Working in the Community: Sutton-on-Sea CP School

Working at our primary school and for its community was immensely enjoyable!

When I was interviewed for the position of headteacher by governors, including the late Bud Shields and local councillor, Robert Watson, I was already aware of the important role the school played within the community. I was determined to maintain and further strengthen this through the active involvement of children and staff with local activities and organisations. This involved both going out into the community and bringing the community into the school. Stand out examples included the annual carnival, annual horticltural show, Let's Celebrate Sutton, residential home visits, fetes and fairs and the establishment of Friends of Sutton School (FOSS). FOSS was not just for parents; anyone with a community interest was warmly welcomed. The children were always fully involved in many of these, planning and organising what they were going to do.

Over a sixteen year period the school enjoyed many successes; growing significantly in pupil numbers and developing a national and international reputation for excellence in the use of ICT to enhance learning. It was awarded Beacon School status and received a number of prestigious awards. This allowed the school to share good practice and provide support to other primary schools along the coast. It also afforded me opportunities to represent the school and, by association, Sutton-on-Sea at regional and national education conferences, the British Council in Nigeria, the Teacher Training Agency in Australia. I also worked extensively with the government agency, BECTa.

In 2006 I left the school to broaden my experience; directly supporting others including as External Adviser for Performance Management of Headteachers; sole provider of induction training for teaching assistants in North Yorkshire and within a county team for Lincolnshire; as an accredited trainer with Hull University to deliver the Strategic Leadership in ICT programme to headteachers nationally; and a regional trainer for Discovery Education Espresso.

I went on to use my skills and experience to grow a successful web design consultancy, SiteE@se, which served local businesses and schools regionally and nationally until my retirement in 2018. I feel very fortunate to have gained so much personally over the years and becoming a Town Councillor would be another way in which I can give something back to the community.