Barry school so proud of headteacher (From Barry And District News)

Barry school so proud of headteacher

4:20pm Monday 16th March 2009 in News

STAFF at a Barry primary school have spoken of their pride as their headteacher beat leaders from all over Wales to win a prestigious award.

Barry Island Primary School's headteacher, Janet Hayward, was nominated for the award of outstanding leadership within the Public Sector Organisations by a school governor.

She went on to beat a Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme and the Deputy Chief Constable of South Wales Police in the final shortlist to win the award.

The popular headmistress, whose desk is decorated with children's drawings, credits the award to the pupils at the school.

"I was surprised!" she said.

"It is nice for the school and reflects the work that goes on here.

"It is the children really. We work together, the staff and the children - but we are very pleased."

But staff praised the headteacher's hard work and commitment.

School administrator Cath Pearce said: "We are all so proud here, she has done such a good job and she is very modest. We are delighted and we wanted to let people know!"

The brief described Janet as having initiated a mini revolution in teaching, transforming Barry Island Primary School into a beacon of excellence in South Wales.

It reads: "Thanks to her inspiring leadership, pupils at Barry Island consistently achieve high standards no matter what their social background."

Barbara Chidgey, spokesperson for the Leading Wales Awards, said: "Janet is a tremendous example of the impact of great leadership skills on an organisation."