How Sunderland teachers surprised their Year 6 children after Covid-19 outbreak cancels leavers celebrations

Teachers at Town End Academy in the city decided to pay for the children’s leavers hoodies, as well creating goody bags and a book full of fond memories, as they prepare to move on and start secondary school in September.

Headteacher Nichola Fullard told the Echo how the idea came about and why they wanted to make it special.

She said: “All the staff discussed what we could do to celebrate the pupils leaving as everyone was disappointed that our usual celebrations couldn’t go ahead.

“They came up with the idea to pay for their leavers hoodies and then create a goody bag for each of the children.

“We then decided to walk around the estate so the pupils can actually see us, socially distanced of course, and get photos.

“We tried to make it special.”

Mrs Fullard said the children and their families were ‘over the moon’ with the surprise and added: “Both the parents and pupils were over the moon with the gifts.

“The school has always had a strong community spirit with strong relationships with our pupils.

“On their last visit, Ofsted said that the school ‘is a happy place for teachers and pupils’ and we wanted to continue that.”

Mrs Fullard also thanked all of her staff, not just for their efforts to surprise pupils, but for their hard work throughout the disruptive school year.

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