School hit by tragedy needs your votes
A VALLEY primary needs your support after reaching the final of a prestigious competition to find the best schools in the country.
Haslingden’s Broadway Primary School is among four contenders for the Edufuturists Primary School of the Year.
It recognises the efforts of the school in supporting pupils throughout the pandemic as well as in coping with the sudden death of their headteacher Catherine Feber earlier this year.
Central to this has been changes to the playground which are enabling the children to not only enjoy playtime a lot more but also continue to learn, and the school has been working closely alongside Community Interest Company OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) to ensure that the changes we are making are risk assessed, purposeful and sustainable.
In the school’s newsletter, headteacher Chris Bolton wrote: “As a school, we have worked hard to try and improve the wellbeing of our pupils after the untimely death of Catherine and the negative impacts that COVID have had on society.
“I honestly believe that the small steps taken with our playground in enabling our children to play and have fun are helping make massive improvements to their wellbeing.”
Mrs Feber passed away on February 19 after a short illness.
Following her death, Mr Bolton described her as “a fantastic headteacher and a wonderful person” who worked tirelessly to ensure that the children of Broadway got the best education.
A special area for tributes was designated and a tribute book put together for the family made up of messages, emails and tributes.
In a statement, the school said: “We are proud to have been shortlisted for the Primary School of the Year Award in the @Edufuturists Awards on 2nd July. Please vote for us at: https://forms.gle/ F6NQujR2KmYvQ3pE7.
“You may even notice that Dave Leonard - a parent of the school for many years now - has also been shortlisted as Network Manager of the Year. Make sure you give him a vote as well.”
Earlier this month students and staff took part in a day of fun and play and helped fund almost 100 contacts to Childline as part of the NSPCC’s major new event Childhood Day.
Overall, the events raised £380 in donations, all of which will go to the NSPCC.