Westfield Primary School

The increasing population of Bourne during the second half of the 20th century meant the provision of more school accommodation because of the heavy pressure on the buildings available at the existing primary school in Abbey Road. It was therefore decided to build new premises for infant and junior children and a site was chosen on the western side of town where so much new residential development was already underway. Thus, the Westfield County Primary School was opened in September 1975 after the first phase of building was completed although there was considerable additional development to follow. 

The school roll initially had 90 children using three infant classrooms, two halls and a staff room, which was also used as the head teacher's office, the secretary's office and medical room. Conditions were to say the least, rather cramped. The kitchen was unfinished when the school opened, as was the playground while the playing field was unseeded and unfenced and the children used the car park for their recreation instead. As there was no money left for landscaping the grounds, the school established a planting scheme which encouraged the children to look after the environment and be aware of the trees and shrubs that were in their care. 

There was no telephone for the first term and staff had to share the use of one installed in the builders' hut on the construction site. Miss Fletcher, who married and became Mrs Woollard in 1980, was appointed as the headteacher and Mrs Walker and Mrs Robinson were the two classroom teachers. They made a very good team and together with Mrs Popple, the caretaker, worked hard to ensure that all the furniture and equipment was unpacked and the classrooms ready for the beginning of the new term. 

Mrs Richards was the part time secretary and Mrs Bailey the cook. The builders were very much in evidence during daily life for the first two years. The kitchen opened during the first term and by then, work had started on the second phase of the building which provided six further classrooms and the administration block. There was a great sense of loyalty and pride in both the school and the new buildings and, aware that they were creating a little bit of local history, the children worked hard to produce the highest possible standards. Mrs Burchnell was the Chairman of the School Governors, or Managers as they were then called, and the whole governing body felt very much part of the team. 

Over the years the school has grown considerably and by the year 2000, there were 580 children in 21 classes. Mrs Woollard and Mrs Walker both retired within a few months of each other in 1997 when a new headteacher, Tim Bright, arrived. Two new deputies, Mrs Karen Knott and Mrs Chris Wright, were also appointed by the school governors under the leadership of their chairman John Megson. 

The school has undergone two very successful Ofsted inspections in 1996 and 2000 and has also become an Investor in People Organisation. It was the first in Lincolnshire to be awarded this honour in August 1995 and was re-recognised in November 1998. Over the years, Westfield Primary has earned an enviable reputation for delivering a caring, disciplined education with excellent academic and sporting results and both the headteacher and staff are dedicated to ensuring that this will continue in the future. 

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