Harlaxton teachers read bedtime stories to their pupils in heartwarming videos

Teachers at a village primary school have been reading bedtime stories to their pupils online every evening.

Since schools had to close to the majority of their students due to the coronavirus pandemic, teachers have been finding ingenious new ways to communicate with and inspire their pupils.

Teachers at Harlaxton Primary School have filmed themselves reading children’s favourite books as bedtime stories in a series of heartwarming videos.

Reception class teachers Kirsty Payne and Amy Harris have been reading stories alongside teaching assistant Siobhan Whitworth, who came up with the idea.

Kirsty said: “As teachers of young children in their very first year at school, we were so disappointed that we haven’t managed to share this time with them but we believe it is vitally important that during this period of lockdown there remained a connection between home and school and that the children continued to have a sense of belonging to their school and class.

“Each day one of our early years teams have been reading the children a bedtime story or engaging the children in activities and challenges.

“We love to give them the opportunity to see us and let them know that we are here to support them through this period, even if from afar.”

The videos, which often feature the teachers dressed in snuggly slippers, pyjamas and dressing gowns, have gone down a treat with both parents and their children.

One parent said: “The online stories and games have been such an incredible way for my daughter to stay in touch with her teachers. It’s her first year of school and I was so sad for her. She has the most wonderful class and teaching staff and she is missing them terribly.

“Being able to see them every day has lessened her anxiety and makes her feel like she is still part of the class.”