THE headteacher of Churchfields School, Lynne Dunford, has been forced to hand over the reigns to her deputy after going on extended sick leave.

Steve Flavin has now become acting headteacher at least until Christmas and possibly beyond.

He will be supported in that role by an associate headteacer, Pauline Monaghan, who is a senior officer at Swindon Council's education department.

Mrs Dunford is understood to have suffered ill health for some time and is now said to be resting at home with her family.

The decision for Mr Flavin to temporarily take over her responsibilities was decided at a meeting of the governing body on Thursday.

In a statement to the Evening Advertiser, Mr Flavin said: "I hope that during my time as acting head Lynne Dunford makes a full and speedy recovery.

"I'm delighted that the governing body of Churchfields School has entrusted me with the privilege of leading the school in developing and building upon our achievements."

Mrs Dunford took over as headteacher shortly before the school was placed in special measures by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) in January 2000.

It is still in special measures and is expecting another visit by Her Majesty's Inspectors (HMI) next month to monitor its progress.