Headteacher pays tribute to team

A HEAD teacher has spoken of her delight after securing a second award nomination for her school in four years.

Jane Winterburn nominated Rushcroft Primary School head teacher Jane Sheridan for a Pride in Oldham award, saying: “My son has recently been diagnosed with autism and Mrs Sheridan has been so supportive, I cannot thank her enough.”

In 2007 the Shaw school received a nomination for the way staff and children had dealt with the death of previous head teacher, Janet Cantello, from cancer.

Mrs Cantello had not wanted the children to know about her illness and they were told after they finished their exams, rallying around to support each other.

Mrs Sheridan, who was formerly acting head teacher, said at the time that it had been an honour in sad circumstances.

She paid tribute to staff for the latest nomination saying: “It’s fantastic. I’m astounded. I’m just doing my job. The fact that she thinks it’s worthy of a mention is brilliant. It shows how good all the staff at the school are. It’s not me, it’s a team commitment to every child we have. The school will be delighted.”

The school had spotted that Mrs Winterburn’s son had been finding it difficult to communicate and was getting frustrated. Teachers recognised the signs of autism.

He was given extra one-to-one support from the school to help him and his class and also extra support from the local authority.

Mrs Sheridan said: “He’s a totally different little boy from the one presented last year. He’s a lot calmer and understands routines and studies and he’s made brilliant progress.

“The parents and staff have been so supportive of him. He’s a lovely little boy.

“It really shows the ethos of the school. We always say we try our best and to treat each other with respect and that really does show that everyone at Rushcroft looks out for each other.

“As a school we work very hard to support each other. It’s really nice that people have recognised that.”

Mrs Sheridan has been head teacher for three years now and added: “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“The staff and governors are fantastic and the children brilliant.”