LIPHOOK Infant School headteacher Jane Clabon has said a fond farewell to pupils after five happy years at the school.

She arrived in September 2010 as interim head and become head in January 2012 before the village’s infant and junior schools joined forces.

“I was only expecting to stay for one term as interim head, which somehow turned into four terms and more,” she said.

“After bringing the two schools together, it made the transition from infant to junior much smoother and parents really appreciated that. This was particularly noticeable at our recent sports day where all 650 children came together, as well as their families and friends, creating a whole community.

“Older children help younger ones and the relationship across the two schools between children and staff has benefitted.

“We share a large amount of knowledge and expertise, creating a consistency for the children.

“The three heads always meet and plan together and everyone is involved in raising the standards.

The ethos of the infant and junior school is every child will achieve their best.”

Jane said she has loved every minute at the infants and it had been a rewarding experience.

“No two days have ever been the same and I loved the fact the children talk freely to all the head teachers, and parents do the same.

“I see each child as an individual and try to help them achieve their best. Apart from basic skills it is important to find out how children learn and how to teach them so that they want to carry on learning. Keeping them safe and happy is another important factor.”

Jane was also the infants’ special needs co-ordinator and will be taking up her new post as headteacher at Denmead Infant School in September.

She will be replaced by Greg Braham, who has worked with the infant and junior schools in his previous job with the local education authority, and who already knows the schools through the children and parents.