Redbridge Council thanks unsung heroes who kept education moving through the pandemic

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic learning in Redbridge has been made possible thanks to the tireless efforts of so many across the borough’s thriving education settings.

This week, as results for A Levels and GCSEs are announced, we are shining a light on these efforts, and offering heartfelt thanks, to everyone who has contributed so much towards keeping our education settings open and flourishing since the start of the pandemic.   

From resourceful teachers adapting to the exceptional challenges of the pandemic, to the hard-working maintenance and kitchen staff who have kept our educational settings safe and clean, every individual working within our educational settings across the borough has played a vital role in keeping young people learning.

Leader of the London Borough of Redbridge, Cllr Jas Athwal, said:

“The pandemic has been incredibly difficult for so many, as we have sought to find new ways of living, working and supporting those we care about, what’s shone through is the resilience, passion and community spirit that exists across the borough. This has been exemplified by how our school communities have come together and I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has played their part.”

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People Cllr Elaine Norman said:

“In Redbridge we are able offer our young people excellent educational choices. But like everywhere in the country the COVID-19 pandemic created challenges throughout our entire education system.  The efforts made to counter these by our educational providers, teaching and support staff, parents, and students themselves, have been astounding. On behalf of the London Borough of Redbridge, I want to say thank you to everyone has worked so hard to keep education moving in the borough.”

Case studies:

Kavita Farmah, Assistant Head, South Park Primary School

“When the pandemic hit I had only recently become an Assistant Head. In the first lockdown we all had to learn, overnight, how get online learning up and running for our pupils, as well as find laptops for children who didn’t have the technology at home.

“We also had to develop teaching plans with parents in mind as they would be the ones home schooling when the schools were closed. Mental health and wellbeing were also important, and we found it wasn’t just the children we had to be there for. Parents also needed our support.

“We needed to appreciate the stress families were under, often juggling their own jobs against work sent for children from the school. I don’t know how parents did it! We got through the worst of it by working together. All the schools in Redbridge have done a phenomenal job this last year.”

Sue Cassidy, Pastoral Care Centre Manager at Caterham High School

“It has been more important than ever this last year, to provide our students and their families with a support network. Even during periods when the school was closed in the pandemic, we were never far away from our children and their families. Whether it was calls, or virtual chats, it was vital we remained in touch from a pastoral care side, as well as the learning side.

“Fear of loneliness was one of the concerns that students often spoke about. They were suddenly faced with not being able to see their friends and felt disconnected. Other staff members and I worked with students and their families to help them address their fears and anxieties, and to ensure they knew they always had a safe space to talk openly about their feelings.

“Out of the despair of the pandemic, came the realisation that a school is a family and community as well as somewhere to learn.”

Pushpa Khun-Khun, Catering Manager at William Torbitt Primary School

“When the school was forced to close to the majority of pupils during the pandemic, we remained open to students from keyworker families. It was important to all of us that we could be a support system to these children and their parents, who were out there on the frontline helping so many people.

“Knowing their children were fed, looked after, and being taught, was one less thing for frontline families to worry about. I’m incredibly proud I could play a role in that.”

Rubi Shivarubeni-Mahathevan, Curriculum Manager for Family Learning at Redbridge Institute - awarded MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List

Ruby received an MBE in recognition of her exceptional work throughout the pandemic, going the extra mile to engage and support families throughout Redbridge online. 

Even during lockdown, she managed to get new schools to join her partnerships, enabling them to access support for parents and families.

Amara Copsey, History Teacher at Caterham High School – Recognised as ‘Best New Teacher’ at the TES Awards 2021

 “I felt very overwhelmed when I found out about the award, as it wasn’t something I was expecting. But of course I feel incredibly gratefully for the school and I to have been recognised, after what has been a particularly touch year on children and teachers. I grew up in Redbridge and the schools in the borough reflect our community: progressive, positive and diverse.”