Page 12 - link magazine

Isambard’s finances improve Safe Hay Lane crossing to come

New headteacher Sue Banks is improving Isambard’s finances
Isambard Community School has The report highlights many
made significant improvements to improvements, including a full
its financial management according staffing review and the creation of
to a Swindon Council audit report. a School Development Plan. Three Robert Buckland MP receives the crossing petition from Grange
Last year the school was governors have also been appointed Park residents at a pre-school protest on Hay Lane in April
criticised for not having control who have greater understanding of
of its finances and was deemed at financial affairs and there is now Parents at Tregoze Primary School safe for many years to come.”
significant risk. closer monitoring of cash flow. have welcomed the news that a Tracey Boxall said she wanted
Since then, new headteacher Sue Some key improvements still need new crossing for children will be to thank the valuable contribution
Banks has taken steps to remedy the to be made as some budgets had built across Hay Lane over the of the school travel ambassadors
major issues and the risk has been been changed without full approval summer. who helped with collect names on
downgraded to ‘of concern’. from the governors, and problems This follows a decade long the petition. “The lack of a clearly
The initial report was commiss- with purchasing still exist. campaign calling on the council to marked crossing has been a problem
ioned by the council’s audit Sue Banks said considerable do something about a heavily used for years and years. This will make
committee and highlighted a lack of progress is being made. “I am but unmarked and poorly signposted a huge difference to the children
proper diligence which resulted in extremely pleased that the audit pedestrian crossing on Hay Lane, currently at the school and all
inaccurate budgeting. commission recognised and between Grange Park Way and the future pupils.”
The follow-up report said: ‘The congratulated the school for the entrance to Lydiard Park. Headteacher Helen Tudor, said:
school has made significant significant number of improvements Councillor Tim Swinyard said: “I’m “I am delighted that we will finally
improvements since the made in the last six months. hoping the crossing will be put in be getting a crossing on Hay Lane
previous audit. Of 12 priority “We have introduced tighter place in the summer holidays. This is - the children’s safety is paramount
recommendations made in the financial systems and controls and thanks to a lot of parents including and our parents, especially Mrs
previous report, six have been look forward to welcoming the Tracey Boxall working really hard to Boxall, and I have worked so hard in
implemented and six are in auditors back in 12 months time for get this done. This is something that helping to achieve this - thanks to
progress.’ a further review.” will benefit children and keep them everyone for all the support.”

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12 swindonlink.com n July 2015