THE head of a borough school has spoken of her pride at the way its staff have been helping the Thurrock community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Head of school at The Gateway Academy in Tilbury, Grainne McLaughlin, said: "It was with great sadness, that the Academy had to close its doors to the majority of students on 20 March and with great enthusiasm the staff turned their attention to supporting the community as much as possible during this challenging time.

"More than 70 care/food package have been hand delivered to vulnerable families since the first week of the Academy's closure. These have gone to families of students at the Gateway Academy and its adjoining Free School and even some nominated local sick and elderly residents.

"Led by Claire Whitbread staff also hand delivered Free School Meal packages weekly, direct to the homes of those that were self-isolating, to ensure that the children got their weekly lunch – one parent commented 'that the Free School Meal packages were a godsend and the children get excited to see what was in them every week'.

Left over sandwiches and fresh fruit were donated to local hospitals and pharmacy staff, as well as the Thurrock Food Bank.

"Staff worked tirelessly to ensure that all the families entitled to Free School Meals received their allocated vouchers and if needed printed and delivered them to their homes, helping those who have been unable to access the system and are unable to leave their houses.

"Families have expressed their thanks and noted the help they have received has helped them to get through this tough time, either being unable to get the staple dry goods they needed and knowing the help was there was reassuring. The families and children supported are particularly vulnerable for various reasons, either due to health risks or poverty.

"Each care/food package consists of donated canteen supplies, various shop bought bulk items (purchased through staff cash donations) and dry food and other goods donated by staff every week.

"Cash donations by staff have also purchased stationary items, pens, paper, revision guides, art packs and provided children access to the internet, either by purchasing cables or routers. The Academy has reconfigured and distributed all available laptops and iPads for students to use at home."

And staff at the Academy have also been busy making personal protective equipment for key workers.

To date, The Gateway Academy has made and delivered over 1,600 visors to the local community. These have been distributed to fifteen different care homes, units in two hospitals, direct to paramedics, pharmacies and other primary care providers. This initiative has been led by one of the Academy's teacher, Martyn Smith and he has been ably supported by a team of volunteers from across The Gateway Learning Community.

"We aim to continue providing visors for as long as they are required," added Mrs McLaughlin.