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Sharing our memories of Heald Green
Last Updated 13th Mar 2025
Prospect Vale Primary School
By Helen Morgan
First Published on Facebook 28/03/2024
Last Updated 23/02/2025
An educational need fulfilled but quickly outgrown!
Our village population in the early 1960s was growing very fast. The only school at the time was Cheadle Etchells that was bursting at the seams with 620 children attending. Pupils were being bused to the surrounding villages for their education or indeed walking there. Shadow Moss Primary, for children at the Styal Road end of the village, had closed in July 1961 and they were now going to Northenden. Outwood Primary had been built by 1962 to relieve the Etchells congestion and thoughts now turned to the north side of the village.
Prospect Vale Primary School was hopefully to be opened by Easter 1963 and was being built in the same style as Outwood Primary. It would then take 170 children, who were in the new catchment area, from Etchells. That would still leave 450 on roll there! The need was still going to be huge and so there were also plans to build Lumhead Farm County Primary by 1964, on the new Lawfield Building Estate and Wimpey development.
The Ratepayers had actively campaigned for all these new schools a few years earlier. Being at local level they could see first-hand what was going to happen as more and more families came to live in the village. Once armed with the figures of the number of children who would live in the ward, they set about to “bully, cajole and pester the life out of Cheshire County Council”. Unfortunately, the wheels of local and central government do not work as fast!
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Fig. 1 Building work began in 1962.
© Ratepayers' Association
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"We lived on Brown Lane. I remember playing on the building site.”
- Pam Rushton Bzoch, Facebook 2024
Fig. 2 Looking across playing fields to the back of the school
© Prospect Vale archives
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This photo shows the main block looking very similar to Outwood Primary before soundproofing began.
Prospect Vale opened on 24th April 1963 with Mr W.L. Bailey as the headteacher, along with five “assistants” noted in the school’s logbook. Mrs Carne, Mrs Coulton, Mrs Dickinson, Mrs Helman and Mrs Wynne.
All were present on that first day along with a temporary appointment of a further assistant called Mrs Sinclair. She had been taken on due to the school’s larger than anticipated intake. 196 children were on the roll (53 from Gatley, 123 from Etchells and 20 from other schools).
The classroom organisation was Infant 1 with Mrs Dickinson and 19 children. Infant 2 Y(ounger) with Mrs Carne and 33 children. Infant 2 O(lder) with Mrs Coulton and 35 children. Infant 3 with Mrs Sinclair and 40 children.
Mrs Helman took junior 1 with 39 pupils and Mrs Wynne had Junior 2 with another 30. The class sizes were already too big and lunch was having to be split into two sittings. A week later even more children arrived, making Mrs Dickinson’s class swell to 37. Another five children arrived in early May!
Miss Hardman, the County Inspector came for a visit in June and the roll numbers were discussed.
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"I was in the first intake.”
- Alun Morgan, Facebook 2024
"I started at Prospect Vale in 1963, it must have been brand new.”
- Pamela Dunning, Facebook 2024
"Oh gosh! I think I see myself on one of those pics!! I went to Gatley Primary for a year until Prospect Vale was built. We used to get a bus from Elmsleigh Road in Heald Green to and from Gatley Primary and one mum was always on bus duty. I started PV in infant 1 and my teacher was Mrs Carne. I think a Miss Dixon was reception and Mrs Coulton was infant 2. Juniors was my fav teacher Miss Thomas, I think a Miss Adshead, Mr Crowther, Mr Lloyd and two more teachers upstairs. Also the portacabins with Mrs Houghton. The school cook was Mrs Palmer and dinner ladies Mrs Walton, Mrs Bold and my mum Mrs Jones. Headteacher was Mr Bailey. Lovely school memories of Prospect Vale.”
- Karen Podlaski, Facebook 2024
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Fig. 3 County Express newspaper article May 1963
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The official school opening took place on 10th July 1963 and the school was named Cheadle Prospect Vale like Cheadle Etchells had been.
Fig. 4 School opening programme front sheet 10.7.1963
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By the September of 1963 even more children had arrived and more staff had been recruited to teach 273 children. The class of Infant 3 had been split into 21 younger, taught by Mrs Trinder (a supply teacher) in the canteen, and 39 in an older group taught by the new deputy head Miss Smith.
The junior school now had an extra class too and another new staff member, Mr Mawdsley. Those classrooms had 47, 44 and 37 children!! In October the school inspector arrived and, in the November, over 500 parents attended an open evening. The numbers just kept on rising and in January 1964 there were 322 on the school roll. Mrs Helman went on maternity leave until June 1964 and was replaced by Mrs Foster. A number of children had the mumps.
The Ratepayers were not at all happy with what was going on at the school with regards to class sizes. They had received a number of reports and likened them to the “bad old days at Cheadle Etchells”. The position they said was “quite disgraceful” given the fact that three years earlier the council had been given the facts and figures after a village census and should therefore have known what was about to happen. “It seems quite absurd that a new modern school with all amenities should have its efficiency drastically impaired with this gross overcrowding”.
In December 1963 the Ratepayers, having remonstrated with the council, managed to get planning permission to have two demountable classrooms sent to the school to use from 1964. However, the canteen still had to be used as a classroom too.
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"I was there in 1973 (I think) to 1979. I was telling my husband about the demountables. He didn’t believe it was a real word!”
- Kathy Simpson, Facebook 2024
Headteacher Mr Bailey left his post in July 1965 along with Mr Mawdsley and Mrs Helman. In the interim Miss M A Barnass (County Emergency Staff) was in charge as acting headteacher.
September 1965 continued the upward trend of children with 377 on roll. LumHead had now opened but only three children had transferred out. The canteen, two demountables and now the hall were being used as classrooms. Therefore, the hall could only be used by other children when the Junior 4 class of 43 children were outside during good weather! There seemed to be no workable alternatives. More staff arrived. Mrs Hayes, Mrs Daniels and there was a Miss and Mrs Smith. A child trapped his finger in a small hole, under a desk and the fire brigade had to saw the desk to free him!
Mr William James took up his appointment as the new head teacher on Jan 5th 1966. In April the last group of new entrants were admitted bringing the number of children on roll to 400!!! In July 1966, Mrs Trinder and Mrs Bosomworth left. By September 1966 Mr R G Willams was appointed the new headmaster with his appointment to take effect in 1967.
The new academic year started 1st September 1966 with 360 on roll. Mr Crowder, Miss Campbell and Mrs Houghton joined the staff. On October 10th 1966, five children went to the new Roman Catholic school (I am assuming Cheadle Catholic school), which opened that day.
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"The Houghton grip! Don’t think she was cut out to work with primary school kids.”
- Gaynor Downes, Facebook 2024
"She rode a bike too. Her grip was awful, scared me to death!”
- Jane Hopkinson, Facebook 2024
"I started in 1966 in Mrs Houghton’s class.”
- Gill Russ, Facebook 2024
"Mrs Drayton’s class after Mrs “grippy” Houghton was lovely.”
