DURING Altarnun Parish Council’s recent meeting, Mrs Kristina Harrison, principal of Altarun School, updated councillors on planned operational changes at the school.

In an upbeat, positive briefing she confirmed that planned changes were on track for completion on April 1. All staff were to be transferred over.

The new chief executive, Jack Jackson, had held a successful meeting with parents in January. DFE site visits continued to ensure the preparations for a successful transfer were concluded.

As a designated ‘Improvement School’, external support was still being provided and training given for their newly qualified teachers. Links/exchanges had been made with nearby schools like Egloskerry Primary and the need for multi-tasking, staff retention and teaching stability and consistency had been recognised.

Several councillors commented that there has been a noticeable improvement in the atmosphere and relationship at the school.

The pupils seemed happy, engaged and well behaved. Stability was being sustained and the positive changes were progressing smoothly.

Links with the wider community were being rebuilt with various events open to parents and public alike. Several councillors had attended some of these with good feedback.

Mrs Harrison stressed that the school had capacity for 84 children — it currently has 48 pupils. The school is looking to attract new children and, hopefully, welcome back ex-pupils.

Following the parish council meeting Mrs Harrison told the Post: “I would just like to add that we would not be in this strong position without the dedication of the current team and the support of the parents and community. The re-brokering will see the school move from strength to strength and will afford the school many further positive opportunities to continue building capacity.”

The councillors, led by the chair, were pleased with the feedback and the chair thanked Mrs Harrison for her continuing hard work and offered continuing support.