SCHOOL staff across Dudley are being showered with praise for the way they have worked through the Covid crisis to make sure the borough’s children get the education they need.

It comes as Dudley Council announce they have reinstated their Covid Support Line to help families to get the advice and support they need as well as help with essential food supplies.

Both Dudley Council and one of the area’s MPs have issued a public thank you to teachers and other school staff.

The council have also highlighted how schools are ‘giving back’ to their local communities.

They pointed to Pegasus Academy, based at Scotts Green Close, students are supporting a local food bank for people made unemployed or furloughed during the pandemic.

At Kingswinford Academy students are using their technological know-how to create a virtual choir and orchestra for their annual Christmas Carol concert.”

Meanwhile Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb said a public thank you to schools across her constituency after she paid a visit to Colley Lane Primary Academy in Halesowen.

Dudley Council’s say teachers, management teams, governors and support staff have continued to work wherever possible and have put in place new ways for children to access remote learning for times when individuals, bubbles and year groups need to isolate.

Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I am proud to see that, despite the issues they have faced themselves, the young people in our schools are setting a wonderful example.

“I want to take this chance to thank everyone working in schools, as well as pupils, parents and carers, for playing their role in this vital work.

At the 621-pupil school in Colley Lane headteacher Helen Hale showed MP Suzanne Webb what the school had done to adapt to the virus and make sure children are in their lessons learning – “just as they should be.”

“I would also like to thank every school in my constituency for all they are doing during these difficult times. Everyone rightly praises teachers, but all our schools need the dedication of staff like playground supervisors, those in the canteen, teaching assistants and special needs assistants to function.

T council’s covid-19 helpline is 0300 3302 152. To stay updated on the council’s latest response to covid-19 go to www.dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus