Latest news with #primaryschool
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
A friend's bullying comment in school haunted my whole life. Then decades later I confronted him on Facebook - and his perverse reaction utterly changed me: MICHELLE BRASIER
Walking home from primary school one scorching hot summer afternoon, my friend turned to me and casually said something that changed the way I saw myself for ever. I was only 12. Levi and I had been friends for three years; we used to ride our bikes together, sharing jokes and exchanging burned CDs full of Britney Spears hits.
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Knowsley primary 'one of happiest schools ever visited' by Ofsted
Inspectors have described a Merseyside primary school as "one of the happiest" they have ever Primary School in Huyton, Knowsley, has been recognised by Ofsted for ensuring that "kindness is lived out in every aspect of school life".It was also rated "outstanding" for the first time following the inspectors' visit in school's head teacher, Tony James, said: "We sell ourselves as doing our very best for the community and if someone wants to come along and say that we're 'outstanding', that's brilliant." He added: "It's every little thing that you do - every little decision, every choice that you make, the culture that you establish, the expectations that you have, the value that you place on your children and your families."All of those little bits culminate and come together." The school, on Willoughby Road, was described by Ofsted as a place "where pupils flourish".It noted: "The school's value of 'kindness' is lived out in every aspect of school life."Pupils enter school full of smiles and eager for the learning that each new day brings. "They benefit from close relationships with staff, who know them and their families well. Pupils feel safe and happy here."The report also said children enjoy learning "and strive to meet exceptionally high standards... As a result, pupils achieve remarkably well. Behaviour in and around school is impeccable."Knowsley Council's cabinet member for children's services, David Lonergan, described the Ofsted report as "fantastic".He added: "It is very clear that pupils enjoy coming to school to learn and prosper and that all school staff – leaders, teaching staff and governors – play an integral role in helping pupils to thrive. Well done to you all!" Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
I'm a former teacher and these are the three gifts to avoid giving at the end of the year - and the one I kept my entire career
As the school year draws to a close, grateful parents across the country are scrambling to pick the perfect thank-you gift for their child's teacher. Many will gift flowers and chocolates to their children's class teacher as a thank you for their hard work - but certain gifts should be avoided, according to one former teacher. Damon Culbert, who worked in a primary school for years, told Femail small, meaningful gifts are the best way to go to make a teacher feel 'appreciated, and even encourage them to stay another year'. 'My favourite gift wasn't expensive; it was a short video from one of my pupils saying thank you. I still have it today,' Damon, who According to him, the best gifts are personal. A heartfelt note or a small item that shows the teacher was really seen can make a big impact. 'A personalised gift from the whole class could cost as little as 30p per parent, and it's something the teacher will treasure forever.' Despite good intentions, some gifts miss the mark - including alcohol. 'While it might seem like a safe, grown-up gift, alcohol can actually be a bit of a gamble,' he said. 'Not every teacher drinks, and with the rise of sober-curiosity, many are cutting back or avoiding it altogether. 'Unless you know for sure that your child's teacher enjoys a particular drink (and you've seen them enjoy it), it's probably best to steer clear. 'For some, it can feel a bit inappropriate, especially in a professional setting. 'More often than not, bottles end up re-gifted or collecting dust in a cupboard. A thoughtful alternative will always go down better.' He added that food gifts can also be risky. 'Between allergies, dietary preferences, and the sheer volume of sweet treats teachers receive at the end of term, a food gift will often go uneaten. 'Unless your child knows a teacher's favourite snack or brand, it's unlikely to land in a meaningful way. 'It's not that we don't appreciate the gesture, but a personal touch will always stand out more than a generic box of chocolates. 'Something like a cookbook or a jar of homemade jam can feel far more thoughtful.' Finally, children should avoid gifting any expensive brands. 'I completely understand that parents want to show how much they appreciate their child's teacher, but expensive items from luxury brands can sometimes have the opposite effect,' Damon said. 'They can make teachers feel awkward, or even guilty, especially if they know other families may be struggling financially. 'A gift that costs a tenth of the price but shows genuine thought or a personal connection will have ten times the impact. 'Gifts like a class-made memory jar or a framed thank-you note are far more meaningful and far more likely to be kept.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
