Hammersmith Academy students outside their school with headteacher Gary Kynaston (pictured right, back row)
A Shepherds Bush school has been supporting children locked-down at home by supplying learning hampers, fresh food for families in need and garden growing kits.
Hammersmith Academy, in Cathnor Road, open to the children of key workers and families who need extra support, is also looking after youngsters forced to remain at home due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Headteacher Gary Kynaston said that the school had anticipated the likelihood of lockdown and had put in place a home learning programme for all students ‘the very next day’.
He added: “It is the flexibility and expertise of our staff that has enabled us to plan and delivery the continued education that our young people deserve.”
This is yet another example of teachers and staff in H&F going the extra mile for the community during the pandemic. We’ve previously featured some fantastic rainbow artwork at Brackenbury and St Stephen’s CE primaries, a banner sending love to keyworkers at St Mary’s and the Easter holiday clubs held across the borough for children of keyworkers or families who needed extra support.
The basics
As well as giving those from disadvantaged backgrounds vouchers to buy equipment, the school is providing hamper-style boxes with basic products including food, toiletries and sanitary products.
Parent and Imperial College Healthcare Trust keyworker Emma Kelly said: “We’re extremely grateful. I wouldn’t have been able to work during this pandemic without the school providing this support.”
The secondary school has also been supplying families, local schools and the community with ‘Keep Growing Kits’. These kits come fully equipped with compost, pots, labels and seeds to encourage people to grow their own.
Teaching goes virtual
Wellbeing and mental health are at the top of Hammersmith Academy’s priority list during the lockdown, with teachers setting up an Instagram page – the account is @HASession3 – with activities and challenges for students and their families.
The school has also teamed up with The Felix Project, which collects surplus fresh food from the hospitality industry and passes it on to families in need while reducing food waste.
Cllr Larry Culhane, H&F Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: “Once again, we’re seeing teachers and staff at our schools going over and above to keep young people learning and thriving. I can’t thank the staff at Hammersmith Academy, and all of our other schools in the borough, enough.”
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