Bolton: The Valley Primary School celebrates difference

The Valley Community School held a special assembly with a wide selection of visitors last week, along with a day of activities and workshops.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Manchester, Diane Hawkins, and Bolton Major Mohammed Ayub visited the Astley Bridge school, alongside local dignitaries, and school partners.

Published author and poet Hafiza Issa also joined the celebrations.

The assembly was an opportunity to gather teaching staff from past and present to celebrate the achievements of the school – which was graded as outstanding by Ofsted last term – and has been ranked in the top five per cent of schools for the past 10 years.

Pupils welcomed Mrs Hawkins and Mr Ayub into the hall where children sang, and pupils performed poems on diversity and celebrating differences.

Former pupils also returned to give a special presentation on their favourite memories of the school.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Manchester, Mrs Diane Hawkins and Mr Naughton (Image: The Valley Community School)Headteacher Mr Naughton thanked the teaching staff, as well as the crucial support of partner organisations including Bolton Council’s education department and Ladywood Outreach - for their expertise in special needs.

Important links with Bolton University have also helped the school access the latest research-driven teaching strategies.

Mr Naughton has been head of the school for 12 years and during that time it has embraced some imaginative and unique approaches to how the curriculum is designed and how the school engages the community.

It seemed a fitting time to mark the achievements to date.

Read more top stories here:

• Bolton artist brings back Bolton's iconic buildings with 3D art

• Bolton estate agent shares what makes the borough popular

• Over Hulton Neighbourhood Forum pushes ahead with its village plan

Mr Naughton said: “The theme was inclusion and diversity because the Ofsted inspectors recognised this as a massive strength of the school but also part of the “fabric” of what makes us such a special place in the community. We wanted to celebrate this.”

Ms Issa, who performed her poem and spoke about her book, said: “It’s been a heart-warming experience to participate in such a celebration of diverse talent. You get that nice fuzzy-warm feeling being in the school.

“Lots of effort clearly goes into this special place and you can tell.  The pupils brought their A-game and they delivered, which is a testament to the hard work of the teachers.

“It’s no surprise the Ofsted was outstanding.”

The Lord-Lieutenant of Manchester, Mrs Diane Hawkins speaking to pupils (Image: The Valley Community School)Maariya Patel, a pupil in Year 6, read a poem on dyslexia.

She said: “I really enjoyed the experience. I love this school and I’ll be sad to leave when I finish this summer. Our school motto is Together We’re Better and it’s really true. We’re like a big family.”

Aamina Ibrahimm, year five, who presented at the assembly, said: “I was nervous because I don’t like speaking out loud in front of people, but my teacher said I did an amazing job in front of the hall full of pupils and visitors.”

Governor Alyson Cullen, chair of governors, added: “It’s a pleasure to be a part of a school community that is exceptionally keen on developing the child as a whole – and ensuring that pupils leave with a deep and meaningful understanding of respect, being themselves as well as challenging themselves.

“This is such an important gift to pass on for the next part of their lives.”

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.