LEADERS at a top Bolton school have praised the army of ‘unsung heroes’ who have helped keep the establishment going during the pandemic.

Despite schools remaining closed to most pupils across England, children of key workers are still attending every day across the nursery and infant, junior and senior schools.

Ian Clarke, Bolton School's head of estates, has praised his team of around 200 cleaners, catering staff, maintenance workers and caretakers who work on the frontline.

He said: “It’s quite simple - without them, we could not open.

“I have watched with pride as they have stepped up to the plate and met every demand with, as far as possible, a smile on our faces. There have been moments of crisis and wobbles but, overall, our staff have been outstanding throughout the pandemic.”

Ian believes school support staff deserve to be given the vaccine alongside teachers in what he hopes will be part of the drive to get pupils back to school in the spring.

He added: “My frontline staff are in daily proximity to children. I think it is easy to forget how many people are required to run a school campus.”

There are currently 20 cleaners working across the campus. Ten new daytime posts were created for the return to school in September.

The school also has 15 catering staff, three maintenance operatives, a security team and seven caretakers - as well as a groundsperson, people working in finance and IT, along with some teachers who are also on site.

Constant changes in Government guidance have also proved challenging at times, with staff working late into Christmas Eve and throughout the festive period

Ian added: “Our staff are on the front-line each and every day. Our cleaners are going around each school continuously.

"They clean toilets, wipe handrails, window sills and door knobs, and empty bins. Our catering staff are face-to-face with the pupils

"There has been some lighter moments and I have been so proud of everyone on our team."