New Headteacher at St Teresa’s in Southport ‘hugely impressed’ by new school’s charm

The new Headteacher at a superb Southport school says she has been “hugely impressed” by its “unique charm and warmth”. 

Mrs Morton was appointed to her role at St Teresa’s Catholic Infant and Nursery School, on Everton Road in Birkdale, at the start of the current school term. 

The educational facility was judged by Ofsted to be ‘Good’ at its last inspection, with Lead Inspector Sheila Iwaskow saying that teaching staff had “improved the school beyond recognition”. The Inspector added: “Parents and carers are overwhelming in their praise of all aspects of the school’s work.”

The school is one of the oldest in the Southport area having taught generations of families over the past 150 years. It caters for children between three and seven years of age. 

Children at St Teresa’s School in Southport

St Teresa’s is now fully focused on extending that provision well into the future.

In this small school children thrive and grow in confidence, quickly getting to know everyone around them and looking after each other.

The new academic year has been marked by the appointment of its new Headteacher, Mrs Morton, who is also Head at the neighbouring Holy Family Primary School. 

She said: “I have already been hugely impressed by the unique charm and warmth of St Teresa’s and the care shown to the children by all the staff.

“Our current parents and carers have been glowing in their praise for the commitment and resourcefulness of all the school staff for their caring and dedicated approach, particularly throughout the current Covid-19 crisis. Families can confidently entrust us with their children.

Children at St Teresa’s School in Southport have created this artwork for Walk To School Week

“Since coming back to school in September, children and staff at St Teresa’s have quickly adjusted to their ‘new normal’ with ease.

“The new hygiene regime has become part of the daily routine with pupils readily responding to their regular hand washing and cleaning patterns.

“Staff are going above and beyond with the meticulous  extra cleaning of desks, equipment, toilets and classrooms on top of their usual teaching and learning duties.

“This again reinforces how much the staff love and care for the children, always putting them first and keeping them safe and secure.

‘The children have grown up and matured so much over lockdown. They have become much more independent since coming back to school in our new routine.

“In these worrying times it is comforting to know that the warm and friendly staff can still make pupils feel safe and loved whilst adhering to strict hygiene routines and social distancing.

“It has been wonderful to see how quickly the children have adapted to the ‘new normal’ following new rules with a smile and looking after each other.

“They truly do know how to ‘love, laugh and learn together’.”

The school is situated next to St Teresa’s Parish Church in Birkdale.

St Teresa’s Catholic Infant And Nursery School in Birkdale in Southport

It prides itself on being a small friendly school where all adults, from the lunch-time staff to the Headteacher, quickly get to know all of the children.

The school was founded in 1869 as the parish school for St Joseph’s Parish. St Teresa’s Church was built later, next to the school. 

Staff have been working tirelessly this term to ensure that any learning which has been missed during lockdown is quickly addressed. 

Mrs Morton said: “Teachers have focussed on re-socialising the children, introducing them to new routines and behaviour expectations.

“The curriculum has been reimagined to ensure thorough catch-up programmes are in place with small group interventions.

“Mental health and well-being have been a priority, along with re-establishing friendship groups and basic skills.

“We are delighted to seek new pupils, aged 3 to 7, to join us at this gem of a school as we enter a new era in our proud history – and with a re-energised vision of our future.”

Everyone is welcome to phone St Teresa’s school for further information and have a chat with the Headteacher.

Mrs Morton said: “Due to current Covid-19 restrictions the school is unable to hold parent tours or an open day this year at this time.

“We have therefore produced a virtual video tour of the school on the website. Please take a look!”

Please follow the school on Twitter @StTeresasInfant and Like the St Teresa’s Catholic Infant and Nursery School page on Facebook or visit the website:  www.st-teresas-school.co.uk

You can also phone the school on: 01704 567528.

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