IT might be one of Tynedale’s oldest and smallest schools, but Whitfield Primary is not exactly humdrum.

The 250-year-old school is self-sufficient, has its own wind turbine, a grass roof and access to spring water.

Children can grow their own rhubarb and watch pheasants from within the confines of their community garden.

And the colourful main corridor demonstrates that the school’s pupils have an eye for arts and crafts.

Yet despite its exciting appearance, and a cheerily-positive atmosphere among pupils and staff, Whitfield Primary School is fighting for its future.

It’s been in special measures for two years, having been the subject of seven damning Ofsted inspections.

Following the publication of the latest critical report last month, governors were told that it must either close or become an academy.

Parents and other community figures have come out in support of the school, claiming Ofsted’s conclusion does not match their collective view of Whitfield as an ideal learning environment.

Now the community-led Whitfield School Working Group believes the school could still have a viable future, either as an academy or as a free school.

Headteacher Erica Carter invited the Hexham Courant inside for a tour, and insisted the school is not failing.

She said: “Everyone has their own picture of what a failing school is, and that’s certainly not Whitfield.

“It costs nothing to run, the building is structurally sound, we have talented teachers and staff who are committed to the education of the children, and the parents are very much on board.

“I’m not saying that we’re perfect. We are aware that improvement has been required in some areas and we’ve made a lot of changes.

“I’ve come into this school and found that there’s nothing which can’t be put right.”

Mrs Carter joined Whitfield in June last year from Ponteland Middle School, inheriting a school which has struggled since making the conversion from a first to a primary school in 2013.

When she arrived, Year 1 and 2 pupils were based in one of Whitfield’s two main classrooms, with Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 in the other.

Now there is more of a balance, with younger pupils, aged four, five and six, in one classroom and older scholars, currently up to the age of eight, in the other.

Mrs Carter added: “It works much better now. The teachers work with the pupils on a wide range of subjects, from reading and maths to science, and we bring in specialist teachers for music, PE and languages.

“The current set-up enables more focus on specific age groups, and we can work more closely on personal development.

“We have ability groups for learning areas such as phonics and spelling.

“The classrooms have doors which open out onto the field and we have lots of outdoor space.

“There’s a community garden, a vegetable patch and a polytunnel and the children regularly see pheasants.

“It’s all part of growing up in a rural school.

“As well as academic learning, it’s about improving life skills and developing the children as people.

“We have standards here, and the level of teaching must be the same as any school judged to be ‘outstanding’.”

There are currently 40 pupils at Whitfield, with two more pupils set to join next month.

Mrs Carter said: “It’s a vote of confidence in our school that we are set to welcome new pupils, even though Ofsted’s findings are public knowledge.”

Pupils enjoy a wide range of themed activities, from Chinese New Year to World Book Day.

They also have a gardening club, with some parents volunteering their services to help run activities.

Mrs Carter added: “The school just needs time. We are well aware of Ofsted’s conclusions, but we believe improvement is happening constantly here.

“The staff have been brilliant; they have continued to stay positive in spite of several setbacks.”

joseph.tulip@hexham-courant.co.uk