A week in the life of Cheryl Chatburn, headteacher Rice Lane Infants and Nursery School

The life of a primary school headteacher is about as varied as they come – one can be meeting with governors one minute and singing with the children the next. Here Cheryl Chatburn, headteacher at Rice Lane Infants and Nursery School gives us an insight into her working week.

Monday

Monday always starts with the walking bus – the staff pick up children from their homes and escort them to school. Doing this ensures the children all get to school safely but is also a nice way to get everyone together at the start of the week so they can catch up about their fun weekends before school starts.
At 9am we have an assembly to celebrate good attendance – this is to recognise all the pupils who turn up for school every day, on time. Then it’s off to class to start work!

Tuesday

On Tuesday morning we have a SNAG group meeting. The SNAG group meet to discuss issues around healthy eating and have successfully changed the uniform of the kitchen staff and initiated a system of reward for healthy eating. The meeting is led by a teacher but I often pop in to give the group a challenge.

Wednesday

On Wednesday mornings I get to read some wonderful books with a group of children. This exercise helps to improve the children’s literacy skills but also gives me a chance to spend some time with our students reading some great stories.
At lunchtime we have gardening club, which gives our children a chance to exercise their green fingers!
We continue the eco-friendly theme with our Eco Stars meeting at 3pm. This involves checking the bins and making sure we’re all recycling before handing out certificates to those classes that are “eco stars”.

Thursday

It’s time to warm up the vocal chords as Thursday morning is all about singing club! We’re practising for the school concert so our choir gets together to rehearse a few songs and make sure we’re all singing from the same song sheet!
At lunchtime I get together with the lunchtime helpers in the school hall. These helpers lend a hand at meal times and help to keep the dining room tidy and in order.

Friday

On Friday morning we have the good work assembly where our children present their good work books ready to be stamped for good behaviour and hard work. Those children with exceptional behaviour will receive a golden ticket.
Like most days I’ll also take a walk around the school to have a chat with the students and make sure we keep up standards by tucking in shirts!