New headteacher at Whitelands Park School

Joan Blofeld has been handed the post at the Thatcham school after nine years as the deputy headteacher

WHITELANDS Park Primary School has appointed a new headteacher.

Joan Blofeld, who has been acting headteacher at the Thatcham school since the retirement of Janet Smart in September, has been officially handed the position.

Mrs Blofeld, who lives in Wiltshire with her husband and teenage son, has been at Whitelands Park for nine years as the deputy headteacher.

She took on the role of acting headteacher after Mrs Smart was off work for health reasons.

During Mrs Blofeld's nine years at Whitelands Park, she was seconded as headteacher to Winchcombe Junior School, Newbury, from January 2004 to August 2005.

She said: “I am delighted that I have been appointed to the substantive headship.

“It is my belief that Whitelands Park has the potential to be an increasingly dynamic, progressive and well regarded school in the locality.”

The Sagecoft Road was given an overall rating of satisfactory in its latest Ofsted inspection in

December.

Mrs Blofeld said: “The secure foundations established by the previous head, which are reflected in the recent Ofsted report, provide a platform on which to build.

“My short-term goals are to focus on teaching and learning, with a view to improve the attainment and achievement for all pupils.

“Whitelands Park is a great school with fantastic children and a dedicated and hardworking staff.

“I look forward with relish to the tasks that lie ahead.”

The chairman of governors, Jim Marsh, said: “Mrs Blofeld successfully guided the school through its recent Ofsted inspection, when the school was deemed satisfactory with many good features.

“The governing body is very confident that the school will continue to improve and allow all our pupils to achieve their full potential under the leadership of Mrs Blofeld.”