Parklands (A school built on love)

If anything can bind together nearly 400 pupils and 100 school staff in challenging circumstances, it's love. And love is in plentiful supply at Parklands.The pupils at Parklands Primary School, located on the Seacroft estate in Leeds, often face significant hardship. Children start at the school significantly behind their peers nationally, especially in terms of their language and literacy. Yet the school is famed for outstanding learning - both in terms of Ofsted judgement and, more importantly, in achieving amazing outcomes for its learners.In this inspiring book, head teacher Chris Dyson shares the story of how he has steered the school towards the seemingly impossible educational dream of high achievement, personalised support and complete inclusion. He explains how the school setting can be a place where there is love but also hope and relentless ambition for children, and reflects on the steps that he and his staff have put in place to make this a reality for Parklands' pupils. Chris delves into how this culture and climate of love drives behaviour and decision-making throughout the school - and, as a result, how this creates a safe, loving environment in which all of its learners can thrive. Chris also provides insights into how the leadership team goes about raising funds for the school, and how they choose to spend it on both curricular and extracurricular projects. And, furthermore, how the school broadens its pupils' experiences and cultural capital by means of residential trips, in-school productions, and sports and arts provision.An uplifting read for all teachers and school leaders.; Written by Chris Dyson, Parklands: A school built on love is a heartwarming account of Parklands School's transformative journey towards becoming a safe, loving environment in which all of its learners can thrive.;

Having had the privilege of working as SENDCo at Parklands for just over 3 years (2017-2020) before retiring, I am one of the lucky ones who have experienced and contributed to the love that underpins and drives the school. This book beautifully sums up the force of nature that is Chris Dyson and the full on journey of the Parklands team to turn the school around with high expectations, consistency, respect, inclusion, team work, music and hearts full of love.There is something for everyone working in schools today to take away and adapt for their own setting.

Beth Bennett

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There is an honesty, a passion and an integrity that shine throughout this book, sprinkled with snippets of humour, and these combine to make for a fascinating and engaging read. It provides an in-depth insight into what makes Parklands such an exceptional school for children, staff, parents, and governors; team-work, the enrichment of experiences and the securing and allocation of resources are notable features. A visit to this school totally validates the book's key messages - the sharing in an atmosphere of engagement and challenge, of innovation and variety, of care and warmth - a school that serves, supports and challenges its community in equal measure, where love and safeguarding go hand in hand, where children are happy, flourish and excel.This is the sort of school I wish I had attended as a child when growing up in what was euphemistically described as "an education priority area". If only the Parklands' priorities described in this book had been similarly identified and addressed then! Parklands is a school that every child deserves.To every teacher, to every aspiring leader (whatever area you work in) read this book, if possible visit the school - you will not be disappointed!

John Sharpe

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A hard-nosed take on love as a driver for school improvement. Parklands: A School Built on Love is heart warming and heart breaking in equal measure. It's poignant, punchy and practical. We can't all be Chris but we can all learn from the way he works.

Mary Myatt

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What a book! What a school! Having been lucky en

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