Kettering's St Peter's School's music and well-being sessions given county award

Hard-working staff at a Kettering prep school have received a Rose of Northamptonshire award for their help given to pupils during the coronavirus pandemic.

St Peter's School in Headlands was nominated by the parent community in recognition of its music and well-being sessions to help raise spirits at the height of the lockdowns.

The awards recognise the contributions of those who live or work in Northamptonshire, set up jointly by The Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, The High Sheriff of Northamptonshire and the former Northamptonshire County Council to celebrate unsung heroes of Northamptonshire.

Presented online by the High Sherriff to headteacher Mark Thomas, the citation also praised the work of music teacher Carly Palmer for her contribution.

Mr Thomas said: "I'm so proud of everyone in our community. We have all learnt to teach and learn in new ways and St Peter's School has adapted and overcome every hurdle and excelled."

During the ceremony, special mention was made of music teacher Carly Palmer for her work with the school's virtual choir, outdoor music lessons, online concerts, studio recorded and electronically released tracks and weekly music activities.

Other initiatives implemented were online face-to-face metal health and well-being sessions for children who were alone or struggling during lockdown.

Mr Thomas added: "We are thrilled to receive a Rose of Northamptonshire Award.

"The Friday Night is Music Night virtual concert was a huge success and music has kept school spirits high.

"The socially-distanced carol singing at Christmas was a massive hit and is now a permanent feature of the school calendar."