SOUTH Craven School at Cross Hills and other secondary schools across North Yorkshire have won praise from a senior local authority officer.

Stuart Carlton, the county council’s corporate director for children and young people’s services, commended how they – like primary schools had – were handling the challenges posed by coronavirus.

South Craven School began face-to-face contact sessions, to supplement home learning for students in years ten and 12, on Monday.

Strict new measures have been implemented to protect students and staff from the virus.

Mr Carlton said: “It’s heartening to see the extensive measures staff in our secondary schools have put in place to ensure students are safe and happy.

“Much like our primary schools, teachers are treading new ground in terms of social distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures.

“But everyone truly has pulled together to try to ensure a safe, happy and smooth transition for all pupils involved.”