Northumberland County Council’s Labour Group has paid tribute to the staff who have supported teachers and local children and families through the pandemic.

Deputy Labour Group leader Scott Dickinson said; “In the same way that doctors and nurses are the first people that come to mind when we think about the health service, teachers are the first people to come to mind when we’re thinking about our schools.

“But, like in the health service, there is an army of support staff who have been nothing less than heroic during the pandemic.

“I told the council’s scrutiny meeting that everyone working in education should be praised for the fantastic work they have been doing.

“Our teachers have responded, keeping in touch with children and providing materials for online learning. We are so grateful for the effort at such a difficult time.

“But right across the county, support staff in our schools have gone to extraordinary lengths to look after the welfare of children.

“They have kept kitchens open, even when schools were closed, to provide food for pupils during the lockdown and other support staff have delivered food to children’s homes or packed it ready for collection.

“Support staff in many sectors are forgotten and people forget to thank and recognise them, but I want to put that right by saying publicly how much I appreciate all the work they have done and continue to do for our children and families during this pandemic.”