WITH 20 years service under his belt, Peter Schouten is one of the longest-serving head teachers in Poole.

He has overseen many changes at Haymoor Middle but none as big as the switch to a junior school, which takes place next September.

The changes will see half the school move on to secondary and the introduction of Year 3 pupils for the first time.

Huge changes to the management structure, curriculum and activities are inevitable but the school has never been better placed to cope with such upheaval.

A recent Ofsted inspection upgraded its status to Good and praised all aspects of the education on offer at the Ashdown Close school in Canford Heath.

Government inspectors said achievement, quality of teaching , behaviour and safety and leadership and management are all good.

Among their comments they said: “Pupils leave with attainment above expected levels. Teachers have secure subject knowledge and use this well.

“Attendance is above average and reflects the pupils’ high enjoyment levels. The personal, emotional and social support for pupils is very strong.”

Mr Schouten said a great deal of preparation has gone into ensuring the school is ready to deliver a Key Stage 2 curriculum to the new Years 3 to 6.

And work is going on behind the scenes to ensure the younger pupils, some just seven-years-old, are made to feel welcome when they arrive for the start of the new academic year.

“We are looking forward to it” said Mr Schouten. “We are working really hard to get everyone ready for the changes – half of the school will be new.

“It is an exciting prospect and we have had to think of everything. We are a smart school and all wear ties – now we will have to have some clip-on ties for the younger pupils.”

The school has a happy atmosphere with visitors greeted by confident, polite children.

And links with the local community are strong with the vast majority of pupils living on Canford Heath.

“We are very keen on involving the community in what we do” said Mr Schouten. “For example, we have a fireworks display every year which attracts thousands of people.”

The school is a Rights Respecting School, which comes across clearly when talking to pupils.

They are keen to discuss the school’s policy in relation to bullying and proud of their 42-member school council, which has a say in the day-to-day running of the school and also raises thousands of pounds for charity.

Haymoor Middle School, to become Haymoor Junior in September 2013

Ashdown Close, Poole, BH17 8WG

Telephone: 01202 659290

Email address: office@haymoor.poole.sch.uk

Age Range: 8-12, changing to 7-11 next year

Number of pupils: 330

Head: Peter Schouten

Ofsted: Latest inspection carried out in October 2012

Overall grade: Good

Inspectors said: “This is a good school. Teaching and learning are good and, at times, outstanding. Pupils make good progress. Pupils behave well and have very positive attitudes to their work. The head teacher and other senior leaders are driving improvement.”