Examiner education reporter HAZEL ETTIENNE visits Lepton C of E Junior, Infant and Nursery School

LEPTON’S got talent – and that’s official!

The performing arts, music and sports are all areas in which pupils of Lepton C of E Junior, Infant and Nursery School shine.

And head teacher Lynn Lawson and her staff strive to make sure that each of their 216 pupils are given the opportunity to do so.

“We try to make sure we give the children as many opportunities as we can to excel at hobbies they may have taken up or learn and discover skills which make them feel special,” said Mrs Lawson.

“These skills set them up for life. Maybe they will discover something about themselves that they will go on to achieve. It may not a skill which they can develop in their home environment, so school is the ideal opportunity.”

The Lepton’s Got Talent event is an example of children showing their skills.

A comedian, break dancers, karate experts, a violinist and a harmonica player all took part on the night, with a panel of judges and parents voting a winner.

The school’s annual production – this year it is the musical Oliver! – is another pupil and crowd-pleaser, with 60 children taking part, led by deputy head and musical director Helen Lever.

Part of the show received a standing ovation when it was performed again at a Kirklees conference for outstanding school support staff.

The school is also proud of its talented mathematicians and deep thinkers, footballers, tennis players, poets, artists and debaters.

Its school council helps make decisions within the school and in turn children learn about responsibility and planning.

One young ambassador from the school provides an excellent welcome to visitors and has a renowned reputation for showing people around.

A whole wall of coloured stars in the school hall gives children the opportunity to write what their particular talent is.

And an achievement assembly each Friday gives every child the chance to tell the whole school about what they do well, boosting their self-confidence and achievement skills.

Mrs Lawson added: “It’s all about letting them shine. Showing their talents raises self-esteem and confidence, which in turn helps with other areas of learning. It’s a win, win situation.”

And the school’s ethos statement accurately reflects what goes on there: “A good school is both a springboard and a shelter. We want to provide a high-quality springboard and a safe shelter.”