THURROCK'S lead councillor for education has sung the praises of school staff who have kept working at 40 of the borough's schools during the coronavirus lockdown.

Cllr Andrew Jefferies, portfolio holder for education, says around 350 pupils are still attending school across the borough.

In a statement this evening he says: "These last few weeks we have seen a tremendous effort from many people as the majority of children have been kept home from school to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

"Parents throughout the borough have been working hard to make sure their children's education stays on track and teachers have been working hard to continue to provide remote lessons and be there to teach the children of key workers who are still attending school.

"In all, around 350 pupils are attending school each day in Thurrock with 40 of the borough's schools open providing lessons for the children of key workers.

"I have written personally to all of the borough's schools thanking them for their fantastic effort and praising the council's education department for all they are doing.

"Let's make no mistake you are all part of the frontline effort in the nation's fight against this virus. Teachers working to provide stability to the children of key workers, parents giving lessons at home and everyone making sure that no child is left behind as a result of the measures which have had to be put in place.

"I have been pleased to see the innovation taking place, from lessons over video chat to online resources available to help children keep learning at home.

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"It has truly been inspiring to watch what has been done to provide stability to young people during one of the most extraordinary periods in modern history."