Covid-19 support for schools
07 Oct 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Face coverings and banners are all part of a school support package being delivered to Northumberland’s schools this week.
Schools across the county will receive an informative postcard and buff for every child in their care as well as banners to put up near school entrances and exits to remind everyone to do their bit and protect Northumberland.
Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Children’s Services said: “Now more than ever we need to pull together to do what we can to control the virus. Following discussions with Head teachers we made the decision to support them with face coverings and guidance for them to share with their students, parents and carers.”
Students aged 11 and above are advised to wear face coverings when moving around school buildings and in communal areas. It is now mandatory for them to also wear a face covering on school transport unless exempt.
A guidance postcard will come with the face covering which outlines where support can be found for families, children and young people should they need it during this difficult time.
It is thanks to Northumberland’s Fire Service that these can be delivered to schools across the county as quickly as they are.
Cath McEvoy-Carr, Executive Director for Children Service’s said: “We are listening to our Head teachers and trying to help them anywhere we can at this time.
“The buffs will hopefully be more accessible for students as they move around their school.
“We understand that not everyone will be able to wear one due to underlying medical conditions or other exemptions but wanted to make one available for everyone should they wish to make use of it.”
Our Northumberland Communities Together team are supporting families through this difficult time and it is important more families are aware the support is there for them; this information has been included on the postcard students will be sent home with. It will also include information on how our young people can sign up to Kooth, a mental health support service accessed via an app.
“As we continue to experience the effects of the pandemic, we want our schools, children and their families to know we are here to support them in whatever way we can” Cath continued.