New head to take the helm at primary school

A NEW head teacher has been appointed at a troubled Hinckley primary school.

David Harding will take up the role at Hinckley Parks Primary School in April 2018, at the start of the Summer term.

Previous head Cath Allison left in September 2017 after the school received a warning notice by Leicestershire County Council for poor key stage one performance.

A number of parents had raised concerns about their children’s education while others removed their children from the school to send them elsewhere.

Mr Harding will move from his current role as executive head teacher at Race Leys Junior School in Bedworth and at Park Lane Primary School in Nuneaton.

Rae Cresswell, chair of governors at Hinckley Parks Primary, said: “Following a rigorous selection process we are delighted to announce the governors’ decision to appoint Mr Harding as our new head teacher.

“We were impressed by the quality of all the candidates we interviewed.

“We believe that Mr Harding will be an inspirational leader for Hinckley Parks, who will ensure every pupil receives the very best education we can provide.”

Mr Harding said: “It is with immense excitement, pride and pleasure that I introduce myself to you all.

“I now feel the timing is per- fect for me to embrace a new challenge and lead Hinckley Parks to become the outstanding school that the children and the community deserves.

“Leaving my current role has been a difficult decision to make as I genuinely love my job.

“However, I am looking forward to building new relationships with the community, parents, pupils and staff in order to lead Hinckley Parks to future success.”

An investigation by the local authority in 2016 over concerns senior members of staff at the school were involved in bullying, including Ms Allison, found no evidence of deliberate bullying.

However, it said relationships between senior management needed to improve.