The Consett Corona Photo Project started in March 2020 and has continued to document the effects of Covid-19 upon the people, volunteer groups and businesses in the Consett area.

All images have been photographed within the Government guidelines. If you wish to be part of the project or have suggestions, please contact us at: consettcoronaphoto@gmail.com

The intention is to host an exhibition or series of exhibitions in the area once restrictions are relaxed and it is safe to do so. Prior to this we will publish selected images on our FB page –
https://www.facebook.com/ConsettCoronaPhotoProject

1. During the first Lockdown Consett Junior School like most remained open to vulnerable children and young people and the children of critical workers only (Subtle difference to Key Worker’s during 2nd and 3rd Lockdown). Social distancing, hygiene and ventilation became the norm for those at school, whilst On-line schooling via Zoom, Teams etc became common place. (Image: George Ledger)

2. During the second Lockdown Consett Academy welcomed many vulnerable children and children of Key workers but they were subject to new restrictions and Covid hygiene measures. Each year group used a separate entrance, sanitised their hands on entry and then moved around the building in segregated routes. Face coverings became the norm for the children and staff whilst moving around the school. (Image: George Ledger)

3. For other children ‘Home Schooling’ became the daily routine (ended on March 8th). Parents have re-learned things they never knew that they had forgotten! Who knew there were even things called ‘Preposition phrases’ or ‘Fronted adverbials’? Everyone became IT experts with Zoom, Teams, Tapestry and other video conferencing and online learning software. (Image: Steve Webb)

4. Tanfield School have been working hard during the lockdown and stayed busy by refurbishing the school with new windows, toilets and heating systems. They have been open to vulnerable and key worker children and have set up a lateral flow testing station within the sports hall for the return of the other students. The headteacher, Mr Clough, was keen to update the Edwardian building to make it more comfortable for the children whilst retaining its character. (Image: Debbie Todd)

5. Childminders, Nannies and After School Clubs have all been affected by the Government restrictions which prevented some parents from using their services. ‘Big Hands, Little Hands’ Childcare Ltd. Like most companies they had to furlough some of their staff during the lockdown however they remained open for the children of key workers even during school holidays. (Image: Chris Bruce)

6. The Grove Primary School prior to the 8th March when all pupils returned to their classes. Numbers of children were low but the level of teaching was very high. Teachers not only had to educate the children in the classroom but also set work for home schooling children and support them and their parents. (Image: George Ledger)

7. Glyn Howatson, Professor of Human and Applied Physiology at Northumbria University has had to give lectures and seminars remotely for some time now. He has also spent time at home writing research papers and supervising Ph.D students that he has not been able to meet. Obviously, personal contact with students is very important so hopefully it will be back to normal soon. However, like many other Teachers who are also parents, Glyn has also to perform the role of Home-Schooling parent at the same time, sharing the computer and Wi-Fi with the family. (Image: Chris Bruce)

8. Everyone has heard of Marcus Rashford and his campaign to Feed vulnerable children during the pandemic, however schools have been aware of the problems throughout. The Grove Primary School decided to enhance the packages that they were giving to their children. They applied for funding through the AAP and bought the children a cookery book each, this allowed them to hand out the book and ingredients for a selected recipe or book ingredients and food parcel. This ensured that the food went to where it was most needed. It was such a success that they repeated the process for Easter – using the books they already have. (Image: George Ledger)