- Sarah Horrocks, Facebook 2024
"I went to PV in 1965. I had a lovely teacher. Mrs Kaan, who encouraged my drawing. Very happy days! I remember the classroom was room 2. I was approximately 5 and had a wonderful time in her class.” (This would be Mrs Carne.)”
- Steve Drennan, Facebook 2024
"I went there for 1964 to 1970. Mrs Houghton’s name rings a bell, also remember Miss Kaan with a blue sparkly dress on.”
- Sue Woods Derby, Facebook 2024
Mr Robert Gareth Williams became the head in January 1967 with Miss Smith as his deputy before she moved on to Outwood School. Mr Crowder left in May. In the September, Mrs Carne became deputy head. The school was still experiencing high numbers. The roll was 363. Miss Thompson, Miss Addison and Mr Williams joined the junior department staff along with some part time and supply teachers.
By the September of 1968 the school was still operating 11 classes. Five were the infants and six juniors. The infants' teachers were Mrs Wright, Mrs Houghton, Miss Addison, Mrs Hutchinson and Mrs Carne (she would leave in the January to be the head at High Grove Infant School).
The juniors were Mr McMinn, Miss Thompson, Mrs Daniels, Mrs Wynne (became the new deputy head), Mr Williams and Mrs Wright/Mrs Wells. School swimming sessions were at Hathersage Swimming Baths, Chorlton on Medlock.
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"I recall watching the moon landing sat cross legged in the hallway of the upper classrooms.”
- Tracey Rothwell, Facebook 2024
The number of children in September 1969 was not recorded but there were staff changes. Miss Giles had joined reception, Mrs Drayton was in infant 3 and Mrs Savage was in infant 5. Miss Davies joined as junior 2, Mr Wright Junior 3 and Miss Parry junior 4. German measles was doing the rounds. Mrs Wright left at Christmas. In February 1970 Mr Lloyd Williams was appointed deputy of a school in Lymm.
In April 1970 Mr R F Jones succeeded Mr Williams as the head. Mrs Moss arrived and took over from Miss Thompson and Mrs Wells took over from Mrs Savage. The number on roll was 373. In the September Mr Stanway was appointed, taking over from Mr Williams, and a Miss L Cotton took up her appointment as a probationer. (Once married this would be Mrs Scott who retired from the school in 2004). Miss Parry was the deputy head.
Mrs Scott was there when my girls attended, a wonderful no nonsense teacher. I got in touch with her and this is what she sent me via email.
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"How many people can fit in a Beetle to go to a netball match!”
- Tracey Rothwell, Facebook 2024
My Time at Prospect Vale by Linda Scott
“My teaching career started and ended at Prospect Vale Primary School. In 1970 we were part of Cheshire County Council, which later changed to Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council.
Mr Jones was the headteacher in 1970 and my first class was ‘Junior 1’. After my first year I took charge of the netball team and I’m proud to say that from humble beginnings we became a very successful team.
After a few years Mr Jones moved on and Mr Green was our new head. By this time, we were part of Stockport, and Stockport held an annual evening of Country Dancing for primary schools. Again, starting from scratch I became the teacher in charge of country dancing. We had a very high standard and I think we were the only school that provided an equal number of boys and girls. Our boys were very proud to take part and I was equally proud of them. The knack was getting the football team players involved.
During this time, it was the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. When the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visited Stockport at Edgeley Park Stadium the Country Dancing team represented Prospect Vale and some of my girls from the netball team joined other girls from Stockport West for a netball demonstration.
When Mr Green left Mrs Twiss took over as head. During that time, I taught different age groups in the Juniors. We had large classes and no Teaching Assistants throughout these years. After ten years at PV, I left to have my son David. I will always remember my leaving assembly. All the children were asked to bring a flower from their garden and they were made up into huge bouquets which surrounded me. My orange VW Beetle was loaded from floor to roof with flowers and presents.
Talking about my orange beetle I think everyone in Heald Green recognised it, which was confirmed when I was in the dentist with a friend and the dental nurse, who was an ex-pupil, asked if I still owned it and promptly quoted the registration. One parents evening I was asked if I was in Stockport at the weekend. When I said yes, they said they didn’t see me but saw my beetle in the car park. For those who are interested I still have my little orange beetle but I don’t drive it now.
When David started school, I was offered a term’s work at his school by the acting head, a former colleague at PV. Before I knew it I was back teaching. At PV Mrs Twiss had retired and a new headteacher Mrs Laughton had started. She was looking for a mornings only teacher for the infant department. My friends suggested me to her so I went along for a chat. Suddenly I was back at Prospect Vale and I started my infant teaching career. The following year I applied for a full time post. I also took on the role of Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). A job which was both satisfying and frustrating at times, having to fight for children with specific needs.
Although I was back where I started the school seemed so different with new furniture and carpets throughout. The decor was attractive and welcoming and visitors commented on the happy atmosphere throughout the school. In 1989 the National Curriculum was introduced with implementation continuing into the mid-1990s. By now we were into Early Years, KS1 and KS2.
When Mrs Turner retired there was a vacancy for Reception so I decided I would give it a go with the support of Mrs Halliwell, the Teaching Assistant. When Mrs Laughton retired Mr Lawless returned to PV as headteacher. He had previously been our deputy headteacher.
In 2004 I decided it was time to end my teaching career. It had been a total of almost 30 years at Prospect Vale having taught hundreds of children and even teaching some ex-pupils’ children, which was very satisfying. I saw many changes in education during those 30 years. Lots of good ideas and some poor ideas. Many hours were taken up with paperwork and to do the job properly, and actually teach the children, the only way it could be completed was at home. I enjoyed my time at Prospect Vale but once I had made the decision to retire, I looked forward to getting my life back, which is what I did. I’ve also moved away from Heald Green and happily settled in Congleton.”
"I remember the Beetle!”
- Ed Wilson, Facebook 2023
"Great teacher and a lovely lady. I hope she’s well.”
- Judith Nixon, Facebook 2023
"Yes, that orange Beetle (or was it yellow?”
- Andrew Lee, Facebook 2023
"Yes she is and still has the Beetle (although it’s stored away.”
- David Scott (Linda’s son), Facebook 2023
"Orange!”
- Gaynor Downes, Facebook 2023
School reopened after the holidays in January 1971 with 361 children on roll. Mrs Wright had left at Christmas. In February Mrs Swales was appointed. School reopened after Easter with 382 children. BBC Sex Education Films were shown to parents!
Mrs O’Meara was appointed for the September when there were 336 pupils. By Christmas this number had risen to 343. In January Mrs Alessandra Maria Staniscia arrived along with Miss Cook (who became Mrs Hartley).
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"My first ever teacher.” (Mrs S)”
- Caroline Scott, Facebook 2024
"Mrs Staniscia, Sandra as I knew her, an Italian aristocrat.”
