'Our high standards, superb teaching and friendly faces'

Creating a warm family atmosphere at a primary where there are more than 650 pupils and more than 40 different languages spoken might seem like a tall order.

But for Chris Hassall, who has been head at Taylor Road Primary for the past 16 years, it is something he takes in his stride.

He says making sure children and their families feel welcome and happy in the school environment is very important to him.

He said: "People assume a school of this size is impersonal, but the friendly atmosphere is something parents, children, and other visitors comment on whenever they come here.

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"Some say it's been made easy by the fact we've had £11 million spent on a new school, but actually, it was like that in our previous building, a converted shoe factory.

"I've never had a problem selling this place to parents. They like what they see – high standards, superb teaching, excellent behaviour and lots of friendly faces."

The school has assigned Debbie Monzack to the specific post of helping children and parents settle in.

Welcome packs are available in the main community languages and there are translators on hand to assist newcomers. Among the 40-plus languages spoken at the school are Somali, Gujarati, Urdu, and Swahili.

Mrs Monzack said: "I started this role about seven years ago and it's grown and grown. I think the job's essential in making sure our youngsters settle in well. When you don't speak the language it can be daunting just knowing where to go for lunch, but we find they soon do and hopefully I'm a part of that.

"Every child has a language buddy in their class – another child who speaks the same language – and we give a free school uniform sweatshirt so they can feel part of the family from day one.

Mr Hassall said: "Debbie makes a difference to new children, particularly when you might have a child who has spent time in a refugee camp and they suddenly find themselves at a city primary."

The school day at Taylor Road begins at 7.30am with a breakfast club, where children can eat as much toast, cereal and eggs as they like. It starts early to make it convenient for as many parents as possible as part of their working day and is available at a nominal price of just 10p a day.

Mr Hassall said: "I know some schools charge as much as £2 or more a day, but I think that's far too much. Many children miss out if you overcharge.

"All the school's children are welcome to a "wake up and shake up" PE session. We also have more than 30 after-school clubs from football to hockey, from knitting to a film club."

The school also provides a free Saturday morning complementary school when more than 200 children have extra lessons in English and maths and an hour of sports and computing.

All music and swimming lessons are also free.

"Every child is able to experience everything that happens in the school and cost is never a barrier," said Mr Hassall.

School trips and visits are heavily subsidised by the school governors. In the past, Taylor Road has organised "non residential residentials" when children enjoy outdoor activities such as canoeing and rock climbing but return to St Matthew's each evening. "That's the way our parents wanted it and we have been happy to oblige," said Mr Hassall. "Schools don't exist in a vacuum. They need to consider the needs of the community they serve. That's why we are successful."

Parent Amina Dagia, from St Matthew's, has a seven year old son, Zakariya, and a nine year old daughter, Amani

"She said: "Taylor Road is an outstanding school. I know achievement is high and children get lots of support through homework, Saturday and after-school clubs. The staff are very approachable."

Reshma Khan, from St Matthew's, agreed. She has a five year old son Naser at Taylor Road and a seven year old daughter, Maleeha. She said: "My children love going to school."