A BRAND new primary academy which opened three months ago has been receiving good feedback from parents, says its head.

Staynor Hall Academy in Selby is run by York-based Ebor Academy Trust and opened in September.

Now, one term in, reports back from the school community has hailed its “brilliant teamwork” and “excellent standard of teaching”.

Gail Brown is executive head teacher at the school.

She said: “With a brand new school, starting from scratch is easier.

“It means we have started the way we mean to go on.”

Ms Brown said that innovations that are proving popular include an online, interactive community where class teachers can communicate directly with parents using a smartphone app.

The paperless environment means messages get out quickly and the school knows they have been read, or not.

She also said all children take part in compulsory “family dining” where they take it in turns to serve each other on tables, eating set menus alongside teachers to encourage a sense of belonging.

Julia Booth, mum of five-year-old Benjamin, said: “I am really impressed with the school so far.

“When he started school, Benjamin could not hold a pencil.

“He is now coming home and writing his name and spelling a lot of the words he is learning at school without any encouragement.

“The best thing is the fact that he seems to enjoy it, and it is great to see him grow in confidence.”

Aquilla Softley, mum of two-year-old Harrison, said the school and its Tiny Steps provision was “a breath of fresh air”.

She said: “Harry went from not liking being separated from me, to not stopping talking about school and his friends.

“Moving my little boy here has been the best decision I made and I couldn’t praise the school enough.”

Hannah Tasker, is parent to James, aged seven, Lily, aged five and Amy, three.

She said: “I have previously volunteered as a school parent governor, and the knowledge I gained around primary education and the things I have seen so far in school, I would say good luck at working towards an ‘outstanding’ OFSTED judgement.”

She went on to say: “From what I have seen already, I think you are well on your way.”

With its headquarters in York, Ebor Academy Trust currently comprises Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy in Strensall and Haxby Road Primary Academy within the city.

There are also four other schools across Yorkshire in the group including Staynor Hall.