EAST Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe has written today to thank schoolteachers and support staff across his constituency for their hard work and understanding during this outbreak of coronavirus ahead of a phased return of year groups from 1 June.

The letter of thanks to schools across the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency coincides with 'Thank a Teacher Day', where students express their gratitude to teachers across the country. Students have been voting in National Teacher Awards, which will be announced once schools have reopened to all children.

Mr Metcalfe wrote: "As students express their gratitude to teachers on Thank a Teacher Day, I am writing to express my thanks for all of the hard work that you, your teachers and support staff have put in during this outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

"I recognise that many of your teachers have been supporting home learning through providing online material for children whilst working from home, often competing with the challenges of looking after their own families at the same time.

"The ongoing support that staff have provided to vulnerable children and those of key workers has allowed our shops to stay stocked, our roads open, our police to protect us and our heroic NHS workers to save as many lives as possible. This would not have happened without their support.

"The challenge before you, as you open your school more widely in a phased way following new COVID-19-Secure guidelines, developing new classes, procedures and routines is equally as challenging. I pay tribute to the resolve of senior leadership and the flexibility of all staff to make this possible so that more children can return to receiving the education they deserve.

"I understand the worries staff may have about allowing more children to return to school and the real challenges they may encounter to find suitable childcare. But we know that students not at school almost certainly suffer from education inequality, with pupils from better-off families being afforded better access to extra resources than their less well-off peers.

"I know that your school will rise to the next set of challenges coronavirus presents you with. You have my full support and I am immensely appreciative of all your efforts. Thank you."

Mr Metcalfe has also launched a coronavirus information page for constituents on his website .