Sanderson's Wynd Primary pupils seeking new headteacher

The pupils of Sanderson's Wynd Primary School record their video appeal for a new headteacher. Picture: contributed

But pupils at one primary school are on a mission to find their ideal headteacher, and have issued a video appeal in the hope they will find their very own Mary Poppins.

Children at Sanderson’s Wynd Primary, near Tranent, asked in the two-minute footage, filmed by East Lothian Council, for someone who is “kind, nice, fairly strict and not too moany”.

Pupils and parents are having their say in the school’s recruitment process to highlight the benefits of working and living in East Lothian.

The plea has all the hallmarks of the classic film, in which characters Jane and Michael Banks’ wish for their dream nanny comes true in the shape of Mary Poppins.

In the video, one Sanderson’s Wynd youngster said: “In a new headteacher, I would like them to be fairly strict, so you don’t get away with things that you shouldn’t. But I wouldn’t like them to be so strict that every time you walk past them they are shouting at you or being quite moany.”

Another pupil added that he would like them to be “really good with children” and “tall”, while another recommended someone with a “very soft voice”.

The video gives potential headteachers an insight into the primary school and what the children would expect.

The film shows some of the pupils playing and dancing in their classrooms, while others are learning in the garden.

The vacancy arose after the previous headteacher retired after 17 years of service.

One parent, who did not wish to be named, said: “What I love about this school is that everyone is included.

“I think a new headteacher would be filling up good shoes. We would like to see them continue getting our children more adaptable for the future, in terms of technology.”

The current Sanderson’s Wynd building opened in 2008, and includes a community wing and an Early Years Centre.

Applicants – particularly those of a “kind, gentle” nature – have until May 9 to apply.

Fiona Robertson, head of education for East Lothian Council said: “The video captures perfectly the spirit of Sanderson’s Wynd, which is such an important part of the local community.

“The pupils are all keen for the incoming headteacher to know how important it is for the school to continue involving parents and pupils in all decisions and to continue with its reputation for inclusivity.

“It is only fitting that a school which places such store on inclusivity should ask the pupils themselves what they would like to see in a new headteacher. The pupils’ views are refreshingly honest and reflect their high regard for Sanderson’s Wynd.”

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