Northumberland Gazette readers praise schools and childcare services for providing crucial support for key workers

Education secretary Gavin Williamson said a week ago he couldn’t give a date for when English schools will reopen. But while last month’s closures have provided uncertainty, help has been close at hand.

Last week, we asked you, the Northumberland Gazette readers, to tell us about any teachers or anyone providing childcare for key workers at this time.

Several people responded, sharing the fantastic work and initiatives which are taking place in their communities.

Here are some of the replies:

Wendy Taylor: Daley and all the staff at barndale special needs school in alnwick going above and beyond to safeguard all those who are attending also keeping the school open over the easter holiday and keeping all parents updated with regular check in fone calls .... fab team x

Nichola Wilks: Cragside C of E primary in Cramlington have been incredible. Paul Rusby the headmaster has kept in touch via email at least with parents and carers, and every Monday morning has emailed a lovely letter to the children.Julie Collister: St Vincent’s in Walker my son is a Teacher there & all the Teaching staff are doing a fantastic job supporting the families in the area

Gabrielle Bassett: All of the staff at Ellingham CofE Primary School in North Northumberland are amazing and all deserve recognition ❤️

Michelle Thomas: The staff at Swansfield Park Primary School have been amazing when my husband and I have both been at work. My son has a great time and asks to go back at the weekend!

Charli Mortimer: Longhoughton primary school, don’t know where me or my husband would be without them during this! The kids love going into school and always have a good time there, they follow all the guidelines and also make sure the kids mental health is ok... and ours too! Well done!

Sheila Young: My daughter Rebecca Tate and all the staff at Stamfordham first school. Rebecca lives in Alnwick and has a long drive to work, before starting her day of teaching and care.

Erin Purvis: The staff of Amble First School are amazing .. doing an amazing job.. my son has lots of fun when he goes in.. they couldn't be more helpful!

Ailsa Woods: Duchess Community High School at Alnwick are doing a great job supporting pupils. The headmasters supportive letters are always a good read.

Coleen Common: Amble Links school, I can’t thank them enough for the support they have given me and my daughter Robyn. Being able to send her to school so that I can still go to work and help support my colleagues 🌈👏🏻👏🏻🥰

Lyn Douglas: Gemma Rutherford and Toni Mallen have worked tirelessly at Apple Blossom Daycare. Without them many key workers could not have gone to work. Well done girls

Samantha Maria: Cambois primary school 😍 Mrs allan going above and beyond for all pupils and staff also provides a food bank bus that comes round twice a week also supply weekly food bank parcels 😘

Gillian Apthorpe: Staff at KEVI keeping kids + parents updated with all the developing changes. Also the staff especially, ACCESS dept caring for those youngsters attending school daily + staying open over most of the Easter Holidays

Dawn Nesbit: All of the staff at Cragside Church of England Primary school in Cramlington x

Ashley Young: Staff at Broomhill First School they are amazing! Keeping th school open for keyworkers children aswell as keeping in touch with th children at home. I got a phone call from my daughters teacher the other day making sure she doing ok. Couldn’t of chose a more supportive group of teachers ❤️

Kirstie Gibson: All of the staff at Beaconhill Primary School, Cramlington ❤

Naomi Morton: Leah Barron and all the other staff at Hipsburn First School, looking after the children of key workers, all doing an amazing job ❤️🌈

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