The new executive headteacher of Highbridge’s Churchfield Church School has this week outlined her vision for long-lasting improvement in the classroom and for children and families.
Jo Thorn, pictured below, who was previously a successful headteacher of St Georges Primary in Weston-super-Mare, says she is already seeing positive changes in five key areas.
The school has also recently appointed two new deputy heads, Tom Hassall and Hannah Neilan, and has worked closely with the team from the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust to improve behaviour in the school.
There will also be a focus on community relations, which was a successful feature of Mrs Thorn’s tenure at her previous school.
The school says it has also strengthened its support for children with additional needs, including work in the classroom and with families.
As Burnham-On-Sea.com reported here previously, the school has introduced new ‘Buddy Benches’ for children to sit on when they want support and friendship.
Several of the Churchfield children have been trained to become mental health and wellbeing champions.
Mrs Thorn says: “We have seen a real improvement in behaviour in recent months with children reporting they are happier in school and this has a huge impact on learning. This has been achieved by offering greater support for children with additional needs as well as positive discussions with children. A plan to support staff, developed with our Trust team, is also in place.”
“Our classrooms are thriving, with work being done to enhance our curriculum and we have been working with an external consultant to ensure all learning for all children is as effective as possible.”
“Since May, I have now been appointed as permanent executive headteacher. We have clarified leadership roles as well as having worked closely with our Trust central team on our behaviour approach.”
“We are working closely with a variety of agencies including the local authority to support children with additional needs and our new leadership structure will allow us to do more for both the children and their families.”
“In my previous roles as a headteacher, I have recognised the value of excellent community relationships. A school is not just a cluster of classrooms – it is a living, breathing part of the entire community and each can impact the other positively. I have enjoyed meeting our families and I will continue to have an open door for everyone in our local community.”
