Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said, “We are grateful to teachers, school staff and childcare workers for their dedication and hard work during these challenging times.

“Many worked through their Easter holidays to provide much-needed care for our most vulnerable children and also to support other key workers.

“Those working in education and childcare are in many ways unsung heroes. They aren’t as visible as other key workers, but they are also leaving their own families and going into work to do what is needed to help Dorset get through this crisis together.”

School staff and leaders have ensured that children who usually receive free school meals do not go hungry during lockdown. Some have organised food parcels, others have been delivering meals or distributing food vouchers.

Teachers have also been working to educate their students using technology.

In Dorset 137 children went into school on Good Friday and 104 attended on Easter Monday. Many schools will also remain open during the next half term break.

At the end of April at total of 99 childcare providers across Dorset were still open, providing care for the children of key workers, those with special needs and children who are supported by a social worker.