SUMMERFIELDS Primary School has a new headteacher ­— and it's someone with a wealth of teaching experience and strong Isle of Wight roots.

Mel Gartell has taken the reins, and she has more than 25 years of teaching experience and 21 years in senior leadership to bring to her new role.

Schooled at All Saints Primary, West Wight Middle and Carisbrooke High School, Mel was the first in her family to go to university.

She achieved a first-class degree in maths and education at King Alfred’s College, Winchester, and later secured a master's degree at the University of Winchester.

Mel grew up on the Island, with her parents owning a guest house at Colwell.

She worked previously as deputy head at Anstey Junior School, Alton, and deputy head at All Saints and Haylands Primary School.

She was also acting head at Haylands for a term, and has taught all ages from reception up to Year 6.

Mel is an advocate of early reading, and a firm believer that every child should learn to read well for pleasure, but also in order to research and further develop their own interests.

"Reception children should be given the best possible start," said Mel, who is a mother and step-mother herself.

"Children are like sponges, and are so excited about learning new things.

"All children are unique, and I believe in parent-partnership right through primary school to make the best possible learning journey for a child.

"I'm also very keen on outdoor learning, and the forest school zone at Summerfields is amazing.

"I’ve always wanted to become a headteacher, and Summerfields is the perfect opportunity.

"There are so many wonderful things about the school already ­— the grounds, the refurbishment, the family-feel of the school, the amount of space, but I also have desires and plans to make the site even better."

The school is running a series of open days on November 3, 15 and 16.

For further details, call 525058 or email office@summerfields.iow.sch.uk