A fond farewell: Fiona Wood

After an incredible 35-year career at Netherton Moss Primary School, Bootle, retirement beckons for headteacher Fiona Wood, as she leaves a legacy of commitment, strong leadership, and a deep-rooted connection to the community.

As she reflects on her time at the school, Fiona fondly recalls her journey from a newly qualified teacher to an inspirational headteacher.

“I can honestly say that spending all my career at Netherton Moss has been the best thing!” she says. “I’ve made friends for life and have been part of the most wonderful second family.”

For Fiona, Netherton Moss has always been more than just a workplace – it’s been a second home. She never felt the urge to seek opportunities elsewhere, as the school, with its dedicated staff, supportive governors, and compassionate families, offered everything she needed to grow and thrive.

She adds: “Being at Netherton Moss with such a fantastic team has given me all the opportunities I needed to develop both as a teacher and a school leader.”

Fiona’s journey, however, was not without its challenges. One of the early hurdles she faced was declining student enrolment, coupled with severe budget cuts.

“We had difficult decisions to make in order to remain open,” she recalls. “But as a result of those decisions, we survived the cuts. Now, we have flourishing numbers and a nursery that’s full for September [2024].”

But Fiona acknowledges that financial pressure on schools is an ongoing concern.

Fiona adds: “The decline in real terms of budgets over the last decade still places many pressures on all schools and impacts what we can provide for children and families.”

The most recent challenge was, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic, and navigating this as a headteacher of a primary school is something that no one can prepare for.

“It was particularly stressful,” Fiona explains. “There was relentless pressure to keep everyone safe while providing education in various formats. It was a worrying time for everyone, and I wouldn’t wish that situation on anyone again.”

Throughout her career, Fiona’s educational philosophy has evolved, yet it has always focused on creating enriching, first-hand experiences for students.

Fiona comments: “I’ve always believed that the best way for children to learn is through first-hand experiences wherever possible, making learning memorable. Enabling them to read fluently for pleasure is key to opening doors to the future.”

Her vision of developing lifelong learners has been a driving force behind the school’s curriculum and ethos.

She continues: “Everyone should be encouraged to be lifelong learners and want to know more about the ever-changing world around them. The children we teach now will have a positive impact on how the world looks and operates in the years ahead.”

Looking back over the years, Fiona is filled with memories of the children who have passed through the school.

“Every year, I’m blown away by our children and their enthusiastic approach to all aspects of school life,” she says with pride. “Their love of books, the way they share their work with me, their care for our school environment, and their participation in lessons and clubs – it’s what makes the job so worthwhile.”

One moment that stands out for her are the annual whole-school performances.

Fiona shares: “Their faces light up with pride as they perform a dance or take part in a play in front of an audience. It’s such a joyful occasion and makes wonderful memories for all of us.”

For so many headteachers, one of the greatest joys of the role is when former pupils return to school, often as parents themselves.

“The most positive feedback comes from having so many children I taught, bring their own children to be educated at Netherton Moss,” she says.

She also cherishes the moments when former pupils stop her in the street to share memories of their school days.

Fiona adds: “They often tell me which story they remember being read – the first Harry Potter is always a favourite, or they reminisce about a performance they were in.”

Community involvement has always been at the heart of Fiona’s leadership. Under her guidance, Netherton Moss has become a hub for local activities, with the school regularly engaging in community projects.

“We like to feel that we are a school at the heart of our community,” she explains. “Our choir sings at the pensioners’ Christmas lunch, our eco-club helps at the community garden, and we’ve even supported the Netherton Community Grocery as part of the SMILE project.”

Fiona firmly believes that these connections help instil pride in the children and create lasting bonds between the school and its surroundings.

As she prepares to pass the baton to her successor, deputy headteacher, David Hird, Fiona is confident that Netherton Moss will continue to thrive.

She says: “I am absolutely delighted that David has been given the honour of being the next headteacher. I have no doubt that the school will continue to flourish under his leadership. David is a great believer in meeting the various needs of all our children and staff, and I know he will continue to innovate the curriculum and provision within the school.”

As she reflects on her illustrious career, Fiona offers some words of wisdom for aspiring teachers and leaders.

“It’s a tough, but very rewarding job,” she advises. “Make sure you take care of yourselves as well as those you are working with.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Your colleagues can be an invaluable support – and may well become friends for life! Working as part of a dedicated, creative team is absolutely vital for all to succeed.”

As for her own future, Fiona is ready to take time out and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

She says: “I’m looking forward to a slower pace – less rushing about and more time with my lovely family, walking my dog, catching up with friends, and finally having the chance to read more. Who knows what new hobbies I might take up!”

As the interview comes to a close, Fiona takes a moment to thank everyone who has been part of her 35-year journey.

She expresses: “A huge thank you to everyone who has made my time at Netherton Moss so special.

“I have been truly lucky to have had such wonderful support throughout my career. It has been a privilege and honour to be part of this incredible school family for so long.”