The new headteacher of a school in Welwyn Garden City has expressed his delight with his first term in charge.

James Berry took his role at Swallow Dell Primary School last September, replacing the retiring Clare Hollingsworth, and is looking forward leading a new era.

"I am incredibly excited to be headteacher of Swallow Dell Primary," he said. 

"Having completed my first term in the role, I have been delighted to experience what a wonderful and welcoming community it is.

"The school staff are experienced and dedicated to supporting all of the children and the school site has the most incredible space and resources which make it a fantastic place for the children to learn and develop.

"I am looking forward to what lies ahead for the school as we strive to deliver the highest quality education to our children."

Mr Berry brings with him a wealth of leadership experience, having previously led The Lea Primary school in Harpenden, as well as working at a high performing inner city London school prior to that.

He is joined by new assistant headteacher, Ben Slater, who is pleased with positive changes already made at Swallow Dell.

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"I am delighted to be part of the Swallow Dell journey," he said. 

"I have been made to feel so welcome and it was clear from my first meeting with James that the vision he has for the children of Swallow Dell, and the values he holds as a headteacher, are perfect for achieving the school's vision of being at the forefront of the highest quality of education.

"The changes that we have already made are having a huge impact on our children’s learning and progress.

"For those children who are first learning to read, a new systematic approach to phonics teaching is helping them all to secure the firm foundations they need to be fluent readers and to be develop a love of reading.

"We are so fortunate to have a woodland, large playing fields, dedicated music, cookery, computing and PE spaces, to enable us to offer a broad curriculum of learning opportunities.

"We also encourage extra-curricular activities as well and we're excited to see our Year 3 children singing at the O2 arena in London next week. We also offer a wrap-around care service for working parents from 7.30am to 6pm."

Mr Berry and Mr Slater aren't the only new additions at Swallow Dell, with new chair of governors Lesley Hollinshead adding: "Mr Berry knows exactly what an outstanding school should look like and he, with his new team, are well on the way to transforming the learning experience for the children in our community.

"His passion and drive to ensure every child not only achieves, but aspires to much more than that, is a real plus for the families of Swallow Dell and Welwyn Garden City."