A NEW headteacher is determined to give children "the best education we can offer" as she gets to grips with her new role.

Clare Wagstaff took up her position at St Nicolas Church of England Combined School in Rectory Road, Taplow, earlier this month and is keen to make an early impression on the school.

She said: "When I came to look around the school, it was apparent that it was a very caring and welcoming school. The Christian ethos and values were evident in all aspects of school life and both staff and governors spoke very highly and passionately about what they were trying to achieve at the school.

"There was a clear sense of moral purpose and a great community feel which is something that enticed me to apply for the position of headteacher.

"At the present time, especially as I have started at this point in the final term, my aim is to ascertain what is working well and analyse where future development is required.

"My priorities this term are to get to know the staff, children, parents and wider community and start to develop links whilst ensuring that the children continue to receive the best education and opportunities we can offer."

Mrs Wagstaff has been in the teaching profession for more than 25 years, taking up her first post at St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Maidenhead, before going on to teach in Wokingham.

She aims to maintain the school's good links with St Nicholas Church and utilise the relationship to benefit pupils.

She said: "Working closely with the diocese, local community and church is such an important part of my role. The church being so close is such an asset. I have already been made very welcome when I visited the school for my interview and it is great to be able to use it for plays, services, prayer groups and for enhancing the RE curriculum.

"Members of the church community already come into school to lead liturgies and I am sure there will be many joint events in the near future."