A school, that is in hot water due a message sent to pupils about an incoming trip, has apologised. Ash Green School in Coventry displayed the message to Year 10 students about an end-of-year trip to Alton Towers.
It said: "Any pupil who complains about the price, the answer is simple, you don't need to go on the trip. You have had so much given to you, don't expect everything to be given to you in life." One parent said: "The audacity to shame children and parents whilst being under investigation by Ofsted is staggering."
Creative Education Trust, which runs the school, was issued with a government termination warning notice following its 'inadequate' Ofsted rating. Inspectors highlighted poor behaviour from pupils, low attendance rates and ineffective management, Coventry Live reports.
"Too often, behaviour at Ash Green School is disorderly and unsettled," their report said. "Leaders have not ensured that pupils behave well. Some pupils do not show respect, courtesy and good manners and do not follow the instructions of staff. At times, this leads to a chaotic atmosphere.
"Leaders have not instilled an inclusive culture. Some pupils pick on others with a different race, sexual orientation or religion. Although pupils are encouraged and taught how to report bullying, some pupils do not, because they feel it will worsen. Leaders do not deal with this."
The parent who told CoventryLive about the message says it was displayed on monitors inside classrooms as part of a Tutor Notices bulletin. "If nothing else the tone is threatening and unacceptable," the parent, who asked not to be named, said. "It pretty much follows exactly what Ofsted said about the school."
It is thought the content of the message might have referred in part to the fact Year 10 pupils were invited to a field trip 12 months ago, when they were in Year 9, that was subsidised by the school. A spokesperson for Ash Green School said: "We apologise for the tone of this message, which in no way reflects our values.
"We have also apologised to the parent who contacted us directly regarding this message. Ash Green School had in fact previously written to parents to ask them to get in touch if there were any financial barriers to their child attending the trip.
"We work hard to be an inclusive and welcoming school and want all students to be able to benefit from the range of experiences and opportunities we offer. We will be ensuring that all communications to student tutor groups, where appropriate, are reviewed by senior leaders in future."
