School’s show of love for the NHS as it helps care for key workers’ children

A school’s message of support for the NHS is a cut above the rest after its field was used to create a huge artwork.

By Fiona Thompson

Published 25th Apr 2020, 16:41 BST

Updated 25th Apr 2020, 16:43 BST

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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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Children and staff from the Ribbon Academy in Murton with the NHS symbol on their field.

Children and staff from the Ribbon Academy in Murton with the NHS symbol on their field.

This 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.”

Siblings at the Ribbon Academy crafting during one of its sessions.

Siblings at the Ribbon Academy crafting during one of its sessions.

The 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.

The design as seen from above on the field of the Ribbon Academy in Murton as it cares for the children of key workers during the lockdown.

The design as seen from above on the field of the Ribbon Academy in Murton as it cares for the children of key workers during the lockdown.

“They can also play on the fixed equipment, garden and playing lots of ball games that involved distance and non-contact.

“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.”

A message from the Editor:

One of the bright rainbow displays made by the school.

One of the bright rainbow displays made by the school.

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Rainbow displays have been put up around the Ribbon Academy to show its support for the NHS during the crisis.

Rainbow displays have been put up around the Ribbon Academy to show its support for the NHS during the crisis.

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