A ST HELENS school has achieved its second Investment in People award.

The news has come as a major boost to staff at Thatto Heath Community Primary School following major changes in the past 12 months.

Headteacher Colleen Taylor told staff and governors at the presentation ceremony that she was "delighted" by the award.

The school, which has 569 pupils, received its first award under the scheme in 1995 and was due to re-assessment last year. But the school deferred it for 12 months after a visit from OFSTED inspectors shortly after Mrs Taylor took over.

"We had to put it on hold because we had so many things to attend to in a short time," said Mrs Taylor. "In 15 months we have had a new head and deputy head appointed, re-appraised our management structure and appointed new staff. We also have a new development plan and a new vision. This award is a bonus for the school."

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