Open morning planned at Yorkshire primary school

Inquiring minds are nurtured as part of the Manston family and ethos

Parents looking to choose a reception place for their child in Leeds have been issued with a warm invitation to the Manston St James Primay open morning on October 10.

Choosing a new school is daunting … you’re not only looking for a reception class, but a school that will nurture your child’s development right through to Y6.

Hayley McNeill, the new Headteacher at Manston St James Primary says she is excited and humbled to join the school community, and to be working with a dedicated team of colleagues with your child’s best interests at heart, and hopes to not only inspire existing members of the school, but bring new generations with her on an education journey.

This much-loved school is always a hive of activity. Coming up is the Harvest Service on October 3, followed by the open morning for reception parents on October 10, both offering a chance for the school to shine.

Manston St James: where kindness and inquisitiveness are key attributes

Ms McNeill’s career began in South Africa, then in Northern Ireland, before moving to England in 2003, all of which has helped round her experience and insight, offering a broad range of ideas and enthusiasm to the school.

She said: “Each of these changes, although personally challenging, encouraged me to become incredibly adaptive to new and varied approaches, principles and ideologies towards education and have prepared me well for the journey ahead at Manston St James.

“Having dedicated my life to education, I believe wholeheartedly in acting with authenticity, performing with passion, delivering with conviction and inspiring others with and through a genuine love of learning.”

As a faith school, she said she wants to build on the living connection with the local community. The school’s motto, taken from John, is ‘rooted and grounded in love’ which underpins everything the school does.

She says Manston St James pupils don’t only love to learn, they are encouraged to be well grounded, kind and inquisitive, setting them up for a lifetime of inquiring minds and development.

Open morning

At the open morning on October 10 there will be a chance to meet all staff and some of the senior Y6 pupils, who work in a ‘buddy scheme’ to help younger pupils fit into the Manston Family.

You will also be able to tour the school, and see the brilliant new early years oudoor area, founded by the school PTA, which has a brand new surface and secure fencing, plus a new garden and climbing equipment.

Rated as ‘good’ at its most recent Ofsted inspectionMs McNeill added: “Manston St James is already so lucky to have a network of dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate staff within the school and across Abbey Multi Academy Trust who will undoubtedly continue to encourage and secure further success. I greatly look forward to working alongside them, our supportive parents and carers and the wider community in making it the very best we all know that it can be.”

Find out more about Manston St James here