New era for Staffordshire primary school

Pye Green Valley Primary marked becoming Pye Green Academy on 1 October with a day of celebrations.

The school, in Hednesford, is now under the sponsorship of the Education Central Multi-Academy Trust (ECMAT), an organisation within the University of Wolverhampton.

The school celebrated the special day by releasing 600 balloons, one for each child, staff member and governor, and also representing the school’s new logo.

During the day the children were helped by their teachers to explore the new logo through art, poetry, dance and mathematics, and to enable them to form a relationship with, and an understanding of, their new academy.

Headteacher Kevin Butlin said: “The launch of the new academy was a momentous day for Pye Green; a new beginning for a successful and respected school as it re-focuses under a different system of governance.

“The decision to convert to an academy with Education Central Multi Academy Trust was taken by the governing body with the full support of the staff and wider school community, with the belief that it was the best way to enable us to realise the full potential of our school and its pupils. The connection with the University of Wolverhampton is central to this aspiration.”

Mr Butlin added that the new logo, a tree, is representative of Cannock Chase, the area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the edge of where the academy stands, as well as the academy’s children and the diversity of the school community.

Sir Geoff Hampton, Chief Executive of Education Central Multi Academy Trust, said: “We are delighted Pye Green has joined our growing family of academy schools.

“Pye Green provides a welcoming and caring environment for children to learn and develop, and we look forward to working with the staff and governors as the academy continues to support pupils to fulfil their potential.”

ECMAT is part of the University and works with schools to improve achievements and attainment and is an approved Department for Education academy sponsor.

ENDS

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736.

Date Issued: Thursday, 09 October 2014