A PRIMARY school that has been praised for delivering free school meals to pupils at the start of lockdown has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award.
Laithes Primary School, on Laithes Lane in Athersley, has been recognised after delivering free school meals to more than 170 pupils during the first few weeks of lockdown.
Staff at the school, which has seen an increase in positive results since 2017, hand-cooked and delivered the meals to students who needed them.
Georgina Fletcher, the headteacher at the school, has thanks the ‘hardworking’ staff for volunteering their time during lockdown.
“We’re a family at this school and hopefully that’s testament as to why we’ve been nominated.
“The children are our main priority which is why all of our amazing staff volunteered their time to help prepare and deliver these lunches to them during lockdown.
“It’s been a challenge to be away from them, but we’ve been posting videos onto our Facebook page to show we’re thinking of them.
“The teachers are regularly phoning the students to check in with them and see how they’re getting on.
“It’s important to us that we support and work with the wider community in Athersley which is why we had to do our bit.”
The team even received a national award earlier in the year for its work with student mental health.
“We were pleasantly surprised to receive the wellbeing award amidst the outbreak – community links, mental health and wellbeing are so vital for everyone during this lockdown.
“Everything has changed at Laithes Primary and our students are a shining example of the best in our community.”
The school’s efforts have bagged it a nomination in the School of the Year category at this year’s Proud of Barnsley awards.
“I’m not quite sure what to say other than thank you. This is truly a team effort with staff, parents and our amazing students.
“A Proud of Barnsley award this year would be absolutely fantastic.”
