INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE!

In conversation with our roving reporter for Stoke Row News, Mr Steve McTegart, Head of Stoke Row Primary School gave us the following exclusive interview:

SRN How long have you been at the school?

SMc This is the beginning of my third year here.

SRN What is the best part of your job?

SMc Working with the children is always a joy. Seeing them make progress is always exciting. Watching them develop new skills and to begin to believe in themselves. It's a real privilege.

SRN Has the school changed in the time you've been there?

SMc Oh, massively. The school has really entered the twenty first century now. What was a good school has become an excellent school.

SRN In what way?

SMc Lots of ways really, but perhaps I can best illustrate it with a memory. On the day I came for interview I noticed there was no heating in the staff toilets; that it was difficult to wash one's hands because of the washroom being crammed with old books and papers. When I went upstairs I noticed that the stair carpet was so frayed it was dangerous. The children worked in rooms where the paintwork had seen better days and there were bits of plaster falling off the walls. Several of the computers were old and outdated. The cloakrooms were dark and cramped, with many lunch boxes kept in front of radiators! One of the three small conservatories on the school, which had been built as a greenhouse, leaked and another held books and papers but was permanently locked.

SRN So what has changed out of all these things?

SMc Everything. The school has been extended and completely renovated. We have a much more pleasant school environment now and the facilities we have here equal or exceed those in most private schools.

SRN So have these improvements made any difference to the school's results?

SMc It's people who really make a difference. We have a strong staff team, where Teachers and Learning Support Assistants have helped us to achieve excellent results, which are among the best in the country. Our parents are wonderfully supportive and contribute time, effort and imagination. It's fun to be here, even on a rainy Monday morning.

SRN You certainly seem to be enjoying it. What are your plans for the future?

SMc I think it would be more accurate to say OUR plans. In working together, we work better. Over the coming months we are having new soft surfacing installed, ceiling insulation upgraded, safety works carried out and classroom areas further upgraded. We are also working toward the building of a school hall, but more important than all those things - we look forward to all of the people here, from four years old to four score years, enjoying working and learning together.

SRN Thankyou

SMc Thankyou!