The School was able to celebrate The National Nurturing Schools Award on Friday the 6th of March. Governors were invited to attend for the day and join in the lessons with pupils to experience their learning. The pupils had great fun at their lessons undertaking a variety of engaging tasks which cemented the school’s values through the six principals of nurture. The teachers were superheroes on the day, not just in costume, but through the design and delivery of lessons. For that I would like to thank them for their efforts, though secretly I believe they rather enjoyed themselves too.
The award was presented by Helen Stollery, Head of Quality & Standards from the Nurture Foundation who explained to those present at the end of day assembly how the Assessor had been “wowed” during her visit, as she came to understand the hard work undertaken in creating the Whittlefield family. The Assessor had undertaken many assessments on behalf of the Foundation, but in this case she shared the following statement
“I can honestly say never has the ethos of a school been so tangible and the school was truly inspiring”.
The children chose their lunch for the day and before leaving celebrated with a piece of cake.
In early March I met with the School’s Business Manager to review elements of Health and Safety on site. In particular we discussed the school’s asbestos approach and emergency evacuation procedures following a school test. Robust arrangements are in place for managing the small amount of asbestos on site and the evacuation test had been successfully conducted. Parents will also gain assurance from the fact that the school also has 24-hour access, support and expertise from professionally qualified health and safety staff at Lancashire County Council.
I also attended the Lancashire Chairs’ Forum which is a group hosted by Lancashire County Council Education Improvement team. March’s meeting had a focus on
- updating Governors on the Inspection Framework
- the School funding position, and
- a presentation on re-cycling from Paul Duckworth, Lancashire County Council who controls £64 million of disposable waste in Lancashire.
As we approach the middle of March and head towards the Easter period, the Coronavirus pandemic is disrupting peoples’ lives in many ways. The school will keep parents fully informed on issues affecting their child through the usual channels and I know we can rely on your co-operation and support as the school follows Government advice and reacts appropriately.
Pauline Lucarz
Chair of Governors
