Reaching for the stars.... (From Gazette & Herald)

Reaching for the stars....

WHEN June Young took on her role as new head teacher of Pickering County Infant and Nursery School in January, she'd have been forgiven for feeling a little daunted.

The school had just received its highest intake for some time into reception. Three new staff members had joined the school. And in two months time, the school would open its doors to the Ofsted inspectors - always a tense but vitally important time for a school.

However, with a full term in office now behind her, since her move from Egton Church of England School, Mrs Young declared: "I've absolutely loved it."

The school has received an excellent Ofsted report, which highlights many positive features about the school. It states that standards in reading, maths and science are above expected levels by the time pupils leave the school. Pupils' art work is reported as being "outstanding".

And, among other things, the school also receives praise for its nursery teaching, its relationship with parents and the teamwork of the staff.

Mrs Young was quick to praise the staff and the previous headteacher, Wendy Stenton.

She said: "I've never been anywhere where the staff work so well together. They truly collaborate and look after each other. They are real role models for the children.

"All credit goes to the previous head for the team she has built up."

With such a busy first term in charge, the new head was grateful that Mrs Stenton had left the school shipshape, especially with regard to the Ofsted inspection.

"I was fortunate that the previous head, someone with thorough knowledge of the school, did the paper work for Ofsted," said Mrs Young.

"It's been a steep learning curve and I've had a lot of things to get under my belt. My main role has been to support the staff."

Heavy rain during the week of the inspection didn't help matters because the children had to be kept inside. But thankfully the skies cleared for the latter part of the week and, as Mrs Young put it, the inspectors saw the school as it really was.

She said the place had a real 'buzz' about it - a phrase she uses more than once to describe the school.

With the inspection under its belt and funding secured for a new, permanent classroom, the school is looking forward to an exciting summer term.

In fact, the first major event is already under way. Textile artist Tessa Badcock, from Whitby, is holding a series of classes this week, teaching the children about weaving, felt-making, and fabric printing.

Local ladies, Mrs Margaret Jackson, Mrs Barbara Smith and Mrs Popplewell, are also sharing their expertise in cross-stitching, patchwork and bargello with the children.

From these classes, a banner is being made, which will be entered into a competition as part of the Queen's jubilee celebrations in June.

Whilst the celebrations are still over a month away, parents might soon find themselves digging in the attic for old clothes. This is because the school is planning to take part in the jubilee parade, dressed in costumes from each of the last five decades.

And before then, the school holds its annual art exhibition open to the community on May 23 and 24.

The Pickering community is at the heart of much of the school's activities. Joan Quinn, of WEA (Workers Education Authority) holds a series of computer classes for parents, grandparents and people in the community in the school's ICT suite. Helping parents become more computer-literate gives them a degree of knowledge to pass on to their children.

A number of retired people help out in school as part of the Ryedale Generations in Action Programme. The support they offer includes listening to children read, helping with arts and crafts, and providing assistance on school trips.

The school also has over 30 parent-helpers. The Home-School Association raised over £3,000 last year through various fundraising events. A duck race, a race night and a bike ride are planned for this term. Clearly, the school-parent relationship is a strong one.

Weekly newsletters, penned by Mrs Young, are sent to parents to keep them up to date with what's going on. Since her arrival, the new head has got to know parents through specially-arranged meetings on a class by class basis.

She believes this has given parents a better opportunity to ask questions in a more informal environment than if she had held one big meeting.

"They have been very relaxed and, from the feedback I have had, parents have found them really useful," Mrs Young said.

Green Gang is one of several extra-curricular groups run by teaching staff. The group, led by science coordinator Maureen Skinner, maintains the natural environment within the school grounds.

A recent talking point at the school has been the visiting frogs in the school pond. Word has it that staff were made aware of the opportunities the pond provided for "awe and wonder" - a curriculum requirement of religious teaching! The pond has a specially-built bridge across it to enable children to pond-dip.

As well as ensuring the school grounds are kept tidy and attractive, Green Gang also helps Pickering Civic Society with litter-picks.

After a year in nursery and three years in the main school, children move on to Pickering Community Junior School at the age of seven.

Updated: 11:38 Thursday, April 18, 2002