Jonathan Gullis, Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke’s Member of Parliament thanks school and nursery staff for their dedication as they’re set to work through the double Bank Holiday weekend to support key workers saving lives and keeping the country running.
Since schools across the country closed to most pupils last month, teachers and nursery staff have continued to open their doors to the children of key workers, who have no alternative childcare arrangements, and to vulnerable children in need of care.
Some schools and nurseries are remaining open throughout what would have been the Easter holidays – including on Good Friday and Easter Monday to ensure key workers can continue to carry out their vital work keeping people safe and fed.
Jonathan said:
“The care and dedication shown by my constituents during these troubling times has utterly blown me away. From small acts of kindness to the sacrifices of time and energy our key workers are making, the community of Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke has shown its community spirit by the truckload.”
“Teachers and nursery staff play such an important role in the functioning of society in ordinary times, the commitment shown by educators during this pandemic cannot be underestimated. For many emergency workers, their ability to save lives rests on the ability of schools and nurseries to stay open and the courage of teachers and nursery staff coming into work and putting on a brave face for the children who currently cannot be at home.”
“I want to thank each and every educator for stepping up to the bar when called and I offer my office’s full assistance, please do get in touch if there is anything we can help with. I look forward to visiting in person when the circumstances change, but for now I offer my absolute respect and sincerest thanks.”
Philip White, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Learning and Employability,
said:
“This is a magnificent effort by school staff and early years providers and every worker we can keep on the frontline supporting the NHS, home care and other essential services is a huge step in the right direction for Staffordshire’s fight against Coronavirus.”
“In line with national averages attendance at Staffordshire schools and nurseries has been running at around two or three per cent since the lockdown was introduced.”
“As expected attendance is quite low, so some schools and nurseries have been talking to each other about pooling resources rather than have every building open.”
“Schools and nurseries are dealing directly with parents as the most effective way of organising this and have continued providing this essential service through what would have been the school holidays – and on the Bank Holidays – in response to demand.”
Jonathan’s office and the council remain in regular contact with schools, transport provisions, hospitals and supermarkets to ensure all assistance is readily available.