Schools across Wolverhampton share how they're coping with lockdown

Schools and other learning establishments were closed to most pupils last month as per Government guidance in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.

It meant only those with complex special educational needs – or those who are children of key workers – could attend school.

And the change has led to schools having to develop home learning plans and deliver food parcels to the vulnerable.

Bantock Primary School began planning for the lockdown a few weeks in advance – copiling home learning plans to the needs of the pupils.

Headteacher Harvey Sarai said: "We were keen not to suggest too much time using technology, and that the focus of our home learning plan should develop children’s life skills such as cooking and gardening, and activities that centred on creativity and mindfulness.

"Activities have included maintaining the allotment, writing to residents in care homes, Easter crafts and joining Joe Wicks for a workout every morning.

"The parents of these children have expressed their appreciation repeatedly to the school, emphasising how the dedication of our staff members has supported them during this pandemic."

The school has also continued to provide meals to all children in school and to youngsters eligible for free school meals.

Staff from Eastfield Primary have also fed more than 100 children across the Easter holidays – with activities posted daily on their Facebook page.

Children at St Michael's Church of England Primary School have set up a "Giving Shed" where families can donate food and toiletries to those in need.

Teachers at St Paul's Church of England Primary School have continued to plan lessons for around a dozen of its children – with focus on STEM and books such as Harry Potter.

Food hampers have been delivered to 155 students each week by staff at Bushbury Hill Primary School – with pupils making paintings for NHS staff.

Headteacher Charlotte Underwood said: "Where once PE, drama, assemblies and lunch took place, our hall has been turned into a food storage and distribution factory; one day is dedicated to preparing food parcels and the next for delivering them.

"Nine dedicated staff members not only deliver them but also have contact with the children and parents each week to check on their wellbeing and spread the rainbow message of hope.

"Vulnerable children and those of key workers have been busy spreading that message of hope in school by displaying rainbow paintings for our community to see and donating paintings to Russells Hall Hospital.

"We are very proud of Emma Redford, who is an ex-pupil working on ward B6, who has used the paintings to brighten up and send our message of hope to the ward for both the NHS staff and the patients."

Reception class children at Palmers Cross Primary School have created colourful banners which have been showcased outside the nurseries.

And staff at Thomas Telford UTC in the city have done their bit by using its equipment to produce visors for front line workers.

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "The response of all our city's schools to the coronavirus crisis has been exceptional; their work is ensuring our city's children and young people have every opportunity to continue to learn, whether that is in school or at home."

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