Dozens of parents praise teachers and schools in Sheffield for going above and beyond in lockdown

As the majority of children across the city prepare for a return to remote learning after the February half-term break, The Star asked parents who they would like to thank for their support during this challenging time.

And we were inundated with suggestions with over 180 people replying to the call on Facebook and many more sending their messages through by email, all naming schools and teachers who have helped eased the pressures for both parents and pupils.

Among them was mum Claire Evans who singled out Mr Howe, a Year 5 teacher at Brunswick Primary School, for the ‘amazing’ way he has helped keep spirits high – and she wasn’t the only one with dozens more mentioning the ‘legendary’ teacher.

“I would like to give a shout out to Brunswick Community Primary School in Woodhouse Sheffield,” Claire said. “The teacher in question is Mr Howe, he’s absolutely amazing with all the children and the kids and parents love him.

"He’s gone over and beyond helping my child with homeschooling. He’s called and emailed several times which I appreciate immensely. Without his support we wouldn’t have managed with homeschooling. He’s an absolute credit to the school and a role model to every teacher and child out there.”

Nicola Clark echoed a similar sentiment for the great work being done by staff at Brunswick Primary, praising the work done by all but offering a special thanks to Mr Howe and Miss Betts.

She said: “My three children go to Brunswick School in Woodhouse and the whole school has made the best out of a bad situation for the kids, both those that are homeschooling and keyworker kids at school.

“A few teachers in particular – Mr Howe in Year 5 who has made his kids smile everyday and Miss Betts in Foundation 2 who has come to school and put my five-year-old daughter at ease by keeping things as normal as she can in her first year at school.”

Helena Binks added: “I'd like to add my vote for Mr Howe at Brunswick Community Primary School. He teaches my daughter in Year 5 and has been amazing since September both in school and in lockdown with his support of all the children in his class.”

Elsewhere, Joanne Siddall praised the ‘excellent’ staff at Malin Bridge Primary School while Joanne Thornhill sent a ‘huge thanks’ to the teachers and staff at Newfield School for their support.

Becky Binkiewicz said everyone at Marlcliffe Primary School, in Hillsborough, have been ‘nothing short of amazing’.

Jashvin Ullah added: “Oasis Academy have done brill during lockdown my twins have come a long way.”

Now, it is without a doubt that all schools are continuing to work extremely hard to educate pupils in Sheffield and there are many others deserved of a mention.

This, however, is just the start and we’re keen to hear about more of the exceptional work that is being carried out across the city.

To get involved email your messages to alana.roberts@jpimedia before 5pm on February 19 and we’ll be sharing as many as we can.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.