Leading the way at Chestnut Park Primary School

Leadership has been under the spotlight at Chestnut Park Primary School where a new headteacher is settling in and a new school council elected.

The school, a member of GLF Schools Multi Academy Trust, welcomed Jason Ofori at the beginning of the academic year and his arrival was swiftly followed by the elections of the new School Council along with the new Wellbeing and Eco Champions for Years 4 to 6.

The addition of a new Wellbeing and Eco group follows a successful partnership last year with educational charity Tender and the RE:SET project.

“We are keen to continue empowering pupils to take ownership of initiatives that support healthy relationships, positive mental health and environmental awareness,” said Suzie Jones, Assistant Head Teacher at the school.

The RE:SET project is designed to show young people that their voice matters and that speaking out is a brave thing to do. There is also an online toolkit to help with setting boundaries and navigating the internet safely.

Mr Ofori took over the helm earlier this month and is settling into the post and said he had received a ‘warm welcome’ from staff, children and their families.

“Pupil leadership is at the very heart of our personal development offer. Over the academic year students will have the opportunity to put their leadership skills to the test both inside and out of the classroom. It is an extra privilege for students to be selected as part of the eco team or school council; election period is definitely a highlight for the school. 

“It has been a pleasure watching the nominees put so much effort into their presentations. Their commitment in wanting to contribute to the wider school life has been a highlight of my first few weeks,” he said.

The School Council will lead fundraising initiatives for new projects as well as representing the student body and assisting staff in planning key school events.

The Wellbeing and Eco Group is working to promote positive events, including the Week Gr8 initiative later this month - the eighth week of the autumn term.

It will even establish a Clean Up Crew and launch competitions for the tidiest classroom as well as transforming the outdoor learning deck into a wellbeing garden.