Howbridge Junior School staff sing to tune of Things Can Only Get Better in video

Like many schools across the country, Howbridge Junior in Witham remained open throughout the Easter holidays to look after children of key workers.

Pupils still attending have been taking part in a range of fun activities, including gardening, PE, art and filmmaking.

They have also helped produce a banner supporting the NHS which is now being displayed on the outside of the school in Howbridge Road.

Staff have been doing their bit to stay positive and have become internet sensations after starring in a music video which has been uploaded to YouTube.

The four minute clip features dozens of teachers and members of staff singing lyrics from the classic song, Things Can Only Get Better by Northern Irish pop band D:Ream

The video was put together by assistant headteacher Damon Howlett, who said: "We are a caring family school and wanted to cheer up our lovely children and let them know we are thinking about them.

"So we came up with the idea of a video. All staff sent in clips from their gardens and living rooms.

"They have been amazing and have been so keen to do whatever they can to help in the current situation and we have been determined to be there for our children in whatever way we can."

The video also includes comments from the parents association and has received hundreds of views since being posted online.

Parent Nhung Wan, whose son Benjamin is in Year 5, said: "It has been forwarded to many parents and it made a few cry - the children loved it and it was very sweet of the staff to put time into making the video.

"It put a smile on our faces."

Howbridge Junior has also uploaded rehearsals of its Easter production to YouTube after performances were cancelled due to the lockdown.

Bosses at the school say many of the 360 students staying at home are still being set work online through a Google programme.

Teachers are able to use the software to stay in touch, set tasks and give feedback to children.