Perry Wood primary school eggceeds parental expectations during lockdown

As well as remaining open throughout the lockdown period and the Easter Holidays the school has also set up their own YouTube channel where staff have uploaded fun and engaging videos for their pupils and parents to enjoy whilst at home.

Home learning packs were sent home with all children and for those who were already in self isolation, learning packs were personally delivered by staff to ensure that learning at home could continue.

A parent said: “I would like to thank the staff at Perry wood for rising to the challenge.

"The staff have really pulled together and shown me what it means to be human.”

"Each one of them deserves to be recognised for the sacrifices that they are making. I want them to know that it has not gone unnoticed."

Staff in school have planned fun and engaging activities for the children, including over the Easter holiday period when pupils and staff would normally be at home.

Loaves of bread are given out weekly to the key worker families and Easter eggs were presented to the children during Easter – essential in trying to support families with some normality.

“Some schools have shut however Perry wood has continued to function. Both my children really enjoyed their "holiday" school, and this is a credit to the teachers involved.

"The simple things like the odd loaf of bread and the kind gesture of Easter eggs, the simple hello how are you, have kept me going in a world that at times feels very lonely, unpredictable, uncertain and some days very scary.”

Senior Leaders at the school have also been making weekly phone calls to key families in order to check they are OK.

Prior to the school closing, care packs were collated, containing bread, cakes, crisps, crackers tins of beans and other essential items, delivered by staff to vulnerable families, ensuring they had important supplies for the uncertain times ahead.

Head teacher Suzanne Beston said “I have been amazed at how resilient the staff of Perry Wood are; they have given their time and their energy to organising superb activities for children.

"Their only thought has been for the wellbeing of the children and families. Each and every staff member has contributed to the YouTube channel, with some challenges taking them out of their comfort zone but they have completed them to bring smiles and laughter to the community.

"The support they have offered the families is phenomenal and I am so proud of the whole team.”