This week, children at Hunslet Moor Primary School have bid goodbye to their much loved Co-Headteacher Simon Crawford as he leaves to explore new challenges.
Mr Crawford joined the school in September 2014 from Allerton Primary in Bradford, as a Phase leader and Year 6 teacher. He quickly established himself, as a fantastic and well respected member of the team and quickly climbed through the ranks, before becoming acting head when Miss Darley was on maternity leave in 2019.
“It has been a real pleasure knowing Mr Crawford. He’s a very kind and understanding Headteacher. His hard work and dedication has been a great asset to the school. He has been ever so helpful, friendly and extremely supportive over the years and will be missed so much.” (Fozia Arif, parent)
Suddenly, this new to the role Headteacher had to lead us through the challenges of the Covid lockdowns, ensuring vulnerable children and families were supported in the best way possible. He rose to the challenge and steered us through as guidelines changed almost weekly. The school was kept open for vulnerable children, meals and computers were sourced and sent to vulnerable families and all staff and pupils at home and school were supported through those difficult times.
“Whether it be moral support, a friendly reassurance or professional assistance, Mr Simon Crawford has always embodied a figure who one can approach regardless of circumstance. The shortest encounter with Simon will bring a days worth of security and comfort: something that will certainly be missed around Hunslet Moor Primary School. Not only was he an inspirational leader, but also a friendly face who would accompany you through hardships. Speaking from personal experiences of facing difficulties due to Covid, I can assure you that Simon was the pillar that solidified our confidence and allowed us to function as smoothly as possible, maintaining our school’s incredible ethos. School was not the only place in which Simon held great importance, his presence and enthusiasm uplifted the community of Beeston, as a helping hand for the younger generation. (Haleema Ali, staff Governor)”
When Miss Darley returned from maternity leave, the two heads worked together as Co-Headteachers and have worked alongside each other ever since to create the best learning environment possible for all children.
“Mr Crawford is a very good Headteacher and he cares about all of us. He keeps us safe and always creates fun assemblies. Mr Crawford is very hard working and we will miss him.” (Emma, Year 6 and Debangsh, Year 1, school councillors)
On Tuesday (18 July 2023), a special assembly was held in Mr Crawford’s honour, attended by the whole school, parents, Governors and ex-pupils from Mr Crawford’s first year at Hunslet Moor Primary (now in their 20s!). Children entertained him with a special song that the whole school had been secretly rehearsing and video messages from all staff and children. Mr Crawford was presented with a beautiful scrap book that all classes had contributed to and an enormous cake made by our catering team. The morning finished with Hunslet Moor’s Got Talent featuring singing, dancing, gymnastics and a very special rap. The winner was Michelle from Year 4, who sang a beautiful version of Lift Me Up by Rhianna.
“Mr Crawford has been an inspirational leader during his time at Hunslet Moor. We will all miss his strong values which has kept the children at Hunslet Moor at the centre. His commitment and dedication to the pupils, parents and staff team has been unwavering in the face of numerous challenges as well as celebrations over the past 9 years.” (Emma Marshall, Chair of Governors)
Thank you for an amazing 9 years Mr Crawford and everyone at Hunslet Moor wishes you all the best in the future. Keep in touch.
This post was written by Maria Read
Main Photo: Mr Crawford working with pupild. Credit: Hunslet Moor Primary School
We encourage anyone living or working in South Leeds to use this website to tell their news. You can either use the Create an article for South Leeds Life page, or email us at: info@southleedslife.com
While you’re here, can we ask a favour?
South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we’ve been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper – up 83% in the last 12 months.
Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription?
Donate here, or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe
Mr Crawford , you have been a blessing to myself and my granddaughter. You have always understood her difficulties and never ever raised your voice . You will be sadly missed by many. But we wish you luck in your new job and hope you continue with success.