PRIMARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

School – St Andrew’s CE Primary

Based – Oswaldtwistle

Number of pupils – 389 (including the nurseries)

School mission/vision – Respect, achievement, fun

THE “can-do” attitude of the team of teachers and governors at St Andrew’s impressed the judges in this competitive category.

The school now offers educational opportunities for nursery pupils (it opened a nursery two years ago) and also a popular after-school club.

But what really stood out was the willingness of the team to work together and look at ways they could improve the school at limited financial cost.

“St Andrew’s was graded good by Ofsted and this was due to an incredible staff and governor effort to make sure St Andrew’s does everything it can to give our pupils the best opportunities in learning and lasting memories.

In order to save money, the staff worked together after school to create an amazing outdoor area for the pupils, including sensory paths, a mud kitchen and mud pit,” said head teacher Christina Wilkinson.

“I was amazed that they were prepared to give up their own time to transform the outdoor area for the children.

“Our plans for the future include a pond and sensory garden (lottery funded), bee garden (with help from Rotary) and work with the UK Military school to support our children with team building and stamina!

“The parents and children have donated tombola prizes so we can raise money to enhance learning in these ways. We always try to make learning exciting and hope our children leave with lasting happy memories of their time at St Andrew’s,” she said.

And even the pupils get in on the act – older pupils now read to the younger ones in the nursery.

The judges felt that this school was a worthy winner of the category, sponsored by Tiny Pixels.