A Park North primary school is continuing its efforts to support the community despite having been closed because of the coronavirus outbreak. 


Goddard Park Primary School is still providing over 100 free school meals to pupils each day, despite many of them no longer coming into school.
Headteacher Mike Welsh said: “We’re still delivering a large number of free school meals each day. 
“The kitchen staff are doing a fabulous job making healthy food and packed lunches for our children and making sure every child who needs this still has access to it."
Last week staff at the school cooked 125 hot lunches for pupils who normally receive a free meal, each day.
“Staff go out delivering them in minibuses and cars – it’s a major delivery every day,” Mr Welsh said.
He continued: “The point of free meals is to support those families whose income is low. 
"At the moment with the number of workplaces closing, which for example have zero hours contracts or similar, it is vital that we keep supporting families who now face these extra pressures." 
The school is still open for children of key workers and has organised a home learning programme for those staying at home. 
Mr Welsh highlighted that one of the issues in the coming months will be maintaining good mental health.
"Lots of parents and children are not used to being isolated for so long, so it’s important that as a school we have appropriate support with our online learning programme and also that we keep in contact with all families," Mr Welsh said.  
He added that there are plans for teachers to ring the families of all children in their class weekly.
"We here to keep providing careful support and making sure families get any additional support they need," he said. 
“Schools across Swindon are really stepping up to the mark and keeping children safe and engaged. And I really congratulate all our staff and parents for responding so well to this situation.”