MP visits 'special' school
THE MINISTER in charge of the education of children learnt some valuable lessons from an 'outstanding' Normanton primary school.
Normanton MP and Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, visited St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School where he was treated to a presentation by youngsters on what makes their school so special.
Speaking to the children in a special assembly, Mr Balls told them: “This school is absolutely brilliant and every one of you is a credit to Normanton.”
“The way the school involves the children in everything they do is brilliant. You can see the enthusiasm in the children’s faces. If every school in Britain was like this one then we would be a much stronger society.”
During the assembly, children involved in the school’s innovative programmes, which include playtime buddies and children being first aiders, made presentations to the MP and other guests including the Mayor of Normanton, Coun Francis Kendall.
The youngsters also sang their school song, The Gaelic Blessing.
Mr Balls said: “Many of the schemes used at the school, such as playtime buddies or children first aiders, are such good ideas which other schools could benefit from.”
“It’s a matter of great pride to me to have one of the best schools in the country here in Normanton.”
St John’s has gone from strength to strength in recent years.
Headteacher Monica Haley was awarded the headteacher of the year for the North of England in July.
In January an Ofsted inspection found the school to be outstanding in 23 of the 27 areas in which it is graded.
Also the school’s caretaker of 17 years, Frances Hammond, has been awarded the local authority caretaker of the year, and Karen Byrne, the local authority bursar of the year.
The school wrote to Mr Balls in June after he told the Express he would bring his experiences of schools in his constituency into his new cabinet role.
Headteacher Monica Haley said: “He said he had a determination to succeed and that is what we have at the school.
“Our investors in people report said it is obvious to see that the school is special and that it stands out of the ordinary. We treat the children as individuals and all the staff care very much about them. Everyone wants the best for the children in everything that we do – and the children repay us by working really hard.
“We’ve got a really good ethos and a climate for learning and respect for each other.”
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Weather for Wakefield
Friday 25 May 2012
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