Duchess sings praises of ‘lifeline’ teachers

The Duchess of Cambridge has praised teachers for being a “lifeline” for families but urged them “please look after yourselves”.

Her comments came during a series of video calls with teachers and staff from Ribbon Academy, Murton, which has been holding classes for the children of key workers and supporting home learning.

Speaking during Children’s Mental Health Week to headteacher Ashleigh Sheridan, she said: “Schools are doing an amazing job, as parents you really recognise what a vital role you do play for us on a day to day basis – having remote learning as well.”

TheDuchessaskedabout the mental health of parents and was told by teacher Louise Tweedie the pandemic will encourage schools to prioritise mental health.

Kate, who held the oneto-one video calls on Tuesday, added: “I totally agree. (I’m) so passionate about all the works that teachers up and down the country are doing. You are doing the most amazing job.

“You are a lifeline to so many families out there. I know it takes an awful lot of effort, energy, patience.”

Ribbon Academy and Place2Be, a charity which provides mental health support in schools, have been working in partnership since 2002 to provide teachers and school workers with the tools they need to support the psychological wellbeing of children, parents and staff.

The Duchess also spoke to Chris Reay, a high-level teaching and learning partner, who attended Place2Be sessions as a child after a traumatic life event, and is now working at the Murton school.