Families praise Northumberland schools for going above and beyond during pandemic

Whether your children have been learning from home or able to attend class in person, they would have been lost without the support of their school’s staff during an academic year filled with ever-changing restrictions and uncertainty.

Every single member of staff involved in supporting our young people across Northumberland and beyond deserves our heartfelt thanks.

We asked you to shine a light on your child’s school, and tell us what they have done to help your family during the tough times.

Here are just some of your messages shared to our Facebook page:

Katy Wedderburn: “Branton Community Primary School and Breamish Valley Community Nursery. Always putting the well-being of the children first, particularly those who are at home.

"No heavy pressure with regards to home-schooling, just realistic expectations, support and advice.”

Zoe Douglass: “Newsham Primary School 100% worked their socks off making sure everybody, from staff, pupils and parents remain safe and informed through the whole pandemic.

"Always upto date with any communications. Well done everyone.”

Ruth Corbett: “St. Paul’s Alnwick have been absolutely outstanding. We are both key workers and they’ve never once let us down. Amazing staff.”

Suzanne Pinkney: “The Dales School! They have been outstanding. Our children have special needs and education, health and care plans and this is obviously harder from home, made easier by this school and its wonderful, caring staff.

"Their online schooling works brilliantly, supported by hand-delivered packs and treats to brighten our kids’ difficult days at home over this long period.

"Weekly calls and video chats have helped the children and their parents to communicate and share any problems or anxieties. I can't praise them highly enough!”

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Emma Baxter: “Berwick St Mary's CE First School. Amazing work to help all the kids feel normal, supported, educated and cared for! Ensured contact with parents and in my eyes done a lot more than they should be expected too!”

Amanda Carr: “Collingwood in Morpeth. They've tried very hard to keep school life as normal as possible for those that really need it. Loads of outdoor fun too. Can't thank them enough.”

Amy-Elizabeth Hutton: “Grange View Church of England First School have gone above and beyond every single day.

My daughter continues to go to school as myself and husband are key workers, she has been fully supported by each member of staff who do an absolutely incredible job.

"My dad passed away recently and they also supported us as a family with so much love and compassion. Best school ever.”

Bethany Scott: “Wooler First School have been fantastic. Looking after my daughter throughout as my husband and I are both key workers (even a couple of bank holidays!) couldn’t have done it without them. Much appreciated.”

Katrina Cassidy: “James Calvert Spence College Amble, provided school for key workers’ students, delivered hampers, laptops, art packs, books and provided live teaching from January 5.”

Lisa Rowntree: “The Duchess High School. Fantastic communication and safety for everyone. Great, structured home schooling and regular mental health checks on the children.”

Paula Clarke: “Shout out to all the schools and teachers in Northumberland. Well done on working so hard for our children.”

To read the messages in full, visit the Northumberland Gazette Facebook page here and add your own to our post.

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