WHEN staff at Askrigg, Bainbridge and West Burton primary schools (BAWB Federation) agreed to stay behind in their bubbles to decorate their schools to surprise the children earlier this month, they too had a surprise.

Unbeknown to them, church, community members and businesses had funded an afternoon tea for them in recognition of all the work they have been doing this year, not only in teaching, providing catch up for the children, but also in supporting parents and keeping everyone safe.

Scott Greenway, key stage two teacher at Askrigg, said: "It was a real surprise and it really lifted everyone’s spirits to know that all we have done has been appreciated."

The children certainly appreciated the overnight transformation as they excitedly entered the schools the following day, commenting on the beautiful trees and decorations. The churches also donated resources for classroom Christingle services, in the absence of visiting the local churches.

In the summer term the school received nearly 80 per cent of the children back at least one day per week, and continued to provide work online. “So far, we have kept the staff and children Covid-free, but the stress that this puts on all the staff in all schools is enormous,” said interim head teacher Maxine Price, who added: “It was just so humbling to be supported by our wonderful churches, community leaders, businesses and communities in this gracious way."

Eleanor Harrison, co-head teacher, added: “It is a privilege to work in small village schools where we all feel like a family."

Last week pupils treated local villagers to some festive singing. The children at Bainbridge went to sing to the people who live in Sycamore Hall, followed by carols on the village green, where they also sang their favourite song When Santa got stuck up the chimney.

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At Askrigg, the key stage two children walked up to the village by the church and the Christmas tree and sang to residents, while at West Burton the children gathered on the village green. A spokesperson for the school said: "All the villagers were very appreciative of the gesture and kept a respectful social distance. It has been a very unusual time in schools with no visitors, so going out into our communities felt like the right thing to do."

The federation said it appreciates the support that it has received from the community during these very strange and difficult times and wishes everyone a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.