- Joan Holt, Facebook 2024
"She was my son’s first teacher and he recognised her straight away. She was a wonderful teacher.” (Mrs S)”
- Christine Kinlin, Facebook 2024
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Fig. 5 Mrs Staniscia on the playground looking towards the juniors' building 1987
© Prospect Vale archives
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September 1972 saw the school reopen with 323 on roll. It was the year of the Queen’s silver wedding anniversary and the school was shut for a one day holiday. Mrs J Morton was appointed as the new deputy head, from Queens Road County Primary, with effect from April 1973. Miss Feugill also arrived (later Mrs Rowland). Miss Parry left along with Mrs O’Meara. In January 1973 the school reopened with 326 on roll.
By September 1973, the school had fewer children than they had had for a good while, totalling 286. There was a school holiday for the Royal wedding of Princess Anne to Mark Phillips. Mrs Swales left at Christmas and was replaced by Miss Gould from Newcastle on Tyne.
In January 1974, the school opened a week later than normal on the 14th. There was a shortage of fuel and oil and the miners had banned all overtime leading to a national crisis! For this reason, an extra week had been granted and then 288 pupils returned. Interviews took place in the February for the deputy headship and Mrs Green was appointed to commence her duties in June. Numbers crept up after Easter to 298. In the summer Mrs Morton left along with the school secretary Mrs Thomas after many years of “loyal service”. After the Whit holidays Mrs Ann Hallworth commenced her role as the school secretary. She would remain there until retiring in 2004.
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Linda Scott on the left and Ann Hallworth accepting a wall plaque for the school in 2003. They were the longest serving members of staff at the time.
Fig. 6 From 2003
© Prospect Vale archives
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276 pupils arrived in September 1974 and Mrs Denton started teaching. There was a General Election in the October and school closed for the day.
On January 6th, 1975, school reopened after the holidays with the arrival of another new teacher. He was Mr Neville Holt who would be there until his untimely death in 1998. News that shocked the school to its core.
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Fig. 7 Neville Holt in Belgium
© Joan Holt
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His widow Mrs Joan Holt, who has also been a governor at the school, came to see me. This is what she told me, still upset after all these years.
Mr Neville Holt
“Nev loved being at Prospect Vale. He had no desires to be a deputy head or a head. He only wanted to be in the classroom. When he was there, he could read The Hobbit, getting children to enjoy reading and he also loved sport. At Prospect Vale they had a successful football team, despite having a limited number of boys to choose from. Nev also encouraged the girls to play. He encouraged other schools to compete in the Cheadle and Heald Green area league and cup games. This included Ladybarn House, a private school in the area.
He also had a cricket team. He tried to mow a cricket square on the playing field, which he did with some success. He organised the swimming gala for Stockport schools annually. He qualified as a sports teacher but he wanted to work with younger kids. He really encouraged primary aged children to participate and enjoy different sports. He had no desire to move away, he was happy with what he did. I think the kids really liked him.
This is a Manchester Evening News photo of April 1988 and shows Nev encouraging his team. It was the final of a cup match that they were in. They won it.
Fig. 8 Neville Holt and the Prospect Vale football team Manchester Evening News April 1988
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He joined Prospect Vale in 1975 and when I went and met everybody for the first time at Christmas, I was pregnant with Richard.
He died Easter 1998. The day he should have gone back to school after the holidays was the day of his funeral. It’s a long time ago but still upsetting. He came home on the Friday with socks, bottles of wine and boxes of chocolates, given to him as presents from the children as they broke up for the holidays. That evening he refereed a football match at Joe’s (Joe Lawless) school in Shaw Heath. On the Saturday we went to watch Stockport County play City, because they were both in the same division then. We went to Maine Road and then walked into Rusholme and had a curry. On the Sunday we went to see his sister in hospital. On Monday he stayed in. It was the first day of the Easter holidays and I went to school, as I was having an OFSTED inspection. We were having our windows replaced at the back for our new bathroom and bedroom, so he was making cups of tea all day for the workmen. He was fine.
The following day he asked me if I was going into school and I said “no I’ll stay here with you”. Looking back I’m glad we spent the day together. He went to play bowls that night. He played for Heald Green Social Club, on Etchells Park bowling green in them days. It was the first game of the season on the Tuesday night and it was absolutely freezing cold. He said “are you coming to watch?” and I said “no I’ll see you afterwards”. He said “I’ll come and pick you up and we’ll go for a drink in the Heald Green club”. Then at 9pm I got a phone call to say he’d collapsed on the bowling green at Great Moor, near Stepping Hill Hospital, so that’s where they’d taken him. I thought nothing of it. I just thought he’s had a busy week and he was tired.
When I got there, this doctor came in the room and knelt in front of me to hold my hand and told me that Nev was going into intensive care. I knew then. He died two days later of his own accord. Everybody thought he’d had a heart attack but he didn’t. He’d had a brain haemorrhage. The vein on the back of his neck had burst and flooded his head. When I spoke to the doctor, he said it could have happened to him at any time. He had a weakness that could have happened when he was 10, 20 but he was now 48. The only good thing I can say is that he’d lived his life. We’d been to Hawaii for our 25th wedding anniversary and America, Tenerife a few times and Spain.
Some of the kids had to have counselling, as he’d been there when they broke up for the holidays, but not when they returned. Rita (Lawton) didn’t know because she was away. She didn’t know until the morning of the funeral. Her deputy closed the school for the day. There were about 500 at his funeral at St Catherine’s. My house was full of flowers and cards. I had to buy more vases. I had about 400 sympathy cards that I didn’t throw away until I moved 17 years later.”
"Lovely man, he taught both my boys, they were on the footy team. We were all devastated when he died. I remember all the kids and parents lining the street when it was his funeral.”
- Bev Ball, Facebook 2024
"Well, I am now 59 and he was my favourite teacher and he also taught my son who is 33 and he thought the same. So that tells you a lot about the man.”
- Gaynor Downes, Facebook 2024
"Best primary school teacher and loved his sports! Had so much fun with him. Rounders was ace.”
- Adele Hartley, Facebook 2024
"Mr Holt said, “If you want to stay on the football team you need to be light on your feet” so therefore we had to do country dancing.”
- Anthony Burke, Facebook 2024
"I remember on the trip to the Isle of Wight in 1978 we sang a song on the coach called “You’ll never get to heaven.” We amended the lyrics to “You’ll never get to heaven on Neville’s knee because Neville’s knee is too knobbly!” For some reason that has stuck in my mind all these years!
Mr Holt read us The Hobbit in 4th year juniors which fuelled my love of fantasy/sci-fi.”
- Kathy Simpson, Facebook 2024
"My leavers present from 1989 was a book of The Hobbit that Mr Holt signed. The same book that I read to my eldest a couple of years back... the cycle continues.”
- Ed Wilson, Facebook 2024
"I remember him well. Went on a school trip once but can’t remember where to. He was one of the teachers that came with us. The good old days.”
- Dawn Williams, Facebook 2024
"What a great picture, happy memories, Mr Holt was a legend. That’s myself closest in the frame. Good day that, we beat Etchells in the final.”
