The 'phenomenal' teachers and schools praised by parents

Teachers and educational staff have worked tirelessly to adapt and overcome the challenges and pressures of the pandemic whilst minimising the impact of lockdown on children's learning is one of their main priorities.

Earlier in the week we asked families on The Argus Facebook page if they had any schools or teachers they wanted to thank for their support during the pandemic. 

We were inundated with messages for the wonderful work of school staff with people commenting that every staff member was worthy of praise for all they have managed to achieve in such difficult circumstances. 

If you want to share a message about your child's school, then you can still give it a mention in the comments here, or under the story on The Argus Facebook page.

Here's what parents have said about schools across Sussex: 

Cradle Hill School, Seaford

• "Cradle Hill school in Seaford has been amazing, I cannot fault them.

"Updates, zoom meetings to see their friends and a lovely headmistress who takes the time to go through uploaded work and comment."

• "Cradle Hill Primary School in Seaford and Micklefield Nursery have been truly amazing."

Durrington Infant and Junior School, Worthing

• "They have been teaching in school aswell as supporting us at home with homeschooling.

"They have gone above and beyond, I can't thank them enough."

St Peters R.C Primary School, Shoreham-by-Sea

Rory and his mum Tiffany Ryan who praised St Peter's for going above and beyond.

• "I would love to acknowledge my son Rory's school as they deserve a lot of positive feedback and recognition.

"Not only have they welcomed my son who has a statement of special needs via our local authority, they have supported him, kept his routine during both lockdowns when schools were closed and he is blossoming.

"He is becoming more confident and enjoying his time at school.

"My son is a very gentle boy who struggles with communication, but the school's expertise and professionalism have gone above and beyond my expectations. 

"My son is year one and there are two teachers Ms Best and Ms Collins [plus Headteacher Mrs Crees]. 

"Not only have they juggled their own family responsibilities in lockdown, they have managed to teach two sets of classes, both in the classroom whilst navigating three zoom sessions a day whilst adhering to government guidance such as social distancing.

"I think they should be recognised for going above and beyond."

- Tiffany Ryan

Meridian Community Primary School in Peacehaven

• "Meridian Community Primary School and Nursery have been outstanding.

"Live lessons for those at home as well as still teaching key worker children, mental health support and information for pupils as well as parents, screen-free time and great communication.

"They have been absolutely fantastic."

•  "Meridian primary school and nursery in Peacehaven have been phenomenal. The teachers have adapted so well...

"Special mention needed for Miss Roberts, year six teacher, she is so engaging and gets every child involved regularly and she goes the extra mile to balance well-being even adding in the occasional game."

Teachers and schools have been praised for overcoming the challenges of the pandemic - Image PA

• "They have been completely outstanding during the lockdowns. The online provision has been incredible with teachers providing live teaching via Google Classroom daily, which is not only ensuring the children are progressing with their education but a lifeline for parents too!

"Comments and constructive feedback are uploaded daily on work handed in, keeping enthusiasm and morale high with our little learners at home.

"The communication from the leadership team is exceptional. Regular and factual updates are sent via the school app and newsletters. So appreciated in these uncertain times.

"I can’t praise and thank Meridian enough for all their efforts."

• "During this last lockdown the running of lessons has been impeccable. We have been lucky to have Google Classroom, every morning we log on at 8.50 and are engaged in lessons (with breaks) until 15.00.

"My daughter can see everyone in her class & can engage with lessons, questions and everything.

"Our teacher Miss Howell is amazing, she engages with every student and is brilliant.

"Thank you Meridian Primary keep up the amazing learning."

- From Jane Thompson

• "Meridian Community Primary school have been truly amazing. Not only have all the teachers gone above and beyond with the quality of the live teaching, the work set for the children, plus differentiating work for children at different levels of attainment, they have made sure that the children's and the parents well-being is also supported.

"The senior leadership team have also made sure that all parents have been kept regularly updated and that parents know where and who to contact if extra help or support is needed.

"All four of my children have been so well supported and can't wait to return to see all of their wonderful teachers."

• "Meridian Community Primary & Nursery School have been amazing supporting all the children, differentiating the work within the classes, online lessons and support with laptops if needed so nobody missed out.

"They run well-being and mindfulness activities keeping them active and fun. They deserve a real shout out."

• "Meridian Community Primary School and Nursery 100-per-cent. They have live lessons, screen-free time and for helping and supporting parents."

• "All the teaching staff [at Meridian Community Primary and Nursery School] have been amazing throughout!

"A fantastic school who support the students over and beyond."

• "Meridian Primary school! Absolutely fantastic online teaching.

"The teachers have put such hard work into the online lessons and making sure children in the classroom and at home all feel like they are included and working together.

"They provide frequent updates to parents as well as tips on supporting your children through this. They're amazing!"

Fairlight Primary School, Brighton

Fairlight Primary Shcool is among those that have been praised by parents for their work over the pandemic.

"His headteacher has personally dropped round fun packs for him and work books.

"My son has been lonely at home, and missing his one to one support teacher, so she came into school on her day off to have a zoom call with him which was arranged by the school."

- Jade Sargeant

More comments of praise: 

• "Teachers, LSAs, support staff, office staff, all those who administer the lateral flow tests and the parents that offered to help.

"Don’t forget the local people and businesses that have donated laptops and given food/money to our food bank.

"Finally the amazing students who have stepped up to the challenge of online learning and who remind us everyday why we do this. 

• "The Friendly Fish Nursery & Beach School and Puddleducks Day Nursery have gone above and beyond."

• "All school staff are doing a marvellous job, but also organisations such as Chichester Festival Theatre supporting young carers with online support, activities and laptops. [There are] so many people doing as much as they can to support the most vulnerable. Amazing!"

• "All schools and all staff, teaching and non-teaching have gone above and beyond during lockdown.

"So much is happening in schools and in the homes of staff in order to do everything that can be done to support all children and most of it is silent and unseen.

Don't forget - if you have a school or teacher to add then let us know in the comments here or under the story on The Argus Facebook page.