Bracknell

Staff starting at Bracknell Forest Borough Council's schools for the first time were given a warm welcome to the borough yesterday (Wednesday September 19).

The new arrivals were invited to a special welcome event hosted by Bracknell Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Education and Libraries, and staff from the Education, Children's Services and Libraries department at Easthampstead Park Education Centre.

Over 60 newly qualified teachers along with other new starters including more experienced teachers, teaching support staff and new headteachers were given an overview of the borough and the services Bracknell Council provides to schools.

Tony Eccleston said: "It is always a pleasure to welcome new members of staff to the borough and this annual event gives us the chance to explain the wide range of services we provide to all of our schools.

"Many of these services will be evident in the classroom from an early stage but it is important new staff also know about the other things we do, such as advice for teachers on the curriculum.

"I wish all of the teachers every success."

Bracknell Cllr Alan Ward said: "I was thrilled to meet the new, enthusiastic members of staff.

"All of them will play a key role in continuing to raise standards across Bracknell Forest and they can be confident that the Council will be there to support them."

A number of new headteachers have taken up post in the Council's schools this term.

Catherine Bates is the new headteacher of Ascot Heath Infant School, Sarah Theaker takes over at Ascot Heath Junior School, Keith Grainger has started at Garth Hill College and Trudi Simmons will take up her post at College Town Infant School in January.

A new co-headteacher, Julia Evans, has started at Wildridings Primary School while two acting headteachers are sharing responsibility at Cranbourne Primary School.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council