During a visit to Yew Tree Primary in West Bromwich today (Wednesday 21 September), Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children and education, Councillor Simon Hackett, saw a wide range of school projects in action.

Pupils, parents, carers and staff are this week donating tins, packets and household products for a harvest collection that will be used in the school food bank to help local families.

As well as seeing this growing collection, Councillor Hackett also explored Yew Tree’s Forest School outdoor learning area and its farm and allotments.

Councillor Hackett said: “It was inspiring to hear about the work at Yew Tree Primary, especially around the school’s green initiatives and its support for the local community in identifying and addressing the impact of poverty issues.

“It was wonderful to tour the school and to meet pupils and staff to listen to them and learn about all the opportunities offered on the curriculum at Yew Tree, from Spanish to music tuition.

“I also had the chance to meet parents and carers during a session working with Year 6 pupils. It was really interesting to get an insight into their experiences.”

Yew Tree Primary is fast-improving school, having received a ‘Good’ Ofsted inspection in October 2021, less than three years after an ‘Inadequate’ inspection.

Head Teacher Jamie Barry said he was proud of the progress the school is making and pleased to have the opportunity to show Councillor Hackett around the school and discuss important issues.

Topics discussed included the growing demand for supporting pupils with special education needs and disabilities and how the school works with the council to ‘poverty proof’ the school day.

Mr Barry said: “We are looking to grow opportunities in Yew Tree and across Sandwell to help address poverty and raise aspirations for everyone to reach their full potential.”