Mrs Wheeler visited Shardlow Primary School on Friday. She met with the Headteacher Mrs Kylie Magner and Mrs Berry, the Assistant Headteacher. She was able to discuss SEND provision; this is particularly important at Shardlow Primary as a fifth of students require SEND care. Mrs Wheeler was also able to meet the whole school at an assembly, where she answered questions and following that she met with the student council before finishing off with a quick tour. The visit also gave her the opportunity to see first-hand the refurbishment of the school's electric and heating systems, paid for by the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF).
Shardlow Primary School has currently 93 students enrolled and many of its pupils graduate to Castle Donnington College. It is a mixed-gender school which received a well-deserved ‘Good’ in its most recent report by OFTSED in 2022. OFSTED, in their report, gave special appreciation to the ethos that is cultivated within pupils by the school’s teachers. They stated that ‘the school’s values, known as the ‘Shardlow Spirits’, are a constant thread in all aspects of school life. Qualities such as respect and resilience are encouraged and celebrated widely and pupils understand the importance of treating everyone equally, regardless of race, religion, or disability.’
The school converted to an academy with 3 other schools in November 2014 becoming part of the Willows Academy Trust. In September 2023 Willows Academy Trust merged with another academy trust to form the new ONE Academy Trust. Mrs Magner and Mrs Berry were pleased with the merger, saying the school has managed to retain its autonomy and has even seen a boost in funding for important areas like I.T.
Heather says, ‘It was a pleasure to return to Shardlow Primary School to see how it has changed since my last visit. I was glad to see the results of the refurbishment over the summer and I was also glad to see the new wing and cabin that have been built since I was last there. I greatly enjoyed meeting the students who asked me several insightful questions from the history of parliament to what it’s like to be a politician. I was even asked how long I could stay in the sun! It is a tremendous school with great energy and Mrs Magner and her staff should be incredibly proud of the results of their hard work. I look forward to my return.'
Mrs Magner says, ‘We loved the opportunity to proudly show Mrs Wheeler around our school and appreciated the time taken to explain her role to the children and answer their many questions; what a great opportunity for the children to hear first-hand experience of how our British Value of Democracy is implemented. ‘
