New teacher ‘charmed’ by school as she takes up reins
THE new headteacher at a Southport school says she has been hugely impressed by its ‘unique charm and warmth’.
Louise Morton has taken over at St Teresa’s Catholic Infant and Nursery School, which was founded in 1869 and has taught generations of local people.
The educational facility was judged by Ofsted to be ‘Good’ at its last inspection, with lead inspector Sheila Iwaskow saying that teaching staff had ‘improved the school beyond recognition’.
The Inspector added: “Parents and carers are overwhelming in their praise of all aspects of the school’s work.”
The school is one of the oldest in the Southport area having taught generations of families over the past 150 years.
It caters for children between three and seven years of age.
St Teresa’s is now fully focused on extending that provision well into the future.
Mrs Morton, who is also head at the neighbouring Holy Family Primary
School, said: “I have already been hugely impressed by the unique charm and warmth of St Teresa’s and the care shown to the children by all the staff.
“Our current parents and carers have been glowing in their praise for the commitment and resourcefulness of all the school staff for their caring and dedicated approach, particularly throughout the current COVID-19 crisis.
“Families can confidently entrust us with their children. Since coming back to school in September, children and staff at St Teresa’s have quickly adjusted to their ‘new normal’ with ease.
“The children have grown up and matured so much over lockdown. They have become much more independent since coming back to school in our new routine.”
The school is situated next to St Teresa’s Parish Church in Birkdale.
Mrs Morton said: “Teachers have focused on re-socialising the children, introducing them to new routines and behaviour expectations.
“The curriculum has been re-imagined to ensure thorough catch-up programmes are in place with small group interventions.
“Mental health and well-being have been a priority, along with reestablishing friendship groups and basic skills.
“Due to current COVID19 restrictions the school is unable to hold parent tours or an open day this year at this time. We have therefore produced a virtual video tour of the school on the website.”
For more details about the school, visit their website or call 01704 567528.
Southport Conservative MP Damien Moore said: “I would like to send my best wishes to Mrs Morton and all of the teachers, school staff, parents, governors and children at St Teresa’s Catholic Infant and Nursery School.
“Everyone at the school fought an hard-won campaign to remain open in the summer.
“I would like to wish everyone at St Teresa’s all the best for their current school year.”
‘I have been impressed by the warmth and charm of St Teresa’s’