...and along came Ferndale.

The phone call came out of the blue. It was mid-May and fifteen minutes later the LA Director was sat in my Office asking if I would consider becoming an Executive Head i.e. Headteacher of two Schools: Goddard Park, and now also Ferndale which is due to be a Primary in September on the amalgamation of the current Infants and Junior Schools. Ferndale just happened to be my own Junior School from 1959 to 1961, so it was no contest really, and after meeting with the Governors and the blessing of my own, a year's agreement was set up. My working week now reaches 80 hours and climbing. Brilliant support from the retiring Junior Acting Head, Judith. Thank you. There is an enormous difference between an amalgamation and a successful amalgamation. Creating a new School - in this case Ferndale Community Primary School - requires in depth work on staffing (especially a good set of drivers in the new Senior Leadership Team) and a new and positive culture, raising confidence and a level of excitement. This has also to pervade children and parents. A new school colour/uniform/learning environment helps establish a sense of identity. I'm very pleased with the response I'm getting from Staff (new and old)and Governors, and there's a palpable sense of positive progress from the Parents I'm meeting. Had a great awayday with the Staff. Still a lot to do and achieve before September, but we have momentum. Did someone mention a summer holiday?