A WREXHAM teacher has been praised by parents for going above and beyond for pupils during lockdown.

Jack Moulton, the Year Six teacher at Ysgol Brynteg, has been praised by parents for going beyond their expectations during the difficult lockdown period for children transitioning between primary and secondary school.

Parents of the youngsters at the crucial age group who are heading into the next phase of their education after months away from the classroom have been in regular virtual contact with their teacher who works to prepare them for the challenge of the transition ahead.

He has also been supporting the Year Five pupils that by now would have had transition days to help them adjust to the ways they would be taught in Year Six ahead of SATs.

Speaking to the Leader, he said: “I do really feel for the kids at home, I have a daughter in Year Six as well so I’m seeing it from a teacher and parent side as well. We have an online platform called Seesaw where kids can share with us what they are doing and we can interact with them.

“It’s a long time to go without seeing them physically, despite this amazing technology nowadays allowing us to do a lot of things virtually.

As well as their educational needs, Mr Moulton has been making sure the children have an hands-on project at home that could see them through the lockdown so assigned his current pupils and class-to-be with the task of raising a sunflower.

Mr Moulton said: “It was nice to be able to come to their front gates and drop off the seeds and everything they need to take part. It was a practical project that has so many benefits that like learning responsibility, we can link it to maths work and other aspects of the curriculum can be linked in to keep what they do know fresh and relevant to them rather than repeating old ground.

“We do stress this to parents in all year groups, they don’t need to worry about the amount of schooling as every child across the country is in the same boat. If they focus on keeping them happy, healthy and through the lockdown with a good state of mind then we can help play catch up once the new normal comes into effect and kids start returning to school.”

He added: “I would like to also like to put on record my gratitude to the parent who contacted you. I don't do these things for recognition at all, but the fact that someone felt grateful enough to tell others is humbling and very much appreciated.”

Head teacher Rachael Connell added: “Our children's wellbeing is at the heart of our school and we do have such a dedicated team of staff at Brynteg.

“Mr Moulton and all of our teachers have gone above and beyond during these challenging circumstances to keep in regular contact with our pupils to ensure they and their families are all safe and well. It is so rewarding to see how much it is appreciated!”