A LIBRARY has teamed up with a virtual school organisation to supply learning packs to children in care.

With schools closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many children are distance learning – something that can be challenging for looked after children.

Darlington Libraries has teamed up with Darlington Virtual School to donate free educational packs to 120 looked after children across the borough.

The BookTrust Letterbox pack contains age-appropriate books, learning resources and games designed to spark imagination and ensure home learning is fun and interactive.

Suzy Hill, Darlington Libraries events manager, said: “We were saddened to shut our library due to the pandemic and instinctively we worked towards offering different things, in different ways to reach library audiences.

"Consideration was given to the vulnerable at this time, so we offered home deliveries to the over 60s who are self-isolating, prepared reminiscence books for care homes and we made contact with Darlington’s Virtual School to offer support to looked after children.”

Virtual School Education officer Sophie Newton added: “It has been a fantastic opportunity to partner with Darlington Libraries and offer this scheme to looked after children within Darlington.

"We know reading has a huge impact educationally, but it is also a powerful tool in unlocking the imagination.

"We are delighted that, with the library, we have been able to provide the Letterbox book parcels to our young people in care.”