Council leader praises schools for the ‘lifeline’ they have provided children throughout the pandemic

Councillor Graeme Miller has decalred his ‘admiration for schools’ as pupils prepare to head back into the classroom from next week.
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The leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller has heaped praise on Wearside’s schools for the lifeline they have provided to the city's schoolchildren throughout the pandemic.

Schools across Sunderland have remained open throughout the full Covid-19 pandemic for vulnerable children and those of key workers however from Monday, March 8, many students will head back into the classroom.

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It will mark the first step of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of the current lockdown and Cllr Miller has said he was full of ‘admiration’ for the role that schools have played.

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, has praised schools for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic.Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, has praised schools for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, has praised schools for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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He said: "I want nothing more than to see our children and young people coming back together in their places of learning although I must say a huge well done and thank you to all of our schools and their staff who've worked tirelessly to deliver virtual lessons and keep schools open for vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers.

"You only have to talk to any parent who has tried home schooling their own children this past year to appreciate the tremendous job our teachers and our schools do on a daily basis.

“They have kept going through everything this pandemic has thrown at them, to support our children both in the classroom and at home.

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"I'm immensely proud of our schools and the way they have gone above and beyond in their efforts to keep our children's education on track.

"They deserve our enduring thanks for their dedication and hard work in these most trying of times."

Councillor Louise Farthing, Cabinet Member for Children, Learning and Skills, has urged parents to trust in the measures that have been put in place when pupils return to school next week.

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She added: "Our schools have done a fantastic job throughout this pandemic and I have every confidence they have the right processes in place to keep our children safe when they reopen next week.

"I know many children are very eager to be back in school to meet up with their friends and teachers in person all be it socially distanced.

"I would encourage parents to trust in the measures in place to keep children safe when they head back to school next week and take up the offer of regular testing.

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"While the risk to children and young people from Covid remains low, the risk from being out of school is high and increases the longer they are away from the classroom, impacting on our children's physical and mental health as well as their education.

“So I would encourage parents to trust in the measures in place to keep children safe when they head back to school next week and take up the offer of regular testing."

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