Long-serving headteacher suspended

A long-serving headteacher has been suspended from her role at a Burntwood primary school.

Helen Poole, who has been in charge of Highfields Primary School on Elder Lane since the 1990s, was suspended earlier this month. Education bosses have refused to disclose reasons for the suspension.

But a statement issued by Staffordshire County Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for children, councillor Ian Parry, confirmed the decision.

It read: "The headteacher at Highfields Primary has been suspended pending an investigation. The Governing Body has put other temporary arrangements in place for the day-to-day running of the school.

"Our primary concern is to ensure that there is no effect on the children's education."

A message from the governors posted on the school's website said: "Miss Poole will be away from school for the next few weeks and we would like to clarify that this is not due to illness."

A parent at the school, who asked not to be identified, believed the suspension has left parents stunned.

The parent said: "She had been absent for about a month and questions were being asked as to what had happened to her. I have always found her very fair and approachable, parents could just walk in to discuss issues.

"She's been there for more than 10 years now and is well-established."

The 224-pupil school was inspected by Ofsted in December. Inspectors concluded the school was satisfactory in its overall effectiveness and its capacity for sustained improvement.

But it also stated: "Since the last inspection, the school has been through a difficult few years during which staff turnover was high."

Miss Poole, who lives in Aldridge, opted not to comment.