- James Senior, Facebook 2024
"He was a legend! Junior 4 teacher.”
- Rachel Hoyland, Facebook 2024
"Neville’s Little Devils was the headline! Great teacher. Gareth Jones was also part of that team.”
- Paul Curtis, Facebook 2024
"Ahh Mr Holt was one of my teachers. He was such a lovely man.”
- Esme Evans, Facebook 2024
"He was an absolute legend.”
- Emma Hawley, Facebook 2024
"Football team Philip Gage (Gadget) and Dan Robertson. Plus, Chris Richards who was a few years younger than the rest of us but taller than most. Thomas Lawley scored over 40 that season, so we won everything. Chris Wilson in goal. Ste Cooke was captain. Nick Roberts was one of the best players in central midfield. Really good team.
The only game we lost was a Stockport cup game. I was ill with chickenpox and that got mentioned in the Manchester Evening News article. I’m still talking about my glory days. A lot of us played in that school team for a few years because we were better than the older kids. So, by the time we were in 4th year, we destroyed everyone. Coached by Neville Holt all through each school year.
We won the league and cup double which was a huge achievement for a small school with only 10 lads in the class. We only lost one game all season. Great man, teacher and football coach.”
- Neil Frost, Facebook 2024
"Great man Nev.”
- Jon Adams, Facebook 2024
"Mr Holt was a legend, the one teacher who could motivate me.”
- Paul Tansey, Facebook 2024
"Neville asked me if my company would sponsor a new kit. I asked what kit he would choose and he said Barcelona would beat them all and it did. Great leader Nev! Elopak was the sponsors.
Many on that team went on to be on the Methodist Church’s cub’s football team coached by Denis Turner and continued to win everything.”
- John E Peoples, Facebook 2024 and in conversation
"Mr Holt really listened to Sally Yates and I when we asked him to let us play football and cricket. An inspirational man, teacher and sports coach. He believed in us and never once questioned our passion.”
- Sara Heinekey, Facebook 2024
Thank you to everyone who wanted their school memories to be shared. I am sure that Joan will be very proud reading them.
In June 1975 Mrs Christine Turner joined the staff. She too would stay there until retiring in 1996/7.
Here she is accepting gifts from the Headteacher, Rita Laughton on her retirement.
As you can see there was still no real boundary between the school playing fields and Rose Vale Park at this time.
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Fig. 9 Rita Laughton and Chris Turner (in red) on Chris's retirement
© Prospect Vale archives
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In the same year Mrs Webster arrived to replace Miss Feugill whilst she was at University and Mrs Moss left to join Orrishmere County Primary. Mrs Crosthwaite took up duties in Infant 3 and Mr Draper became a permanent member of staff.
In September 1975, 246 children attended. After Christmas in 1976 the number had increased to 255. Mr RF Jones the head was appointed as the new head of a school in Macclesfield and left on April 9th.
After Easter Mrs A Green became acting head teacher with Mrs Houghton as her deputy until a new head could be found. When school closed for the summer, Mr Draper and Mrs Crosthwaite left due to a DECLINE in the number of children! The temporary positions of Mrs Lord and Mrs Webster also finished.
Children from junior 1 class knitted a blanket for Oxfam and were in the Manchester Evening News on 7th August.
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Fig. 10 Prospect Vale Junior One in the Manchester Evening News 1976
Click On Image To View
On September 1st, 1976, Mr N A Green took up his position as the new headteacher to look after only 215 children, the smallest number it had ever been. Mrs Green became his deputy. The school doctor came in to examine the infants followed by a full school hair inspection! (I certainly remember nitty Nora the bug explorer coming to Outwood!) There was also a dental and eye inspection.
The school number rose slightly in January 1977 with 231 attending. This was the year the school had the outside redecorated. There was a first meeting about a cycling proficiency course. After Easter the school day altered to finish at 3.30pm with a shorter dinner break. Of course, 1977 was the year of Queen Elizabeth’s silver jubilee. On 21st June 12 pupils took part in the Jubilee display at Stockport County Football Ground in the presence of Her Majesty. 77 junior children were taken to watch the displays and school closed for the afternoon.
School reopened in September with 209 children on roll and no staff changes. There was another hair inspection with all the pupils “declared clean!” In February 1978 the internal painting of the school began. After the Easter holidays in 1978, school reopened with Mrs A Green back as acting head as Mr Green had resigned!
On September 5th 1978 school reopened with Mrs Geary in place of Mrs Green, who was still acting head. The number on roll was not recorded. The spring term of 1979 began with a new headteacher, Mrs J H Twiss. On the roll were 205 children and 7 staff. What a start she had on Wednesday 3rd January! The weather was very cold and snowy and the boiler in the demountables broke along with a burst, damaging a carpet only recently purchased by the P.T.A. On the instructions of the Department of Education, school was closed the next day and children were sent home with homework. This was also to conserve what little oil there was due to an ongoing tanker dispute.
All parents had to be contacted on Sunday January 14th as children could not return for at least another week. Arrangements were made with staff to be present and for children to come in on a rota for more homework. School reopened on 23rd January once oil had been delivered. Medical inspections carried on over the year, however head lice was on the up! Teachers were in a long running dispute over pay. N.U.T staff members which was all but one, left the premises at lunchtime and did no voluntary lunch supervision or club activities. The onus fell on Mrs Twiss and four midday dinner ladies to keep the school dinners going. This carried on until the dispute was settled after the Whit holidays.
In September 1979 the school roll fell to 197 children. The staff were Mrs Twiss with her deputy Mrs Green who was the 3rd year junior teacher too. Mrs Staniscia was Reception, Mrs Houghton was middle infants and Mrs Turner top infants. Mrs Scott was 1st year juniors, Mrs Rowland (nee Feugill) 2nd year and Mr Holt 4th year juniors. School reopened after Christmas in January 1980 with the same number of children and staff. Eileen Derbyshire, aka Emily Bishop from Coronation Street, opened the summer gala.
The Autumn Term opened in September 1980 with the same teachers, except Mrs Scott who was on maternity leave. and had been replaced by Miss Browne. The number of pupils was not noted. The Harvest Festival was held at Brown Lane Methodist Church with the Rev Peter Willis. The retiring collection was split between St Ann’s Hospice and a boy called Michael Lewis, whose education in Bombay was being sponsored by the school. A 4th year pupil called Matthew Bourne, had won 3rd prize in a national competition to design a book making machine. For his efforts he received a £10 book token! School resumed after the Christmas holidays in January 1981. Miss Browne had been replaced by Mrs Dockney and seven extra children had joined an unknown number on roll. During the February half term, staff were in school to discuss the implications of FALLING roll numbers. In July Mrs Houghton retired and was given a reception attended by colleagues past and present. She received a clock and a photo album with all the school’s children inside and a gift voucher from the Local Authority. Each child received a crown to commemorate the forthcoming wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer.
