A GRATEFUL mum praised her daughter’s school for their support during the lockdown.

Kerry Marsh publicly thanked St Luke’s School for how they have helped 15-year-old Poppy while she has been learning at home.

The school caters for pupils with a range of behavioural and educational needs. Though it received an Inadequate rating from Ofsted before reopening as an academy in 2018, Kerry had nothing but kind words for how staff have helped Poppy since she enrolled a year ago.

Kerry said: “It’s a fantastic school and I only wish she’d been there for longer as the staff have had a real positive impact.

“I was quite nervous about her going there with the reputation that it has but I have to say how pleasantly surprised I have been.

“They accepted my daughter and the whole school feels like a big family. She has absolutely loved her time there and really doesn’t want to leave.

“I cannot thank them enough for all their help and support over the lockdown because they have made such a difference in these hard times for us. They are such caring teachers and really amazing people.

“During lockdown, my daughter has had daily phone calls from her key worker who has been brilliant and visited her every week at a safe distance.

“She has had regular work packs delivered along with pencil cases and stationery. The pastoral team have phoned weekly which really lifts my daughter’s mood and gives her a smile.

“They have done PE and mechanics lessons online, the mechanics teacher has been to visit along with the school principal.”

Principal Caroline Down said: “It is lovely to receive such thanks from one of our parents in these difficult times.

“All staff at St Luke’s have made daily phone calls to support both the academic work and the mental health of our students and families. Some students have received visits and some engage with virtual therapy calls. We have also remained open for the children of key workers since 23rd March.

“We have excellent relationships with students and parents and have worked hard to ensure these continue despite the lockdown.

“It is vital that students continue to feel supported by their school and that they have virtual contact with the key adults that they work with.

“We would like to thank The White Horse Federation for their continued assistance in helping us provide the best we can for all our students.

“We are looking forward to the phased return of our students onto the site once it is safe to do so. We miss them greatly!”