PRIMARY school children and staff of the Ribblesdale Federation of schools are due to bid a fond farewell to headteacher Sara Binns at the end of the summer term.

Currently, headteacher at Hellifield Primary School, Mrs Binns is a ‘popular, well respected teacher held in high regard by her colleagues, parents, governors and children’, say her former and current colleagues.

She has taught in several schools across North Yorkshire during her career, starting at Gargrave Primary School, before moving on to Starbeck Primary in Harrogate and then, deputy headteacher at High Bentham Primary School.

Many former pupils from Gargrave, Bentham or Hellifield will remember Mrs Binns, who until January, last year, had a large teaching commitment as well as further developing the Ribblesdale Federation - Giggleswick, Long Preston and Hellifield primary schools.

She has been part of the North Craven Cluster of Schools, maintaining close links with Settle College to ensure a smooth transition for pupils as they moved from primary to secondary school.

In her years as headteacher at Hellifield and more recently as co- headteacher within the Ribblesdale Federation, she has worked hard to put the education and wellbeing of the children first, and she will be sadly missed by everyone.

Although still in its infancy, the federation has progressed a long way in two years, continuing to provide a warm, child orientated environment for all of the families involved, with Mrs Binns playing an integral part.

Her current and former colleagues said: “Unfortunately, due to current restrictions, we are not able to hold our usual gathering when a member of staff leaves, but we hope to invite Sara back to Hellifield school, at some point during the autumn term, to say goodbye with family, colleagues and friends. Meantime, we say a big thank you and wish her all the best, as she follows new and exciting adventures in the future.

Elizabeth Martin will continue as executive headteacher of the Ribblesdale Federation in the Autumn term and a new federation executive headteacher is due to start in January, next year.