172 children were on roll when the school reopened after the summer holidays in 1981. The teachers were Mrs Staniscia Infant 1, Mrs Turner Infant 2, Mrs Crookell who had replaced Mrs Dockney Junior 1, Mrs Rowland Junior 2, Deputy head Mrs Green Junior 3 and Mr Holt Junior 4. In October Mrs Fawbert, who had been the cook since 1963, retired and was showered with gifts. There were water bursts in the demountables again, just before Christmas!
The Autumn term of 1982 started in September with no staff changes. The number of children was not noted. Council representatives were in school to draw up a plan to look into soundproofing the school from the noise of aircraft overhead, when either taking off or landing. Interviews were held for a non-teaching ancillary and Mrs Pauline Halliwell was appointed. She began on the 15th November and retired 25 years later in 2007. From the proceeds of the Christmas Bazaar in December 1982, the school was going to buy a computer!
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Fig. 11 Pauline Halliwell retires 2007
© Prospect Vale archives
Click On Image To View
I asked Pauline to recall her memories.
“I started my working life at Prospect Vale in 1982 as a classroom assistant with Mrs Staniscia and Mrs Turner. It was a much smaller school in those days and there were only two infant classes at that time. I was based in the classroom that eventually became the Nursery.
The school began to grow and develop under the appointment of Head Teacher Mrs Grant (Laughton). It was refurbished and soundproofed with the help of a Manchester Airport grant. From then, the school continued to grow in pupils and staff.
I enjoyed working with the many different teachers and auxiliary staff. It was a happy school giving varied educational needs and life experiences for all the children. I recall my time at Prospect Vale and feel proud to have played a part in the guidance and development of the children that passed through my care during my 25 years.
I finally ended those years as a Nursery Nurse with Mrs Barik in the same classroom I started in 25 years earlier.”
School opened in January 1983 with the same staff. The staff and parents of the 4th year juniors had a meeting to discuss the impact of Broadway and Kingsway secondary schools being amalgamated. The demountables were now surplus to requirement and the PTA was looking at assuming responsibility for them.
In September 1983 the number of pupils was 155. There were only 5 teachers now and 2 non-teaching staff of Mrs Hallworth (secretary) and Pauline Halliwell (who was in the infant 1 class). Mrs Staniscia and Mrs Turner taught the infants and Mrs Rowland, Mrs Green and Mr Holt taught the juniors. The demountables, on the instructions of the Education authority, were no longer to be used by the school.
You may not know what a demountable is! The photos show them in 1986 with the temporary staff room alongside and in 2024. The wooden building on the right had two classrooms inside.
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Fig. 12 Back of demountables looking towards back of juniors and staffroom porta cabin
© PV archives
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Fig. 13 From back of demountables looking towards back of school 12.1.24
© H Morgan
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With falling numbers, four classes became mixed age groups. This would become five after the January intake. There was a meeting held for parents to discuss how THE computer (sounds like only one) was going to assist with their children’s learning. During the early evening of November 28th, a fire broke out in the canteen and was attended to quickly by the fire service and police. It caused severe damage.
The spring term of 1984 began with 169 children on roll. Mrs Waide joined the staff to teach Junior 2. The decorators were in school, taking two days per classroom to complete. Therefore, children moved into the hall when it was their classroom being done. The indoor PE timetable had to be abandoned for the next three weeks. At the end of all the summer activities within school, Mrs Twiss retired and was presented with a bicycle.
Between September and December 1984, Mrs A Green stood in as Acting Head.
On January 7th, 1985, Mrs Rita Grant (who would later become Mrs Laughton) became Head Teacher for 159 pupils. Mrs Waide retired early in February. There was a chicken pox outbreak with 23 cases in the infants. Before school closed in July, an architect and B.D.P. representatives were in school to discuss arrangements for the autumn term. There was to be a new roof and glazing sound insulation of which 80% of the cost was to come from Manchester Airport Authority.
School opened in September 1985 with only 135 children and five staff teaching mixed age groups. Mrs Staniscia was Infant 2 (reception and middles). Mrs Turner was Class 3 (Middles and tops). Class 4 (Junior 1 and Junior 2) was Mrs Green’s class. Class 5 (Junior 2 and Junior 3) was Mrs Rowland’s. Lastly Class 6 was Mr Holt’s (Junior 3 and Junior 4). The N.U.T. were calling half day strikes. There was an education committee meeting to discuss a threat to the closure of the school, due to the rising costs of the noise insulation scheme! Princess Diana visited St Ann’s Hospice on October 10th and some children went to see her. On the 29th October, Granada Reports filmed at the school. In January 1986 school reopened with a new middle infant teacher, Mrs Sutcliffe. In February there was another meeting over the insulation proposals. In June Mrs Grant went on maternity leave and once again Mrs Green stepped up as acting head.
In September 1986, school reopened with 141 pupils and five staff. With Mrs Green now acting headteacher, Mrs Sutcliffe took over in Class 4. It was going to be a busy autumn term with preparation work needed before the major refurbishment for soundproofing. The out of use demountables would have to be used once again but were in a poor state. They were emptied and cleaned by the caretaker. Then the staff set to it with emulsion paint to make them more presentable. However, when the heating was turned on, nearly every pipe leaked! As those repairs were completed the boiler then broke. With everything back in working order, a leak was then discovered in the girl’s toilets!! Mrs Scott came back to help with the task of packing up the infants to move to the demountables. The hall was emptied and various curtains sent to Kingsway school for storage.
On October 6th Niwel Contractors began work. Fencing was erected around the buildings and they began work on classrooms 1 and 2. Teachers began to use class 4 as their staff room. Plumbers and electricians were back to sort out heating and leaks within the demountables. By October 14th all the walls from classrooms 1,2,and 3 had gone. A new compound was set up for staff cars at the Brandon Avenue entrance.
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Fig. 14 Looking over playground towards Brandon Ave temp staff car park 1986
© Prospect Vale archives
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After the Autumn half term holidays there were no walls to the infants, staff room or hall. The hall and its equipment had not been protected as promised and was in a mess. The staff room would not be ready by Christmas, when the end classroom they were using as one would be needed. A portacabin was requested. It arrived on December 8th and was sited on the hard standing next to the demountables.
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Fig. 15 Inside the hall 1987
© Prospect Vale archives
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On December 15th a huge crane arrived to move metal beams into place above the infant rooms. On the 18th it rained all day causing flooding in every infant room and the hall. How much worse could it get....apparently worse!
After the Christmas holidays inspectors arrived to see how work was progressing. On January 12th all the pipes froze in the demountables, so there were no toilets or heating and the children from classes 1 and 3 were sent home. When the water thawed it ran through the ceiling and flooded the floors!
Head teacher Mrs Grant returned to work after maternity leave at the end of January. By 10th April phase of one of the building works was nearing completion. By the end of April the hall, offices and infants departments were back in place. It was time for the juniors to move out.