School steps back in time to celebrate its 150th anniversary
Children and staff at a county primary school have dressed up in costumes from bygone days to mark its 150th anniversary. Ysgol Llys Hywel, Whitland, was founded in 1875, and the original school building was the perfect backdrop for commemorative photographs of the groups in their Victorian garb. 'It has been a joy to see pupils dress up for various themed days throughout the year, but this particular occasion was especially meaningful,' said a spokesperson for Ysgol Llys Hywel. 'Both pupils and staff made a wonderful effort to dress in Victorian clothing, reflecting the era in which the school was built.' The school, named after the Welsh king and law-maker, Hywel Dda, has around 150 pupils aged from four to 11. In addition to the historic main school building, it also has a modern school hall and additional classrooms. Staff at the school entered into the spirit of the occasion by donning Victorian costumes. (Image: Ysgol Llys Hywel) The school is now making an appeal for old photographs and memorabilia and can be contacted on admin@ The spokesperson added: 'As part of the celebration, pupils explored what life was like all those years ago and deepened their understanding of history through engaging activities. The day included a special picnic lunch, adding to the celebratory atmosphere." Read more Fears closure of fire-ravaged village school being 'steamrolled' through Schoolkids create 'welcome' artwork to greet visitors to town's museum "Throughout the day, pupils have developed a wide range of skills including being knowledgeable about their culture and community. These experiences have helped to nurture curiosity, empathy, and a sense of belonging to their local area." The school's 150th anniversary celebrations will continue into the autumn term. It is then hoped to host an open day for former pupils, parents, staff and members of the community to visit and see how the school building has evolved over time. Anyone who has any old photographs or memorabilia related to the school which can be included in the open day displays, contact admin@ linked above.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Above and beyond' - Mum thanks primary school as daughter leaves for secondary
A Marlow mother has praised has described a Buckinghamshire primary school as 'one of the best' after they assisted her child's needs. Kelly Ann Pevy exclusively spoke to the Free Press about the positive work Claytons Primary School in Bourne End has done to help her 11-year-old daughter, Ellie, who has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Ellie joined the school at the age of nine in the spring/summer of 2023 in year 4 , after stints at two different education establishments in the area. Her mother revealed that following a chat and tour of Clayton's two years ago, she believed that she 'wasn't rushed' when asking questions, and that the school wanted to be 'positive' in helping her daughter. She said: 'They have done so much for us. I can't thank them enough. 'I have been one of those parents who, in the past, have been very negative about schools, so to find a school that I am so positive about, they deserve to have recognition. 'Ellie previously went to two small village schools, and even though they were lovely, they were not for children who have additional needs. 'I did try with these two schools, and as a parent, it was very emotional because I was made to feel that it was my parenting, and both schools told me that maybe I needed to find a different school. 'I didn't want to keep moving Ellie, but if I did, I wanted to find a school that would accommodate her, and I did a lot of research, and one parent recommended Clayton's. 'I'm just so impressed with them and relieved that Ellie has had a positive end to primary school life. 'She's only been here for two years, and she's told me that this is the best primary school she's been to. 'I get choked up when she hears that. 'Claytons went above and beyond with everything - they are one of the best.' During the last two years, Ellie has integrated into life at Claytons by getting involved in class activities and making friends, one of whom will be joining her in her new adventure at Great Marlow School in September. The positive news will be very pleasing for the school's headteacher, Mrs Jensa Carter, who praised her team and staff for helping with Ellie's development. She said: 'We are a very special school as we look after our children particularly well. 'It's all about building strong and positive relationships with the children and their parents and carers, which is highly important. 'Ellie hasn't been with us for very long, but we have had a big impact on her and her family, and have helped them have a positive journey as they move onto secondary education. 'I lead an incredible staff body that culture of support, positive behavioural management and yes, making difficult decisions, which is a whole school ethos which is important. 'We want all of our children to reach their full potential.'
