Local schools, again with very short notice, have stepped up to the challenge that a second schools closure has brought. It has not been easy but they are delivering remote learning and ensuring provision continues for those children who need to be in school.

As we reach the midway point of this term, I would like to thank everyone who is working to make this happen: head teachers, teachers, teaching assistants ? not forgetting all the other unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to keep our schools running. Parents and carers are again facing the challenge of home schooling alongside other family and work commitments. These have been unprecedented times, but I am proud of the way our city is responding and want to express my appreciation to everyone involved.

There is no clear view yet as to when and schools will reopen to all pupils and this uncertainty brings its own challenges on top of everything that schools are dealing with.? We will continue to support local schools in their response to this pandemic.

I am deeply disappointed to learn that there is a shortage of Covid-19 vaccines coming to Nottingham. The limited supply to our city has caused a delay in the roll-out of the vaccination programme to people aged over 75.

This is not good enough. Our local NHS colleagues who are organising the vaccination rollout locally are working hard to ensure the right people get their jab as quickly as possible. They have rightly prioritised vaccinating vulnerable people in care homes, people over 80 and frontline health and care workers; but this work has not yet been completed in Nottingham.

This week people over 75 have started to receive their letter from the NHS inviting them to book their vaccination ? only to now be told they will have to wait until Thursday next week.

I am calling on the Government and the NHS nationally to prioritise getting more vaccines to Nottingham so that we can protect older and more vulnerable people as quickly as possible. This must happen urgently. The vaccination programme started later in Nottingham than elsewhere in the country ? our supply of vaccines arrived in January, while other parts of the country were able to start vaccinations well before Christmas. Once again, our city is being put to the back of the queue.

While we wait for more supplies to arrive for the over-75s, it is vital that we continue to support people aged over 80 in our city to book their vaccination. A new vaccination site has opened at The Forest Recreation Ground ? so we now have a range of options for where people can get their jab. If you know someone who is over 80, please check they have booked their vaccination appointment. You might even be able to help them: there is an online booking link and also a number to call (0115 8834640).

This week has seen heavy rain and flood risk along the River Trent causing the Queens Drive Park and Ride to close, which I know will be very inconvenient for commuters, as well as?disruption taking place to walking and cycling routes near the river. I? would? like to thank council staff who have been undertaking preventative work in residential areas at risk of flooding, ensuring gullies and grates are properly cleared of leaves and debris. While we do not expect any further significant flooding issues, we are continuing to monitor the situation, particularly for properties along the River Leen and Day Brook. ??

Occasions like this is why we have prioritised working with the Environmental Agency to protect 1,000 more homes from the risk of flooding by 2023 in our Council Plan. I was pleased last year to see the completion of improvements along Valley Road Park which has helped lower risk for around 160 properties near the Day Brook and I hope to see similar developments in the future.

As Covid restrictions continue to keep us in our homes, what better time to learn a new skill online? The council?s Community and Family Learning project provides short courses and webinars to all residents of Nottingham City aged 19 years and over and requires no previous knowledge or skill levels. Some of the learning available is free, to those residents in receipt of certain benefits. This project aims to support parents, families and individuals across the community to gain more skills, learn new things and help parents support their children learning at home. Subjects covered include English and Maths, as well as Money Management. It will enable unemployed local people to gain or increase the skills and opportunities most needed by employers, who in-turn will be in a better position to grow and build a strong post-Covid economy. Find out more here