DURING any ‘ordinary’ year, this is the time where all children start their lengthy break for the summer after a long year of education, whilst parents and carers thank the schools and teachers for all their support and for what they have achieved throughout the academic year.

Of course, this year has been different and like everyone else, schools have had to face some very difficult challenges and decision – a subject that has garnered emotive reactions and views across the country over the last few months.

Therefore, it is essential we recognise and celebrate the positives within our community and on behalf of the Governor team, I would like to give a huge thanks and praise to all the staff at Brooklands Community Special School, Skipton.

Right from the start of lockdown back in March, Brooklands kept its doors open for some of their children, of course like many schools.

As an additional needs school, they support a plethora of health conditions, both physically and emotionally, which is challenging at the best of times for the dedicated staff at the school, so during this unprecedented time, these challenges increased.

Despite all of this, the staff were magnificent and provided a safe, stable and engaging school environment for the children and I know this will have been appreciated and valued not only by the children themselves, but by the their parents and carers too.

Even before the coronavirus crisis, Brooklands was an integral part of our community, a school that is perhaps not recognised in the way it deserves to be.

The dedication, support, passion and drive that all the staff have for their children at Brooklands is recognised within the school and by the families of the pupils and hopefully going forward, we will all too take some time to remember the crucial role the school, the staff and the children have within our community.

Brian McDaid

Parent Governor

Brooklands Community Special School

Skipton