Honiton Community College is introducing a new system to allow staff, students and parents to send thank you messages that will be shared via the website and on screens throughout the school.

'Thanks and Praise' (TAP) is a free-to-use, social thanking platform which enables the community to show their appreciation to those working in education.

Jessie Hay, new Director of Finance and Resources said: "Saying 'thank you' and showing your appreciation doesn't need to cost you anything and yet it's priceless to those who receive it.

"Our school staff do an incredible job, especially during these challenging times, and are committed to providing the best possible care and education for all our students.

"TAP's thanking platform provides an ideal way for our students' parents and carers to easily and digitally show their appreciation to our staff."

As a new member of staff, having started during the pandemic, she wished to express how grateful she was for the warm welcome received from staff and students at the school.

"It isn't easy changing jobs in the middle of a global pandemic," she explained. "Meeting colleagues is difficult with everyone remaining in their bubbles and when you do meet them, they are two metres away with half their face hidden behind a mask, making it challenging to recognise them again!

"That said, I couldn't have had a warmer welcome than the one I have received from Honiton Community College - staff and children alike have been so friendly and helpful.

"I would like to invite our students, parents and the wider community to thank the staff and students via the link on the school website.

"I believe it will give everyone a much needed boost as we finish this year and start the next.

"Without doubt it has been an incredibly tough year for everybody and at a time like this we all need to be kind to each other and support one another."