Committee thanks staff for ‘incredible’ response to supporting young people throughout pandemic
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As schools across Aberdeenshire begin to prepare for a ‘new normal’, the council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee took a moment to reflect on the hard work, dedication, innovation and creativity shown by thousands of staff over the last few months, during their recent meeting.
A report to the committee explained actions taken by staff as a raft of services have evolved to respond to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. This outlined the creation of childcare hubs, the processes put in place to support vulnerable children, changes to the way free school meals are delivered, the two-pronged approach to deliver remote teaching as well as supporting home-learning, financial support for early years providers, and details of how Live Life Aberdeenshire staff have been re-assigned to help support other aspects of the council’s work.
Councillor Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chairwoman said: “The advancements we have made over the last few months have been incredible.
"As well as the creation of our Learning and Childcare Hubs which continue to deliver an absolutely essential service, great innovation has been shown by so many Education and Children’s Services colleagues in very challenging circumstances.
“They have found creative, thoughtful ways to continue to engage young people from a distance, they have channelled extra support to those who need it most, many have worked day and night to deliver different ways of working, and others have changed jobs almost overnight to deliver a truly team effort.
"As well as our marvellous teachers, social workers, youth workers, educational psychologists and others on the frontline, thanks to the many support teams and countless individuals who have worked so hard to keep the wheels moving.
“A special word of thanks should also go to Aberdeenshire’s young people themselves.
"It is not easy having your life and world turned upsides down and being taken away from your daily routine, your friends and your normal education.
"I have been really impressed by how our young people and families are rising to the challenge and it is so heart-warming to see so many people making the very best out of this difficult situation.”
The paper, along with councillor Owen’s note of thanks was met with resounding approval by elected members across the committee, who agree the work undertaken at pace by colleagues across many services has been impressive.
Committee vice chairwoman councillor Rosemary Bruce, added: “As elected members we are keen to express our gratitude for the hard work and dedication demonstrated by so many staff and volunteers during the last few months.
"The volume of work and the pace of change is ongoing as schools begin to prepare for August, and we’re very aware of the personal impact of all of this has on our everyday super heroes.
"Thank you so much for continuing to give of your best on behalf of the children and young people across Aberdeenshire.”
