“Simply wonderful” - school praised by leading teaching figure

Teachers at Brookfield Junior Academy welcomed Rebecca Underwood to the school's early years foundation stage unit to discuss ideas for adapting the provision throughout the year, including enhancing the outdoor area further.

The popular blogger, known online as Mrs Underwood, has been a teacher, assistant head teacher and co-head teacher throughout her career and is currently head of professional learning for The Avanti Schools Trust UK.

Speaking after the visit, she described it as an “amazing day" and praised the team's “passion and commitment to creating a nurturing environment” as “truly inspirational.”

“The setting was simply wonderful and they are all geared up for September,” the blogger said.

“I'm grateful for the opportunity to visit and be part of such a positive and uplifting atmosphere.”

Lisa Crook, EYFS, KS1, DSL & early reading lead at the school in Swinton, said: “Our principal Daisy Dunning invited Rebecca in to work with the EYFS team after networking over Facebook with myself for some time.

“All staff enjoyed meeting Mrs Underwood.

“I felt star-struck as I’ve admired her work for many years!

“It was an absolute pleasure to hear how inspired she was by the work we had done at Brookfield.

“Mrs Underwood said that the provision, planning and our team work was inspirational.

“She is due to return in October and we look forward to welcoming her back to meet our children next term.”