Coventry school apologises for message that ‘shames children and parents’

An under-fire Coventry school has apologised after a fuming parent lashed out over a message sent to pupils about an upcoming day trip. The parent branded the communication to Year 10 pupils at Ash Green School as ‘unacceptable’.

The message, sent last week, was about an end-of-year visit of Drayton Manor theme park in Staffordshire. 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 told CoventryLive the message ‘clearly shames the children and their parents struggling the most during the cost of living crisis’. “The audacity to shame children and parents whilst being under investigation by Ofsted is staggering,” they said.

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Creative Education Trust, which runs the Ash Green Lane school, was hit with a government termination warning notice after the school’s recent ‘Inadequate’ rating by Ofsted. Inspectors highlighted poor behaviour from pupils, low attendance rates and ineffective management.

“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.”