Hats off to teachers

Pupils from three local primary schools have thanked their teachers for supporting them during lockdown.

Children from the Federation of Beckwithshaw, Kettlesing Felliscliffe and Ripley Endowed CE Schools donned their school uniforms and raised their hats in appreciation.

Parent Governor Sarah Fisher praised the Federation’s staff and Head Teacher and said: “Lisa-Jackson Ward, the Executive Head Teacher saw the writing on the wall and in the weeks before lockdown the staff worked hard to train pupils and parents to use Seesaw, an app which has delivered daily lessons and fun activities, lots of positive feedback and most of all continuity for our children in these difficult times.

“The children have enjoyed Zoom meetings with their classmates and teachers.”

“The staff have been with us every step of the way offering practical and moral support.

“I chose a small rural primary school for my children because I wanted them to benefit from small class sizes with teachers who really knew them and to have the opportunity to play and learn outside in fields and gardens….obviously this has become even more important in the current environment as we look forward to a return to school in the future.”

Co-chair of the Federation Rose Gosling explained how the Federation has secured the future of the three village schools and proved invaluable during lockdown. “Federation has allowed us to offer a broader and richer curriculum for our children and we have been able to attract and retain high quality teachers and subject specialists.

“Ripley, Beckwithshaw and Kettlesing maintain their individual ethos and culture but because the schools can pool their resources and expertise this offers great financial and educational benefits.

“The Federation has really come into its own during lockdown. We are able to accommodate all our Key Worker children in one school where they have spent a great deal of time outdoors and benefitting from a home-cooked lunch prepared by Mrs Bennett, our fabulous on-site cook.

“The rest of the staff have been available to concentrate on looking after the education and well-being of the children at home.”

Executive Head Teacher Mrs Jackson-Ward explained: “Our priority during lockdown was to ensure our Key Worker children were safe and happy in school and to support the families of all the children who were learning at home.

“The flexibility afforded by the federation of our three schools and the commitment of the staff has allowed us to achieve this and I am immensely proud of all the teaching and support staff who have more than stepped up to the mark in these unprecedented times.

“But can I also thank our wonderful parents, carers and mostly our children who have embraced this new way of schooling. Their resilience and positivity have been a lesson to us all!”