The death of Sir David Amess today after he was stabbed while carrying out his duties as an MP is utterly tragic. My thoughts go out at this terrible time to all who knew and loved him.

Politicians being able to meet and listen to the people who elected them is one of the central parts of our democracy - his death while doing just that is deeply troubling.

Our schools are breaking up today for a well-earned half-term holiday. I would like to thank our staff, parents and pupils for the way they have worked together to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. Although our rate of Covid is rising in the city, it is still lower than elsewhere in the country ? and that?s thanks to the hard work of everyone in Nottingham to take steps to stay safe from the virus.

Our schools have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to balance the important task of keeping children in education with managing Covid-19 outbreaks. It has been a challenging task and we hope everyone will have a well-earned rest over the two-week holiday.

However, it is important to remember that Covid-19 is still present in our neighbourhoods and communities ? and so we must continue to take steps to protect ourselves and others.

During the half-term holidays, please remember:

• Everyday behaviour: Keep applying ?hands/face/space/fresh air? ? especially face coverings in busy, indoor spaces such as shops, supermarkets and public transport
• Get vaccinated: Getting double-jabbed is the best protection against Covid-19. We have vaccination centres all over the city. We would also urge young people aged 12-15 to get their vaccination as the programme rolls out across our secondary schools.
• Test regularly: At least weekly, even if you don?t have symptoms, with a lateral flow test. If you feel unwell (fever, cough, loss of taste / smell), isolate and take a free PCR test.

In addition, we would ask that all secondary school pupils take a lateral flow test the night before they return to school after the half term holidays.

You can find out more information about Covid-19 testing and vaccinations on Nottingham City Council?s website at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/coronavirus.

We were really pleased to announce that food vouchers will be available to Nottingham pupils for half-term next week after we secured a ?3.5m grant from Government. This will help families of the 15,000 children eligible for free school meals, as well as funding additional support over the Christmas holidays.

Supermarket vouchers worth ?15 per child each week will be distributed through schools before pupils break up on Friday. The remainder of the ?3.5m will be spent supporting Nottingham residents this winter.

We know how hard things are at the moment for many Nottingham families, not least those who will have seen their ?20 Universal Credit uplift removed by the Government this month. I hope these supermarket vouchers will help make things a little easier over the holiday.

I was delighted to see the collaborative video we?ve worked on with other local authorities around the country to hopefully increase the number of foster carers.

Prior to becoming Leader of the council, I was responsible for children?s services in Nottingham and worked closely with our fostering team. It?s always a challenge to continue finding new carers to help us support children in the city desperate for a loving and stable home.

Many of our fantastic carers foster with us for years, but then either retire or perhaps move away from the area. It?s so important that we replace them with new people to maintain this vital support to our looked-after children.

You can watch the video here, or if you?re interested in finding out more on fostering generally, please visit?www.fosteringnottingham.com?or call 0115 876 3335. Our next virtual information evening is on Wednesday 3 November. You can join at this link using passcode?355051.