A HEADTEACHER who, in 18 months transformed Milber Junior School, Newton Abbot, has been chosen to head the new primary school which will serve the Buckland Estate. Katy Liley will be in charge of the yet to be named new school, which opens for the summer term after the closure of the Milber Infants and Junior schools at Easter. It will operate from the existing school sites. In June 2003, Ofsted inspectors reported that the school was failing to deliver by not providing pupils with an acceptable standard of education and was poor value for money. They also found that standards at the end of the final year of primary school needed to be improved, along with the quality of teaching and learning, leadership and management. The school was placed in special measures. Miss Liley became headteacher in September 2003 and transformed it in 18 months. On a follow-up inspection, Ofsted praised Miss Liley's inspirational leadership and excellent management. Inspectors said teaching at the school was good, pupils' attainment had risen and the children were increasingly enthusiastic and independent learners. Looking to the future, Miss Liley said: 'I want us to create a learning environment which will support every member of our community in meeting their needs and aspirations whatever their age. 'Our task is not simply to merge the new schools successfully and aim for academic excellence, though that will be the heart of what we do. 'This will be a community resource for our children and every member of their families. 'I am so excited that I have been given the opportunity to help create something that will be distinctive or even unique.' As well as the extended services that a number of schools were now offering she was eager to hear from pupils and their families and residents as to what they wanted. Miss Liley hoped to have pre-school facilities, before and after-school clubs and a variety of other activities for children. Another aim is a centre for outreach work by providing accommodation for NHS professionals, such as health visitors, speech therapists and midwives, local housing advice, advice and support services for jobseekers on grants and courses, a mobile library and child and family counselling. Her key targets for the new school: l Young children will be ready for learning when they begin school. l Children will leave primary school with the skills, knowledge and attributes needed for a successful transition to secondary school. l School leavers will have the skills they need for adult life. l Adults will have the basic skills they need for life. Michael Bennie, chairman of the interim governors, said everyone was incredibly enthusiastic about Miss Liley's vision for the new school. 'We were very impressed how, in her extensive interview, she looked forward to what we can do for the whole community in Buckland. 'We, too, want this to be a centre of learning for everyone from 0-100-years-old. It is something which every community needs. 'The first step will be the naming of the new school, for which we have invited suggestions from local people,' said Mr Bennie.