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Fig. 16 From school reception looking towards the infants
© Prospect Vale archives
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Fig. 17 infants after soundproofing 1987
© Prospect Vale archives
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The new Autumn term started in September 1987 with 160 children and 6 staff, now in classes 1-6. Mrs Staniscia, Miss Pratt, Mrs Turner for the infants and Mrs Green, Mrs Rowland and Mr Holt for the juniors.
Mr Swinson, the project architect, was in school to discuss phase 3. That would be improvements to the front of the school and the link corridor. Plans were forwarded. In the meantime, phase 2 soundproofing at the junior end of the school, was going ahead.
Fig. 18 Looking over playground to front of juniors 1987
© Prospect Vale archives
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Work was completed there by October 12th and on the 13th the juniors went back to their classrooms. In January 1988 the school roll went up to 170. New school hours came into force. 8.55am until 12, then an hour for lunch. Infants were then there until 3pm and juniors until 3.15pm.
Unfortunately, that is the end of the school logbook! It has been the most interesting of reads. I could not possibly put it all in here. The sporting events, PTA events, visits from fire fighters and police to nurses and doctors for regular inspections.
(I put an odd one in just because of the wording!)
School visits and holidays in the UK and abroad. Puppet shows, nativity plays, school productions, harvest festivals, Christmas celebrations, the library service, courses for staff, governor’s meetings, parents’ evenings, staff meetings ...
There were also numerous break ins, how very sad.
Then there were all the unsung heroes ... supply teachers, cooks, cleaners, caretakers, mid day assistants. Apologies for any teachers left out who may have been your favourite. It was hard going trying to track the ins and outs for them all.
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"My mum, Winna Taylor, was a dinner lady there.”
- Marilyn Connolly, Facebook 2024
Looking at the logbook she was there from day one.
"My mum was a dinner lady there and I remember she made sure I never got sago pudding or the semolina except for the jam of course.....she made sure Mrs Palmer (the cook) never saw my plate. Otherwise, I would have been toast!”
- Andrew Lee, Facebook 2024
My eldest daughter started there in 1994 after attending the Methodist church’s preschool. The school uniform was red and grey and had been for quite a while by then. The school’s logo was a jumbo jet emblazoned onto the red sweatshirt. Mrs Laughton was still the headteacher. A new nursery was open for the January intake of 1995.
"I was there in the 70s and at one point we wore a burgundy and silver tie, skirt or trousers and my mum knitted me a burgundy cardigan, but then they stopped wearing school uniforms.”
- Gaynor Downes, Facebook 2024
As a new mum to the school, I felt I should do my bit and joined the Parents Association. Before I could blink, I was enrolled as the deputy Chair and then Chair when Jo Samuels stepped down.
I continued doing that for 16 years with a wonderful group of parents, supported by the staff and together we raised lots of money for school funds. We organised the Christmas and Summer fairs, curry nights, fashion shows, talent shows, children’s and parent’s discos, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls, second-hand book stalls and helped out at sports days and other social events.
As a group we also socialised away from school. One year we went to the Lowry to watch an interactive Sound of Music production dressed as nuns. We went in a minibus and once stuck in traffic, drivers would do a double take looking up at us. The funniest part of the night was when we got back in the village and queued up for chips in Hung Wan, still dressed up!
Fig. 19 Parents Association members 2006
© H Morgan
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My daughter Charlotte was in Mrs Halpern’s class, then Mrs Scott’s, before back to Mrs Halpern to finish off infants. Mrs Highmore was year 3 in the demountables and then Miss Motley in Year 4 who also ran the netball team. Miss Wood was year 5 and then in Year 6 the formidable, straight talking, no nonsense teacher that was Mrs Disley.
Mr Lawless was deputy head from April 1994 to 1996 for Mrs Laughton, before he left to return as the Head in the year 2000. Up until then Sean Duffy had been acting head before Mrs Laughton retired. I spoke to my other two daughters and my two nephews and their teachers' names came flooding back.
My nephews, Ben and Tom had Mrs Scott and Mrs Halliwell, Mrs Nesbitt and Mrs Cunnane, Mrs Swales, Mrs Novacki, Mrs Turnbull, Miss Loose, Mrs Harris and Mrs Disley. They still remember Mrs Barik, Mrs Russ, Mrs Smith (who taught languages and music) Mrs White, Mrs Lawrence and Mrs Moore.
My daughter Sophie started there in 2002, the year of the Queen’s golden jubilee. Her teachers were Mrs Scott, Mrs Nesbitt, Mrs Novacki, Mr Ormiston in the demountables, Mrs Ball and then Mrs Disley. Some of her years were split age groups, so year 2/3 with Mrs Novacki and year 5/6 with Mrs Ball. Mrs Cufflin ran an after school book club and was heavily involved with the school library service. Sophie’s love of books to this day is all down to her enthusiasm. Mrs White was her super talented music teacher.
Mr Joe Lawless
For the next 9 years Mr Joe Lawless set about changing the school and brought in many new ideas aided by his Deputy Heads. Firstly, Mrs Aldred in 2000 and then Mrs Cunnane in 2003.
These are his words via email.
“I arrived at Prospect Vale as the newly appointed Deputy Headteacher in September 1994. Joining me at the same time was Caitriona Barik whose role it was to manage the new Nursery unit which was envisaged to accommodate 40 half day pupils when established. The majority of the rest of the staff had, overall, been long standing members of the team. The number on roll (full time) in October 1994 was 211 which was to rise to 243 in March 1995 with the nursery now full and by February 1996 this had slightly risen to 250. My arrival at the school coincided with a highly significant national change in the expectations of primary teaching and learning which we all knew would be followed up by the newly created Ofsted network of external inspection and reporting. Therefore, after liaising with Rita Laughton, the long established Head, we decided that a review of where PVPS stood was my first priority.
Then in the early spring term 1996 we got notification that Ofsted were coming for a full week to evaluate every aspect of Prospect Vale life. This, we were all pleased to realise resulted in a very good report and outcome rewarding whole school input, effort and pride. On a more pastoral note, I led a number of school grounds improvements during my two years as Deputy/Acting Head – all undertaken by supportive staff and the PVPS community, all in out of school hours (mostly Saturday mornings). These included clear-up of the pond area and planting 50 native saplings near the mobiles (now, hopefully, a mature copse), plus improving the nature area nearby. We also planted a native hedgerow along the old low mesh fencing bordering the park to the north of the field.
I was really sad to leave the school in April 1996 for pastures new as Headteacher of Cale Green in the centre of Stockport but I strongly wished to be the leader of my own school … finally went off for a final shopping visit with my beloved mucker Nev Holt!
After Easter 2000, I returned to Prospect Vale – this time as Headteacher. It was lovely to be welcomed at the entrance door by Ann Hallworth and I was really happy to be back. In 2003, we were the first primary school in Stockport LEA to achieve the ‘Investor in People’ national kitemark demonstrating/evidencing a whole staff/school approach to ownership of Prospect Vale. I was really pleased with this prestigious accolade and we successfully reapplied in 2007.
