Praise for Hartlepool's teachers and other school staff - including those who have gone without a break during pandemic

Hartlepool Borough Council officers praised teachers for their dedication since the start of the pandemic, adding some staff have not had a break since it started in March due to working constantly to help pupils and schools.

They also added transmission is low in schools and most pupils or staff who test positive are contracting the virus outside of the school environment.

Amanda Whitehead, assistant director of education on the council, gave the update to the children’s services committee, after questions had been asked on the impact of Covid-19 in schools.

She said: “All schools in Hartlepool are working extremely hard in extremely difficult times and are dealing with significant challenges that they have not had to deal with before.

“Nevertheless schools have responded to the challenges, with the welfare and the protection of their pupils and the workforce as their primary consideration, and they have done this really strongly.

“Children and young people have responded extremely well to being back at school since September and they are enjoying the opportunities that this has afforded them.

“The evidence shows the transmission rate of the virus is low in schools and that most pupils or staff who test positive in Hartlepool schools are contracting the virus outside of that school environment.”

She also noted rigorous health and safety risk assessments fully compliant with Government advice are in place and monitored.

Officers also added the council has been working closely with schools throughout the pandemic to share information and ensure sites are as safe as possible.

Ms Whitehead praised teachers in schools for going above and beyond during the pandemic, and added it needs to be noted some staff are ‘exhausted’ after not having a break since the start of the outbreak.

She said: “The impact of the Covid-19 virus is having a significant impact on school workforces as headteachers and their teams are going the extra mile and working harder than ever to support their pupils, providing both classrooms and remote learning in extremely challenging times.

“As a consequence the school workforce is exhausted and the demands on them are taking their toll with some staff not having had a break since the start of the outbreak back in March this year, and that needs to be noted.

“However their commitment to pupils and their wellbeing and education remains steadfast and the local authority cannot praise our schools highly enough for their dedication, for their support and the care they provide for the children and young people of Hartlepool.”

She added it was also significant to note there has been no permanent exclusion of any pupils since the term commenced in September.

Cllr Leisa Smith, chair of the children service committee, also thanked all headteachers and staff in Hartlepool schools for their hard work in keeping children safe in these ‘unprecedented times’.

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