British schools’ support for frontline workers

Our brilliant British boarding schools may be closed to the vast majority of their students but, behind closed doors and/or from the safety of their homes, some of their staff are working hard to help bolster supplies of essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for key workers and to support them in other ways. To name but a few…

The Design and Technology department at Sutton Valence School has made and distributed 847 visors for use by frontline staff across the country, while new 3D printers at Mayfield School have also been put to good use to produce face shield parts for NHS workers. More than 400 masks have been supplied to local nursing homes, GP practices and a hospice, as has the School Health Centre’s own supply of PPE.

Two members of staff at Queen Margaret’s School have been using sewing machines from the Art department to make scrubs for the NHS as part of a countrywide initiative, as has a teacher from King Edward’s Witley. Mrs Hooker, who is currently teaching Food Technology remotely, wanted to help with the challenges the NHS is facing in finding sufficient protective clothing. She joined a local group to get fabric provided by a specialist supplier and has made over 20 pairs of scrub trousers for frontline key workers.

Meanwhile, Malvern St James Girls’ School has responded to the Government’s urgent appeal for support by offering its Benhams boarding house (pictured) as alternative accommodation, free of charge for NHS staff. Recognising the importance of cleaning uniforms at the end of shifts, the school has also purchased additional washing machines for their guests to use during their stay.

All this is very much in keeping with the community spirit and altruism at the core of our boarding schools’ philosophy – just one of the many positives that set them apart.