How pupils and staff at a Sunderland school are pulling together to help others during difficult times

Despite being forced to close to most pupils, East Herrington Academy has been pulling together to support NHS workers and the community by making wash bags and collecting and delivering food.

Staff were keen to come up with ideas of how they could help during the crisis, and organised for teachers to make washbags so NHS staff can put their uniforms straight into the wash as well as collecting food to donate and deliver to the vulnerable.

Maria Davidson, who has been at East Herrington Academy for over 20 years, is delighted the staff are using this time as an opportunity to help others.

She said: “Some of the children we have still coming to school have parents working as doctors and nurses. We are aware as a staff of how challenging it is for them and wanted to do our bit to help and show our support.

“Life in school has been full of community spirit and kindness. Staff have all pulled together to support each other.”

Children still attending have also been showing their support by turning the school gates into a rainbow tribute for NHS staff to help lift community spirits.

Despite the new challenging academy, Mrs Davidson is proud of what staff and pupils are doing during this difficult time, adding:

“We have made sure we have provided our children with a safe, happy, fun environment whilst ensuring safety measures are followed like social distancing and regular handwashing.”

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