A WINSFORD special school head teacher has been branded as ‘inspirational’ by the chair of governors who put his retirement on hold to oversee her development.

Last year Peter Gaskell, 66, was pondering retiring as chairman of governors for Hebden Green School in Winsford, after 24 years in the post.

However he decided to hold off his retirement to oversee the development of new head teacher Alison Ashley, 37, who has worked at the school since 2000.

Since she took the reins, Alison has overseen three Ofsted inspections, with all three assessments granting the school ‘outstanding’ status.

“I wanted to escape,” Mr Gaskell, who was recently appointed as the chair of a national special schools advisory group, said.

“But then she came along and I thought I would just stick around and help her along over the next couple of years, and it really has been a pleasure.

“She’s the new kid on the block, and she’s been absolutely remarkable. It’s been a privilege to work with her. The three inspections we’ve had really speaks volumes for her leadership qualities.

“Alison has been a true inspiration. She really is a bit special.”

Hebden Green School teaches children between 2-19 years with a broad range of physical disabilities, medical needs and associated learning difficulties in Cheshire.

The school say it is their mission to ‘provide an outstanding blend of education, therapy and care to maximise our pupils’ whole potential’.

Alison, from Nantwich, admits the job hasn’t been easy, but is thankful to have a group of dedicated staff to call upon.

“We work very hard with the local community and our staff to make sure the children get the best possible care and education they can get,” Alison said.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved here. How many people can say they love their jobs? People tend not to move on because they love it here.”

Alison says she plans to stay at the school for many more years to come and admits there is always room for improvement.

“Of course we can still improve,” she said. “You’re only as good as today and it’s about making sure the excellence is running through the veins of the school, which I believe does with Hebden Green.”