SCHOOLS across the borough have been using design equipment to make personal protective equipment for care workers during the coronavirus outbreak.

Outwood Academy in Shafton, Darton Academy and Kirk Balk Academy, Hoyland, have been using leftover resources from the design and technology classes to make personal protective equipment for frontline staff.

Outwood principal Cara Ackroyd said: “We had seen that a number of schools were using materials from design and technology, and equipment on site to create PPE to support local NHS and care workers.

“We really wanted to help in any way that we could. We have set to work making hundreds of visors thanks to our amazing design and technology department colleagues.

“We are overwhelmed by the response and by the very evident need. Lots of schools around the borough have also done the same and I am sure, collectively, that we can make a small but significant difference to the need for PPE.

“As always, I am so proud of everyone involved.”

Volunteers at Darton Academy have also been designing more than 400 face shields for NHS workers.

Elaine Briggs, associate principal, added: “The design and technology team began making 80 face shields last week. We had around 200 sheets of acetate in stock which were used to make the shields. We would like to thank a number of Penistone residents who very kindly donated boxes of additional acetate to use after we put out a request on Facebook for donations.

“Our students were delighted to be able to help in such a worth while cause.We have increased the size of our team this week who will all be working safely and by the end of the week we will have produced over 400 in total.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to get these manufactured and out to the NHS, to the people that need them as soon as possible.”

Kirk Balk Academy leaders have also been donating safety goggles, face masks and protective overwear from its science and technology departments to Barnsley Healthcare Federation to help tackle the outbreak.

Dean Buckley, associate executive principal, said: “In times like this, it is crucial we play our part, no matter how big or small that may be.

“If the PPE we already had in our school can help in any way at all, we are delighted to provide this for our NHS. From everyone at Kirk Balk Academy, we will continue to donate and help in any way we can to show our support of all of those in the Barnsley area and beyond.”