Fig. 20 Headteacher Joe Lawless and deputy head Deana Aldred accepting another award
© Prospect Vale archives
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Mr Lawless continues ...
There were other national standards in which we were successful in the early 2000s including:
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ICT Mark (one of the first in the North West);
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Healthy School Award;
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Basic Skills Quality Mark;
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National Artsmark;
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Financial Management Systems in Schools.
I saw these inspection awards as not just another kitemark but as evidence of good practice across a range of teaching and learning excellence and quality staff development. The school was becoming increasingly popular, not only within our small catchment area, but also beyond and our pupil numbers were steadily increasing: 270 full time places in 2005, and 282 in early 2009.
Following the Ofsted report in 2005, we did not have a limitless obligation from the LEA to accept new pupils. However, to manage a growing school from 2000 onwards a number of building projects to accommodate this was required and undertaken:
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Library in the main corridor was converted to an ICT Suite in autumn 2001;
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New room for 1:1 meetings, staff meetings, small group teaching in 2005;
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New, more secure main entrance doorway in 2005;
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Additional playground in 2004;
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Complete new Key Stage 2 classroom in 2006;
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Extended width of the school hall in 2006;
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Reception and nursery upgrade and enhanced creative play facilities in 2007/08.
Fig. 21 Multi functional new classroom 2005
© Prospect Vale archives
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After our initial burst of environmental/school grounds improvements in the mid 1990s there were also some new enhancing developments:
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A new wide pathway was constructed from the mobile classrooms to the northern tip of the school by the new playground to limit safety concerns with the children being close to the car park/vehicles. Within this plan we planted some mature birch trees to add instant impact.
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The bike shelter was erected and this proved extremely popular as part of our Safe Routes to School initiative, especially in light of the number of cars dropping off/picking up. Sustrans asked us to be a Beacon School in the North West for this project and I gave a presentation to other school leaders, etc. at the Manchester Velodrome on how successful it had become.
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Metal security fencing was erected around the school grounds and a new large gateway installed near the Early Years classroom to protect our youngest children.
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Over the years, on a rolling programme we provided additional seating and large play equipment/quiet seating areas.
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In my final year, I took out every pupil in small groups to plant daffodil bulbs in the grass areas – hopefully the squirrels didn’t notice them!
Fig. 22 New path going in to link demountables to playground early 2000s
© Prospect Vale archives
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Fig. 23 Bike shelter newspaper article
© Prospect Vale archives
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Ofsted guidance, expectations and actual inspections was a rapidly growing influence on the management and operations of all primary schools during the 2000’s. With ever increasing changes to demands this placed a heavy burden on creating a whole school, cross curricular approach to life at PVPS. However, on reflection years on, I think we gave our children and their families a good grounding for the next stage of learning. During my time as Head, there were two inspections:
The first Inspection was in 2005 (got a hunch it was prompted by our increasing school roll/class sizes) and that went well with good outcomes all round.
The second one in November 2008 was even more successful with the outcome statement being: ‘Good with many Outstanding Features’ – we would have achieved Outstanding in every aspect apart from two disappointing lessons amid 20+ evaluated! Such is life!
We also had a surprise visit from a regional Her Majesty’s Inspector (HMI) in 2004 who was extremely complimentary in regard to what she observed and with conversations across the school community.
One aspect of my role at Prospect Vale, which I held as vital, was links with the school community whether it being positively support the role, status and importance of the Parents’ Association in all the hard work that they undertook on a regular basis – or in other possibly less noticeable ways: I wanted to carry on the traditions of the school dating back decades, e.g. Biannual European residentials, Leavers’ Barbecue, etc.
However, in more overt ways the world had changed since I arrived as Deputy in 1994 and there was now a need for greater community involvement, especially in light of our growing non-white British families. Here I supported Col Cunnane (Deputy since Autumn 2003) in leading in house opportunities to provide options of welcoming all the school community which led to the new small classroom being used as learning base in Basic Skills accreditation with MMU and the school being recognised regionally as a leading light in this field.
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Fig. 24 40th celebration cake
© Prospect Vale archives
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Fig. 25 Deputy Head Col Cunnane with cake
© Prospect Vale archives
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Mr Lawless concludes ...
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Also, in order to create and nurture an inclusive caring ethos I established a School Council of children of all ages and in 2008/09 provided Pupil Questionnaires to run alongside our positive Parental Questionnaires. Pupil ownership of the school environment was also important and two examples were older children painting every toilet block in their own mural scenes and a large Concorde picture near the staffroom following its final flypast in October 2003 – both under the supervision of a Visiting Artist!
The Prospect Vale community was growing in all aspects in the late 2000’s and cohesion was more important than ever.
So, there we are … my thoughts on being asked to put into words my memories of my time at Prospect Vale. I could still be there now, well almost! If it wasn’t for the pull of Ravenbank Primary in the centre of Lymm. The Head’s post came up in December 2008 and since it was my first teaching position as a 21 year old in 1977 with very fond memories (I was even the temporary caretaker in my final student break at Christmas 1976 and ended up with a class the following September) – quite a rise to fame or what?”
In 2007 an extra one storey classroom was added to the ground floor of the juniors and Mr Gray took the first class in there.
Fig. 26 From playground looking towards school 12.1.24
© Helen Morgan
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My youngest daughter Sarah started in 2007 until 2014. Her teachers were Mrs Nesbitt, Mrs Cunnane and Mrs McGillivray (Mrs Mac to everyone), Mrs Wright and Mrs Turnbull Mills, Mrs Disley, Mrs Novacki, Mrs Clayton and Mr Gray.
In 2009 Mr Lawless moved on and for a while Mrs Cunnane was the Acting Head until a new one arrived in September 2009. I remained head of the Parents Association until resigning at the Christmas fair in 2009. It continued for a while afterwards.
Mr Lawless was replaced by Mr McDowell who was there until September 2023. He set about putting his own stamp on the school his way. The logo was changed from a jumbo jet to a cartoon plane taking off. The year 6 children were to wear purple sweatshirts to make them stand out as head of the school. “Making memories magical” became the slogan and the website was updated with blogs being added.
There was now a before and after school club. The safety of the children was paramount and new policies and procedures, along with extra security measures, were brought in. The playgrounds have had extra equipment added. The nature area with a pond is no more, due to new health and safety regulations.
The school received a good outcome from its latest Ofsted inspection in 2023.
I asked the school governors to sum up Mr McDowell's years there. They sent this in March 2024.
Mr McDowell was Headteacher at Prospect Vale Primary School from September 2009 – August 2023 and left to start a new role in a neighbouring local authority. The governors and staff are happy to contribute to the article of the History Of Prospect Vale by giving you an insight into some of the achievements and memories created during those 14 years.
From the outset Mr McDowell and colleagues ensured that the provision at Prospect Vale evolved to support ever changing needs in a technological world where children needed to be safeguarded by the staff.
