This is why Sheffield schoolchildren have made everyone so proud with their lockdown tributes for VE Day

Teachers at Hartley Brook Academy in Shiregreen put out a call earlier this week asking for photos of children commemorating the occasion in different ways, despite not being in school.

And the response has been impressive, with photos pouring in showing Hartley Brook pupils celebrating with tea parties, painting pictures and even singing Dame Vera Lynn’s famous song We’ll Meet Again.

The school has been sharing these activities on its Twitter page, ensuring all their pupils can feel connected during the days of social distancing.

It is the latest in a series of similar initiatives the school has been running to maintain the school's sense of community throughout lockdown.

Previously staff have written messages and attached these to lampposts around the neighbourhood – pupils are encouraged to spot these and take photos of them when out for their daily exercise.

One such message from a Year Five teacher read: “I hope you are all staying safe and healthy as well as being helpful and kind at home. I miss you all and I’m looking forward to seeing you again in school when we can safely return.”

Meanwhile the school’s ‘toilet roll challenge’ encouraged children, parents and staff to film themselves catching and throwing a toilet roll – the more creative the circumstances the better – before collating the clips into one long film.

Claire Costello, head of school at Hartley Brook Academy, part of the Astrea Academy Trust, said: “The response to our VE display has been absolutely amazing and we’ve had some brilliant photos. I’ve loved seeing what our pupils come up with for it, and hopefully it has helped remind them how much we care.

“We know how hard this lockdown is for our pupils, and we want to do whatever we can to make it easier for them. I’m so proud of my staff for all their creative ideas to make sure we all stay in touch, and the whole Hartley Brook family has been utterly fantastic.”

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