Greswell Gets the Gold

Date published: 06 July 2010

Greswell Primary School, in Denton, is one of a small number of schools in the North West to achieve Gold Standard Investors in People (IIP) status.

Greswell Primary has now become an Investors in People Champion School The school now stands out as one of only 8 schools and 180 businesses in the North West to achieve this status.

The inspectors praised the school, stating “ People believe that Greswell is a great place to work because it has clear values, offers a diverse range of opportunities, is well-led and has a strong and cohesive team spirit.”

IIP is a national standard which aims to increase the productivity of the UK economy by helping organisations achieve success by engaging their staff. To reach the standard the school – which has 360 pupils and 40 staff- had to show its commitment to improving the learning and development opportunities of all its staff.

Amongst many positive comments the inspectors noted that: 

• ideas, suggestions and people’s talents are used effectively 
• there’s a strong involvement of staff in planning and reviewing what it working 
• results are improving and targets being exceeded 
• the school empowers people to make a contribution, often beyond their job role 
• the school shares knowledge and is working closely with partners agencies. The school is part of a ‘cluster’ which looks at improving behaviour

The assessor was also impressed by the school’s ‘wealth of talent’, stating that ‘Greswell as a learning organisation, is inclusive. It has given volunteers and parents opportunities to learn, gain qualifications and enter employment.”

Headteacher Maggie Parker said : “ I am so proud of our team! The Investors assessors interviewed staff, pupils and parents over a two day period including caretaking, midday and support staff, governors and volunteers. This has given us all a real sense of achievement.”

Bill Twiss, Assessor said: “ My visit to Greswell primary and nursery was a very enjoyable one. It was a pleasure to talk to members of the team, about the school and their contribution to children’s learning.”