Praise for transformers

OUTSTANDING . . . head teacher Nikki Shaw and (far left) staff Jack Shaw and Mat Lofthouse with pupils (from the left) Declan Watton, Michael Borland, Blake Robinson and Adam Lawton

STAFF who transform the lives of the borough’s most vulnerable pupils have been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

It comes after Oldham’s Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) swept the board with outstanding grades in every category in a recent Ofsted inspection — making it one of the best in the country.

The education watchdog was impressed with its high GCSE results, good attendance and the progress of pupils who include those excluded or too ill to attend school, teenage mums and youngsters with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Councillor Kay Knox, cabinet member for children, young people, and families, made the nomination and said: “Led by inspirational head teacher Nikki Shaw, the PRU has achieved the highest possible accolade by Ofsted that is possible. This has to make it one of the best in the country and it goes without saying we think it is the best.

“Nikki and her staff work with some of the most difficult young people in the borough. She teaches them values and gives them back their self-esteem, and this gives them the confidence to make good decisions about their place in society.

“Well done to everyone at the PRU and keep up the high standards that I know you hold so dearly for our young people.”

Mrs Shaw added: “We are delighted with our nomination for a Pride in Oldham award. It’s brilliant to know that the hard work of all the staff is appreciated and acknowledged.”