Award winning Telford primary school recognised by council leader
The head teacher of a primary school lhas become the latest pillar of the community to be recognised by Telford & Wrekin Council’s leader at the borough’s regular full council meeting.
Council leader Kuldip Sahota pays tribute to individuals for their sterling contribution to life in Telford and Wrekin at each meeting of the council, which happens roughly every six weeks.
The latest person to receive words of praise was Mandie Haywood, Head Teacher of Old Park Primary School, which has been recognised by the Times Education Supplement as the Outstanding Primary School of the Year.
The school in Malinslee beat off competition from hundreds of rivals to reach a final shortlist of six schools that were invited to a glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane.
The event was hosted by impressionist Rory Bremner and ended in joy for the school when the award was presented to head teacher Mandie Haywood.
At last night’s full council meeting, Councillor Sahota praised the effort of the head teacher, staff and pupils at the school in winning the award.
“The school has done wonderfully well since it was created four years ago as an amalgamation of three existing primaries,” said Councillor Sahota.
“To be recognised as the Outstanding Primary School in the country by an important national publication like the Times Education Supplement is an incredible achievement and one that everyone in Telford and Wrekin should be very proud of.
“I am determined that the hard work and commitment of the residents of Telford and Wrekin will not go unnoticed while I am leader of this council and I plan to recognise the contribution that people make at each full council meeting.”
Mrs Haywood was quick to point that the school’s success has been a team effort and is nothing to do with new buildings.
“We work in challenging circumstances as we are in an area of high deprivation and low aspirations,” said Mrs Haywood.
“We have amazing staff and fantastic children and parents. We are delighted that we have been recognised by the leader of our council as well as by the Times Education Supplement.
“Of course it is true that we have a new building but it is more about what we have done with the curriculum and the inventive way in which we ensure that pupils are inspired and taught.”
