The strategic director of children’s services at Bradford Council made her last school visit to a primary that has seen a major turn around in fortunes.

Kath Tunstall steps down from the role early next month, and her visit to Peel Park Primary School, Peel Park Drive, yesterday, marked the last time she would visit one of the hundreds of schools she helps run.

Just a few years ago the school was in special measures, and the head teacher, Lloyd Mason Edwards, said Mrs Tunstall has been instrumental in helping the school improve.

Pupils gave her a farewell gift – a painting of City Park by art teacher Lynne Dobson and her art class.

Mr Mason Edwards said: “She has worked really well in partnership with the heads of schools. We wanted her to see the difference to the school since we were placed in special measures. Standards here have really improved. We have been on one big journey of improvement and we thanked her for helping us achieve it.”

Mrs Tunstall said: “I want to say how delighted and privileged I was to be given such a beautiful and thoughtful gift by the children.”

Mrs Tunstall retires on March 7. Her replacement, Michael Jameson, former executive director at Oldham Council, takes over full-time on March 17 after working at the Council on a limited basis in recent weeks.