Council representatives praise Sheffield schools for their hard work amidst coronavirus pandemic

Schools, sixth-forms and colleges across Sheffield will close today, March 20, to the vast majority of pupils in an effort to halt the spread of Covid-19 in a national measure announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this week.

Since the news broke, teachers and school staff have been rallying round to prepare work and resources to ensure children are still provided with an education despite being at home.

Elsewhere, many have been working to create food parcels to make sure that no child goes hungry during the closure.

Coun Abtisam Mohamed, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "I would like to thank all of our schools for their continued hard work, commitment and dedication in what are very uncertain and unprecedented times.

“I know that schools and settings will rise to the challenge of ensuring that our most vulnerable children and young people and the children of key workers will still receive the provision they need to ensure everyone remains safe and healthy.

“I am very proud of how our teachers and support staff have rallied together at such a difficult time. They have already gone above and beyond to continue to provide an excellent service for our children, young people and their families and I know that they are determined to keep doing so."

Schools and other educational establishments will remain open for children of key workers – professions which are vital in the battle against coronavirus including those in health and social care, and key public services.

They will also be open for vulnerable children such as those supported by social care, and those with safeguarding and welfare needs including child in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children and those with education, health and care plans.

Executive Director of People Services at Sheffield Council, John Macilwraith, said: "We are extremely grateful for the calm and determined way in which Sheffield schools have approached this very challenging situation.

“The support that they have provided to Sheffield City Council’s response to the COVID-19 emergency has made a huge difference to our ability to support our city and in particular our most vulnerable families.”

GCSE and A-Level exams have also been cancelled as part of actions to slow the spread of coronavirus, with the exam regulator, Ofqual, and exam boards stating they will work with teachers to provide grades to the students who were due to sit theirs this summer.

Stephen Betts, CEO of Learn Sheffield which works in partnership with Sheffield Council, added: "This has been a humbling week to work on behalf of Sheffield’s education community. The drive and commitment that they continue to demonstrate in their support of the children, young people and families of our city is simply outstanding.

“The extraordinary way in which Sheffield schools collaborate has never been more evident or more essential.”