Mallard Primary School gets off to a flying start
Mallard Primary School, in Balby, got off to a flying start at the beginning of the new school year in its fantastic new purpose built premises.

Rosie Winterton MP, officially opened the doors of the new Mallard Primary School on June 23rd 2006. The opening event included a welcome assembly, a ribbon cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion. A special assembly was held in the school hall, which was also attended by Dorothy Chamberlain, Chair of Governors and Mark Eales, Director of Education Standards.
In 2003, Ambler and Nightingale Primary schools originally amalgamated to become Mallard and functioned as a split-site school. All facilities are now on the site that was originally Ambler Junior School. The new build and refurbishment of Mallard has created a safe and tranquil haven in which children can learn, play and develop.
Mallard Primary has many new and updated features including a purpose built foundation stage area, state of the art interactive boards in all classrooms, as well as dedicated music and art rooms and a brand new IT suite. Links between the school and the local community are central to its success, and as a South Yorkshire E-Learning School with Microsoft Academy Status, it welcomes members of the community through its doors. Parents are able to use the exceptional facilities as part of the school’s family learning programmes, which are proving to be a great success.
The 2005 OfSTED inspection recognised the good start pupils at Mallard are given and the caring nature of the support the school gives to disadvantaged children. Inspectors also praised the good links established with other schools, the community and parents.
The school develops a caring nature in children, who are responsive to other people’s needs; to respect others, to work in co-operation, developing tolerance and understanding thus reinforcing a child’s spiritual, moral, cultural and social responsibility. Emphasis is placed on the development of self-discipline and personal organisation.
Dorothy Skelley has been Headteacher at the school for the last four years. “I am very proud to be Headteacher at Mallard Primary and am fortunate to have such a strong and dedicated staff, who work hard for the benefit of the children” she said. “We are also incredibly lucky to have Dorothy Chamberlain as our Head of Governors. Staff, governors and parents all work together as a team to ensure that the right climate is provided in which children can thrive. Each child is encouraged to become independent and responsible and to take an active part in his or her own learning. We are really pleased with pupils from both sites, who have settled into the new school wonderfully and have made a real effort to work well together.” Dorothy continued, “I really do like the children. They are polite and well mannered and I am enormously proud of the pupils that pass through our school.”

Mallard Primary School
Cedar Road, Balby, DONCASTER DN4 9HU
Telephone: 01302 859116
Email: admin@mallard.doncaster.sch.uk
Web: www.mallard.doncaster.sch.uk