, starting at Rushmere Hall Primary School (Image: ABBIE CURTIS)

East Anglian Daily Times: Sienna, four, starting reception at The Oaks Primary School in IpswichSienna, four, starting reception at The Oaks Primary School in Ipswich (Image: MELISSA WELCH)

East Anglian Daily Times: Ava is going back toYear 1 Springfield Infants School in IpswichAva is going back toYear 1 Springfield Infants School in Ipswich (Image: Harriet Robinson)