Parents worried about educating children should read this brilliant letter from a Northampton head teacher

Parents who are worried about having to educate their children during the coronavirus outbreak are urged to read this letter from a head teacher at a school near Northampton.

The Bramptons Primary School head John Gillett wrote to parents on Monday on the first day of the nationwide school closures.

The Church Brampton school teacher pointed out that this is not home-schooling as parents have had this forced upon them but as their child's 'primary educator', they can make the most of it.

The letter says: "This is a great opportunity to allow our children to be children. Let’s take it. Make mud pies, wear silly costumes and dance like no one is watching!

"Don’t feel guilty because your child is having fun instead of learning spellings. We were told at very short notice to prepare lessons and send them home. What nonsense.

"We would all be out of work if that were possible. Teaching is a social process, no one ever learned anything valuable from a worksheet. We are all winging this."

Mr Gillett encourages children to read every day but also bake, have fun with Lego, climb trees and play video games as they are all learning.

"We have been given an unprecedented opportunity to spend time with our families and particularly our children," he continues.

"It won’t be long before your children inevitably leave this wonderful stage of their development. Make the most of it. Enjoy it.

"Yours and their mental health is extremely important at this time. De-stress the situation and see it as a gift to enjoy quality time with your amazing children. I miss them already!"

Mr Gillett ends the letter by saying, 'you are doing the right thing by being with your children and showing them the love of your family'.