Burnley primary school described as 'truly inspiring' by assessor

A Burnley primary school has become the first in the borough to gain recognition for achieving a higher level of nurturing provision.
Staff and pupils at Whittlefield PrimaryStaff and pupils at Whittlefield Primary
Staff and pupils at Whittlefield Primary

Whittlefield Primary School received the National Nurturing School Award after it was assessed on a number of criteria, including meeting pupils’ needs, well-being of pupils and staff, the environment, policy and partnerships.

A whole-school celebration day was held to mark the award, presented by NurtureUK and attended by former pupil Charles Briggs, now leader of Burnley Council, and Antony Higginbotham, MP for Burnley.

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Assessors praised a “welcoming and safe” environment and said the senior management team “is passionate about the nurturing approach for staff as well as pupils" and “are clearly passionate about the school and the children in it”.

Also noted was “emotional self-regulation is fundamental to the school’s nurturing ethos. Pupils are encouraged to be active, independent learners.”

Headteacher, Mrs Helen Kershaw said the National Nurturing Schools programme has been instrumental in making Whittlefield Primary a safe, fun and caring place to learn and grow.

She added: “The way our whole community has pulled together to support our aims has been inspirational. I’m so proud of all the children and staff – Whittlefield is amazing, and I’m absolutely delighted we have been given this award."

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The assessor from Whittlefield’s report stated: “I found the school to be one of the best I have assessed nationally. I have carried out many assessments such as this, but I can honestly say never has the ethos of a school been so tangible. Congratulations Whittlefield. Truly inspiring.”