Valley Park Primary School in Sheffield to become Woodlands Primary School

Valley Park Primary School, part of the Mercia Learning Trust, is changing its name to Woodlands Primary School.

Staff at the primary school and nursery on Norton Avenue in Gleadless say they have received overwhelming support from pupils, families, and community members to make a commitment to root the school more firmly in the community it serves with a new vision, direction and name.

The school will officially change its name after the Christmas holidays and it will be marked with a mass event where pupils will be giving the opportunity to plant a tree in the school site.

The name choice reflects the history and heritage of the local area, and the ancient woodlands of Gleadless Valley.

In an Ofsted inspection in 2018 the school was rated as requiring improvement.

Headteacher Lauren Johnstone joined the school at the start of 2021, and says she saw a school that was full of potential but could see it was eager for the next stage of its journey.

She said: “Woodlands Primary is a school which places the child at the centre of everything that we do with inspirational learning processes that provide opportunities for holistic growth.

"We believe that education should focus on the development of confidence and self-esteem through learner-inspired, hands-on experiences in natural learning environments as well as classrooms.”

She says that there has already been ‘an air of real change and evolution’ at the school with 12 classrooms receiving full makeovers and a forest school thriving.

The school has woodland areas, a large pitch, an adventure playground and trim-trail, as well as playground space with interactive activities.

Following a two-week period of consultation on the name change in September, staff say the support the school community has been overwhelming.

One parent said: “I feel the new headteacher has had such a positive impact on this school, that the name change is just perfect.

"A new era is needed.”