The Hertfordshire schools praised by parents for going ‘above and beyond’ for pupils in lockdown

Parents and guardians have named and praised schools in Hertfordshire that have gone that extra mile helping both children’s education and well-being during the pandemic.

All schools and teachers across England are working extremely hard to help young pupils in education get the best they can despite the ongoing concerns.

HertsLive asked readers on our Facebook page to name the schools they believe have really gone ‘above and beyond’ during Covid-19 as to highlight the incredible efforts they’ve made.

We received more than 250 comments with parents mentioning schools up and down the county, with one saying: “All schools that have opened and provided a school place for my staff so they can continue to support vulnerable adults living in the community across Hertfordshire.”

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While we couldn’t list them all in one article, below are a few of the standout responses, and you can see the full list of comments on our Facebook page by clicking here.

If you have have a school you’d like to mention, you can add it in the comment section of this article.

Verulam School – St Albans

“Verulam School have provided not only innovative and engaging lessons for our son by teachers who are clearly passionate and still curious about their subjects but their pastoral care throughout lockdown has been incredible. From face to face meets with form buddies and their pets, to weekly questionnaires ensuring that their mental well-being is being monitored and any issues addressed immediately. They’ve ensured that their pupils are thriving academically and mentally and we couldn’t be more grateful. Thankyou Verulam!”

Hatfield Community Free School – Hatfield

“Hatfield Community Free School have gone above and beyond they provide 3 lessons a day 2 of these being virtually through zoom. The staff are always available to speak to and get back to you straight away. All teachers, cleaners, office staff, cooks all deserve to be noticed for all their hard work and efforts in trying to make this tough time a little bit easier in any way they can x”

Benington Primary School – Stevenage

“Benington Primary School have been amazing would not have coped without their support they have gone above and beyond.”

“Nothing is too much to ask. The work they do in school is amazing and they work hard to accommodate those who need a space and to keep the kids safe, whilst simultaneously ensuring those learning from home are well supported too. Staff are working non stop to ensure children are safe and well, even holding zoom calls during school holidays for a class that were isolating.”

Simon Balle – Hertford

“Simon Balle all through school. They’ve been amazing, so helpful to children who are struggling, teachers always available at the end of an email or a video call to get them through work they find tricky or to motivate them on days when it all gets too much.”

Skyswood School & Woodlands Nursery – St Albans

“Skywoods School and Woodlands Nursery have been incredible! The dedication and commitment in keeping each child happy during this difficult time in addition to supporting parents is outstanding. The school have gone above and beyond in their efforts to make this happen. With a fantastic team, Head/Assistant Heads, SLT, teachers, teaching staff and school staff striving to ensure the whole school pulls through together, there is an amazing sense of unity, support and dedication within the whole school community.”

Sauncey Wood Primary School – Harpenden

“Amazing support every single day from staff and they sent home little postcards to every single child. Amazing dedication to the children.”

De Havilland Primary – Hatfield

“De Havilland Primary Hatfield have been amazing!! Hand delivered packs by the teachers every two weeks, teachers stop and have a small socially distanced chat with children and parents, phone calls home from teachers to check to see how we’re getting on, asking if we need any help with the work etc, google meets meetings everyday, twice a day which the kids love!! I can’t thank them enough if I’m honest, well done all the staff at de hav.”

Broxbourne Primary – Broxbourne

“Definitely Broxbourne Primary. Excellent remote learning and they’ve kept going for key worker children. Can’t praise the school and the staff enough!”

Nobel School – Stevenage

“They have even got the times and date in place for the children to safely collect their next lot of work booklets. The letters from the Head each few weeks has been lovely.”

Samuel Ryder Academy – St Albans

“Samuel Ryder Academy have been brilliant. Great balance of daily live lessons and time away from the screen for both our primary and secondary phases – recognising the differing needs of both. Certificates of recognition being sent home (often hand delivered!). A whole programme of activity dedicated to well being and all this while supporting a key worker and vulnerable provision for the entire all-through (ages 4-18) school.”