A THURNSCOE school has been praised as the ‘heart of the village’ while it gears up to celebrate its centenary.
The Hill Primary Academy has put in the work to go above and beyond for its pupils and families, recently adding a family room for pastoral care.
The addition to the school allows families to meet with professionals, access advice, take part in nurture programmes and attend workshops - all in the familiarity in their own child’s school.
In the future the school hopes to expand the work here to include family cooking classes and other initiatives.
For the excellent work as a school and their commitment to their wider community, the school has been nominated for a - Proud of Barnsley award.
Principal Kirsten Middleton takes particular pride in the school’s achievement’s as she was once a pupil there, too.
She said: “We are incredibly proud to have been nominated.
“Whilst this recognition is a tremendous honour, what means the most to us is that it celebrates something we have always believed - schools have the greatest impact when they become the heart of the communities they serve.
“Our greatest strength is the care, support and opportunities we provide for children and families.
“We often say that some of our most important work cannot be measured in data or outcomes.
“It happens when a family needs us most.”
The school also dedicates itself to making its pupils active citizens amongst the community, for example by getting them involved with - environmental projects like tree planting and litter picking during the Great British Spring Clean.
The aim is to instil them with a great sense of respect for their local area from a young age.
Kirsten added: “We want every child to leave The Hill not only with an excellent education, but with kindness, compassion and a - genuine pride in their community.”
Marie Sinclair, community development officer, said: “The Hill Primary Academy is much more than a school it is at the heart of our village and plays a vital role in bringing the community together.
“It is a shining example of what can be achieved when a school truly embraces its role within the community.”