The fourteen years of Mr McDowell’s leadership were very varied; from freak snow day closures in 2010 to flood and drain issues and everything in between, culminating in a global pandemic. Many long-serving staff were invaluable in contributing to a calm, supportive presence throughout.
In Mr McDowell’s time he worked in partnership with three talented and passionate Deputy Headteachers, Mrs Cunnane until 2011, Mr Papadopoulos until 2018 and Mrs Gaulton who is currently Acting Headteacher. Forever moving forward, the school achieved three successful Ofsted reports. Part of the school’s vision during his time at Prospect Vale was to ‘Make Memories Magical’ and that has been a thread running throughout….giving children at PV the best possible childhood experiences. This vision was reported in the Parliamentary Review in 2021, taking Mr McDowell and Mrs Turnbull-Mills to Mansion House in London for a celebration hosted by the Rt Hon Lord Blunkett.
The PV team truly celebrated intelligence and inclusion in all forms and in recent years focussed upon Diversity and Belonging, in recognition of the rich and varied community of Heald Green. Cultural similarities and uniqueness created strong relationships, giving all children the best possible start in life.
Awards such as Artsmark Gold, Sportsmark Gold, The Green Flag Award for being an environmentally friendly school, Basic Skills and the Rainbow Flag Award were achieved and showcased team endeavours. The school achieved many awards for PE …..all Gold! Not least was the achievement of the UNICEF Rights, Respecting Schools Award, recognition of ‘creating a safe, inspiring place to learn, where children are respected, their talents nurtured and they thrive’.
Pupils have always enjoyed a range of extra-curricular activities at Prospect Vale which figure highly in their ‘special memories’. The cheerleading group is just one example – PV Flyers have competed in national competitions with considerable success over the years and one super-proud memory was winning the KS2 National Schools Final, returning to school with a fabulous trophy! Other pupils have very fond memories of being a member of the school choir and performing at various local events. This year PV pupils were invited to take part in a singing event at Stockport Town Hall to mark Stockport’s celebrations as Town of Culture and they will also perform at Stockport County Football Ground.
Over the years, the school embraced enrichment with visitors from Datong in China. This was followed by a return trip by Mr McDowell and other Stockport Headteachers. Plans for a follow up school trip in April 2020 were thwarted by the global pandemic. Links with schools in Carcassonne, France enriched the school’s commitment to travel and internationalism. Several teachers visited the medieval city of Carcassonne. Prospect Vale also had visitors from Amsterdam to see how they secure great maths standards using NUMICON. The school has been awarded prestigious NUMICON status.
During the challenging times of the pandemic the PV team pulled together to offer both educational and pastoral ‘check-ins’. Living in a world of ‘bubbles’, masks and handwash has left many positive memories. During these strange times the school further developed its Forest School provision with the addition of Reading Towers (using a re-cycled PA funded climbing frame) and a Living Wall. New outdoor ‘pods’ were also added to allow children to do lessons outside in all weathers. Grateful parents also made use of these at collection and drop off times.
The school has always been colourful and has received lots of compliments from visitors. Thematic displays, installations and murals adorned the environment. A local illustrator, Susan Wintringham, created pieces with the children on the topics of Cancer (a project with St Ann’s Hospice), Multiple Intelligences, Flight, Mental & Physical Health and ‘IT Creatures’ in the Computer Suite (which was upgraded in 2010). The school also has a chronological timeline display which highlights the dynamic curriculum.
Over the years, previous pupils have returned to PVPS to share with staff their high school experiences and achievements, which has always been a delight. They also reminisced fondly about their time at Prospect Vale, recalling stories of the trips to London, the Robinwood residentials, the annual sleepover, the staff performance of ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ and the fun that was experienced. Prospect Vale pupils have gone on to study at various universities and entering a wide spectrum of professions from medical and legal to professional sports.
Over time, significant historical events were noted and many were celebrated. These include the ‘Bee Kind’ project following the terror attack at the MEN Arena when message tags were placed on a tree and chalk drawing decorated both entrances. The tags were later removed, shredded and used in the school gardens. The community also enjoyed Royal Weddings, ‘Day of the Dead’ celebrations and a day of deep reflection following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. More recently, research into the history of Coronations and the life of King Charles III has been enjoyed by many.
Always outwardly facing, with a secure vision of passion, empathy, excitement and ambition, Prospect Vale Primary School continues to thrive. Something it has always done well is to nurture respectful, resilient and confident young people and help them become well-rounded, productive citizens.
The teaching staff in 2024 are Miss Duckett nursery, Mrs Smithson reception, Miss Hampson and Mr Nixon year 1, Miss Aimson and Mrs Turnbull year 2, Mrs Pammenter and Mrs White year 3, Mrs Novacki and Mrs White year 4, Mr Gray year 5 and Mr Dudley and Mrs White year 6.
From September 2023 the Deputy Head, Mrs Gaulton, became the Acting Head. Mr Redfearn was appointed Headmaster the following year. There are many fantastic teachers who have been there many, many years ... always a good sign of a quality school. The school can be contacted through their website.
Many thanks to everyone who has contributed their memories to my article. As I said previously, there’s bound to be some teachers, teaching assistants missed out (not on purpose I might add) that may have been your favourite teacher or they may not have been there very long. If so, I do apologise, I have tried my best!
On our website there will eventually be lots of photos from the school archives or that have been sent in by members of our Facebook group. Please take a look here, you may be on them.
Bibliography
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The Editor, February 1963.Your Child’s Education. Contact Magazine 1(2). p 17
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The Editor, February 1963.Your Child’s Education. Contact Magazine 1(2). p 18 Cheadle Etchells Primary School
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The Editor, Ratepayers Contact Magazine Feb 1963 Vol 1 no 2 pg 19 Lumhead Farm County primary school
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The Editor, Ratepayers Contact Magazine Feb 1963 Vol 1 no 2 pg 5 35th Annual Report
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The Editor, Ratepayers Contact Magazine, Oct 1962 Vol 1 No 1 Pg 5 Your Child’s education
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WL Bailey Prospect Vale Logbook
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WL Bailey Prospect Vale Logbook
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The Editor, Ratepayers Contact Magazine Vol 1 no 4 Sept 1963 Pg 5 Your child’s education
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The Editor, Ratepayers Contact Magazine Vol 1 no 5 Dec 1963 pg 5 Your child’s education
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Acting Head teacher Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mr W James Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mr RG Williams Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mr RG Williams Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mr RF Jones Prospect Vale Logbook.
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Mr R F Jones Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mr R F Jones Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mr R F Jones Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mr R F Jones Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mr R F Jones Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mrs A Green Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mr N A Green Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mr N A Green Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mrs A Green Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mrs A Green Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mrs J H Twiss Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mrs J H Twiss Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mrs J H Twiss Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mrs J H Twiss Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mrs J H Twiss Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mrs J H Twiss Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mrs J H Twiss Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mrs R Grant Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mrs R Grant Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mrs A Green Prospect Vale Logbook
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Mrs R Grant end of Prospect Vale Logbook
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