School supports key workers with personal protective equipment (PPE)

The community-minded staff, supported by the children of key workers, made over 250 safety visors using materials found in their technology department.

And when the school ran out of resources, High Tunstall College of Science came to the rescue by donating its own stocks.

Senior Technician Steve Wilkinson co-ordinated a team effort to make the visors whilst adhering to social distancing rules.  The creative production line was ably supported by colleagues Brian Carlin, Tony Jones and teacher Chris King. The pupils attending school valued the opportunity to help support the NHS and carers.  

The school contacted local care homes and posted on Twitter and as a result face visors were distributed to a number of care homes and medical practices, including Hart Medical Practice, Rossmere Park Care Centre, Sheraton Court Care Home, Brierton Lodge Care Home, Lindisfarne Care Home and the Hartlepool District Nurse Team.

All of the safety visors were received with genuine thanks and appreciation - Hartlepool District Nurses shared a photo of staff wearing the equipment while Lindisfarne Care Home sent the school a “thank you” postcard.

Hartlepool District Nurses with some of the visors

Headteacher Tracey Gibson said: “Our key workers are doing an amazing job and we want to support them in any way we can. When it became apparent that they were not able to access the PPE they needed to give them some peace of mind, we were keen to help. I am so proud of our staff and pupils who contributed to support local key workers in such a significant way.”

The school has put in an order to replenish the materials and plans to keep making visors for as long as they are needed.

The school also acknowledges that many families are finding the pressures of lockdown difficult and for some the worry of having food on the table is a real concern, so with funding obtained from Hartlepool Borough Council and support from its catering department it put together almost 50 food parcels which were delivered to families in need over the Easter holidays.

Magic Breakfast also donated food which allowed a further 28 parcels to be delivered this week. The school says it is proud of the teamwork that has enabled it to carry out this important work to support families and the local community.