Banovallum head praises ‘team effort’ in lockdown

Banovallum School say they have been ‘overwhelmed’ by the outstanding level of community support during the latest national lockdown.
Banovallum headteacher Grant Edgar - full of praise for  community support during lockdown.Banovallum headteacher Grant Edgar - full of praise for  community support during lockdown.
Banovallum headteacher Grant Edgar - full of praise for community support during lockdown.

The school had to re-think a whole raft of plans after the Government performed a U-turn and ordered all schools to close in a bid to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.

Headteacher Grant Edgar said that although the last-minute change had led to understandable problems, the response of parents, staff and students had been ‘brilliant’.

He revealed the school had received donations of laptops to assist with home-working.

And, he confirmed volunteers had come forward to help with a programme of Covid testing all students - when schools reopen.

Mr Edgar told the News: “The way the entire school community has responded is brilliant.

“The decision to close schools was not entirely unexpected but nevertheless it did make things difficult.

“We had already worked on a plan for students returning for the start of a new term.

“It (the closure) meant a very quick turnaround. Fortunately, we have established systems in place to communicate with parents and we also learned from previous lockdowns.

“Parents were very understanding, even though it meant big changes at home.”

Mr Edgar said the offers of lap tops soon started to roll in.

He explained: “We had our own laptops and another batch from the Government - but nowhere near enough for every pupil.

“I’ve got three kids at home and two laptops so I know how difficult it is, especially when parents are trying to work from home.

“Again, the response has been brilliant.

People are ringing to donate laptops and we are working to prepare them for students.”

Mr Edgar confirmed the school was ‘flexible and realistic’ in its expectations of home working.

He admitted there were a number of factors to consider, including limited bandwidth in many homes.

He also said it was important students were allowed to exercise - and enjoy ‘family time’.

Mr Edgar added: “Home working is a challenge for everyone but we have support systems in place so no-one should feel isolated.”

He also revealed how Banovallum had worked with families of key workers to ensure students could attend school in safe numbers.

Regarding exams, Mr Edgar said the school was still waiting for an announcement from the Government.

He said there was a two-week national review and parents would be consulted.

He added: “It looks like there will be some form of examination, administered by schools themselves.

“It is important students carry on learning because whatever system is in place, it will affect the next stage of their lives - whether that’s college, sixth form or employment.

“It’s also been good to be part of the Horncastle Education Trust as we’ve been able to bounce ideas - and get support - from colleagues at other schools . It has been a real team effort.”

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