School’s show of love for the NHS as it helps care for key workers’ children
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The Ribbon Academy in Murton has remained open to the children of key workers since Monday, March 23, putting aside the routine of a normal school day but keeping them busy as their parents head off to their jobs.
As part of activities, they have been showing their appreciation for the work the NHS is doing during the coronavirus crisis, with staff and pupils creating messages of support.
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Hide AdThis includes a host of rainbow-inspired pieces and a large message mapped out on the school’s field thanks to its ride-on mower and the vision of one staff member.
Headteacher Ashleigh Sheridan said: “The idea of the message to the NHS came from John Murray our site manager who is also a Captain in the Army Reservists (Engineering).
“The message was cut into the football pitch using our ride-on mower and marked with chalk to make the design stand out.
“The children absolutely love it and I've shared the image with the parents via Facebook and they love it too and with a staff nurse who works at Sunderland Royal Hospital who has shared it with her colleagues.”
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Hide AdThe school has also created a video message to share with the community, helping those not in classes see their teachers and their own messages during the lockdown.
She added: “We appreciate that it's a very unsettling time for everyone and especially the children so the days are filled with lots of fun activities.
“We try to get the children outside in the fresh air as much as possible, exploring the school's grounds and forest, riding their bikes and scooters, which is a real treat.
“They can also play on the fixed equipment, garden and playing lots of ball games that involved distance and non-contact.
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Hide Ad“In addition to this, the children have enjoyed lots of craft activities including rainbow messages to front line workers, bookmaking, Easter bonnet and egg decoration, lock-down commemorative plaques and baking too.
“The children absolutely love coming into school and some often get teary when it's time to go home.”