HEADTEACHERS in Worcestershire has described school life during the coronavirus pandemic and what they’re doing to support their students.

Andrew Richards, headteacher from Grimley and Holt Primary School, said: “The difficulties with the COVID-19 outbreak have been unprecedented. There is a regular dialogue between staff and other schools regarding plans for the next few days.

“I’ve been really impressed by the way that parents and carers have coped. They have been proactive rather than reactive, have followed the advice given by the government and have been very supportive of the measures that we have had to take at school.

“While we are actively postponing visits and some after school activities, we are trying to make sure disruption to the children is at a minimum.

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“We’ve got a very caring group of children. They have been bringing in tins and dry goods to supplement local food banks and we’ve been talking about ways that we can help vulnerable people in the community, many of whom are self-isolating, without physically visiting them.”

Spencer Morris, headteacher from Redhill C of E Primary School, said: “The health and safety of all members of the community is of paramount concern. Our children, staff, parents and governors have been great during this challenging time.

“We have been following guidance through regular updates sent to us by local and central government. We have postponed events such as parents evenings/assemblies/sporting events at school, as well as our Easter Service at St Martin’s Church.

“We review the situation on a daily basis, updating our families through text messages and our website.”

Headteacher of RGS Worcester, John Pitt, said: “At all four schools (RGS Worcester, RGS Dodderhill, RGS Springfield and RGS The Grange), we have taken great care with hygiene, cleaning and ensuring that pupils understand the importance of regular washing of hands and there is some lovely singing from younger pupils while they wash."

“Over time, our four schools have had to postpone the many different and inspiring events that take place in our schools and activities have had to be reduced.

“Pupils who are self-isolating have often been able to join classes using technology and we have had some instances of younger pupils participating in singing with their class from their own kitchen and answering questions in class from their own homes.

“It is at times of great disruption and difficulty that we learn the real importance of working together and about our wonderful RGSW community. I would like to thank our pupils and parents for working with us and being so supportive. Our staff, as ever, have gone above and beyond to support and protect the pupils and I am immensely proud of everyone in our schools.”

Chris Allen, headteacher at Bowbrook House School said: “We are very conscious that ‘one size doesn’t fit all’ and that as a rural Worcestershire School we are not in the same situation as an inner city school. We have the space to be able to keep gatherings and classes small and sufficient room to be able to be physically kept at a distance from fellow pupils and staff. Attendance remains high and we are fully staffed.”