Dear Families,
I am delighted to be able to write my first letter as the new Headteacher at Merefield School. I would firstly like to take this opportunity to thank the Governing Body for entrusting me to lead our outstanding school and build upon the success achieved under the leadership of Peter Chadwick. I am also delighted that my first headship is at a school I have grown with and know so well. I have had the pleasure to work here for the past 14 years and I am always humbled by the progress and achievements the pupils make each and every day, it is a pleasure to be part of that.
As a mother of four wonderful children, now adults, I know how valuable a child’s time at school really is.

Having a child diagnosed with Autism at a young age, I also have a great deal of empathy and understanding of the barriers pupils and families can face. I am passionate about providing an outstanding education for all pupils regardless of any barriers. I want to continue building a school that provides children with many wonderful and exciting opportunities to enable them to reach their full potential, feel happy, safe and enjoy coming to school each day.

Merefield School has a hugely committed and wonderful staff team who work tirelessly to provide the best care, education and support every day. The fantastic culture in the school is underpinned by core values of respect, integrity and high expectations for the whole school community. Over the next few months I intend to revisit the vision and mission statement for the school with staff, Governors and families to ensure we continue to be the very best team around the pupils.

From my experience of being a teacher and senior leader, I know that a successful and happy school depends on all of us working together. As parents and carers, you make an important contribution to your children’s achievements, and I’m excited to build on the relationship between you and the school. During the Spring term, we will be holding our annual Enterprise craft fair and I will be inviting parents and carers to attend. This will be an opportunity for you to come and have a chat with me, meet other parents and see the wonderful products the pupils will have made. I will let you know when this will be during the coming weeks.

I am also delighted to welcome back to the school Katy Calder as our newly appointed deputy headteacher. Katy has worked as a class teacher at Merefield School previously and is now returning after 4 years as an Assistant Head at a similar school to Merefield. Katy has a wealth of experience and is also keen to meet you all over the coming weeks.

You are welcome to contact me at school if you have any questions, queries or concerns in the meantime. I hope that I can count on your support as we move forward and I am very appreciative of this opportunity. I am really looking forward to my new role and will work with pupils, staff, governors and professionals to ensure that Merefield continues to provide a wonderful learning environment for our pupils.

Yours sincerely,

Jo Sharpe
Headteacher