Leading political figures have today written to schools and early years' providers praising the efforts of staff as they continue to support children and young people through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Schools and childcare providers are continuing to provide care for vulnerable children and youngsters whose parents are 'key workers'. The council leader and the cabinet member for children and families have highlighted the 'energy, resilience and determination' of staff.
In a letter issued today, Nick Rushton, along with Councillor Ivan Ould, also talk about the "brilliant efforts" of schools in donating hundreds of items such as gloves, masks and aprons, to support hospitals and other front-line services.
Their letter says:
Ordinarily, the county would be on the eve of the Easter break. Many of us would be creating space in our lives to enjoy the first signs of spring and time with our friends and family.
Sadly, this year, we face the most challenging of times. The Bank Holiday weekend will not be a time for pause and recuperation for many key workers with most schools remaining open.
We are in testing times as a nation, and as a county, so we're writing to all schools and early years’ providers today to applaud the magnificent efforts being made during the Covid-19 pandemic.
We want to send a big thank-you to all staff for your effort, commitment, diligence and creativity over the past few weeks – and, no doubt, in the weeks to come.
Your energy, resilience, determination and innovation in the continued efforts to support children and young people at your schools and colleges is to be admired and cannot be underestimated.
We know you have also shown a willingness to take on other roles, all with the aim of keeping children safe and ensuring that they continue to be supported through their learning and development.
We know first hand of the generosity of teachers and support staff in taking care of families in need – by providing care, food and vital supplies when it has been required.
We also want to salute the brilliant efforts of schools, who have donated equipment, such as gloves, masks and aprons, to support hospitals and other services at the front-line of the COVID-19 response.
We also recognise the efforts from staff at the county council to support Leicestershire’s schools to keep going. Their advice and guidance has been given freely and round-the-clock to ensure the county’s children can go to school if they need to.
Finally, a big thank you also goes out to all of our staff for their efforts, commitment, diligence and creativity. Over the past few weeks, their tireless work to support and protect residents has not gone unnoticed.
Supporting the most vulnerable remains our top priority and we'd particularly like to thank those staff who work in social care – they are absolutely at the front line, working tirelessly alongside our colleagues in the NHS.
Keep up the good work – and stay safe.
Person:Nick Rushton, county council leader and Councillor Ivan Ould OBE, cabinet member for children and families