How schools responded to the COVID-19 pandemic

Schools are central to our communities and play a vital role in educating our future generations. 

25 March

From the 23rd of March 2020, whilst most of the UK population began to stay home under strict lockdown regulations, schools were preparing to operate as childcare hubs for the children of key workers. 

14 hubs were established across the Vale of Glamorgan within a week of the lockdown announcement.

Sue Sibert, Headteacher of Cogan Primary School, has reflected on the work undertaken to establish the Llandough Hub, which accommodated six schools in the Penarth area, including one secondary school.

“Management teams from Cogan Primary, Llandough Primary and St Cyres Secondary worked really well together to deliver a package of care for children from across our schools, with the age range of 3-15 years. 

“It was amazing to see how well the children mixed and made new friends. It was very good for transition and many children bonded with their teachers of the future. Mark Ellis, Headteacher at Llandough, organised a grant from the Moondance organisation which provided fruit and vegetable boxes, supplied by Windsor Fruits of Penarth, to our vulnerable families on a regular basis. We had donations of Easter eggs for the children and staff from Morrisons. 

“I have to say, out of adversity came good things and wiser ways of working, we developed a wider family and together made the most of the difficult situation. We all learnt new skills, our IT skills were enhanced and working with our secondary colleagues, forged professional links and gained knowledge, which will no doubt benefit us all in the future after this is over.

“Although, decisions were rapid and sometimes challenging, I consider myself as a better headteacher despite COVID-19. 

“The children have been amazing, they have shown great resilience and become more independent. They have been supported by their families and most have learned so many new skills.”

Chris Britten, Headteacher at Ysgol Y Deri, also remarked that the hub provision ran for 17 weeks straight, which is the longest school term in history!

Vince Browne, Executive Headteacher at Whitmore and Pencoedtre High Schools, added,

“Where we are now, compared to 12 months ago, having set up hubs, worked more closely together, improved our skills and digital offering; education is markedly better.”

Schools also took on a wider community leadership role during the pandemic, and this work continues.

Many schools supported vulnerable families by providing them with weekly food parcels, with items donated from local shops and supermarkets. 

Many families have struggled throughout the pandemic, for various reasons, and to their credit, our schools have stepped up to support them however they can. 

Y Big Bocs Bwyd and Cadog’s Corner are just two brilliant examples of how schools have worked together and gone above and beyond to support their pupils and families. 

Paula Ham, Director of Learning and Skills, said:

“I’m extremely proud of all of our schools and their staff for the way they have responded to an extremely difficult situation. Since last March a number of different challenges have arisen and schools have taken it all in their stride. 

“I’d also like to thank the staff in our education department, HR team, PPE team, Big Fresh Catering and Building Cleaning and Security who have all supported schools in various ways. 

“As officers and school leaders we have come through the last 12 months with a better understanding of how to support each other, and have been able to lean on each other throughout the pandemic – the good times and the bad. I’m certain schools in the Vale of Glamorgan will be even more successful in the future as a result of the lessons we’ve all learned this year.”