THE top priority for the newly-appointed head of Hartlebury CE Primary School is to open up life-enhancing experiences to pupils following the restrictions of the covid pandemic.

After 19 years’ service at the Severn Academies Educational Trust school, Sophie Bartlett, said she was “delighted” to take on the new role.

The former class 1 teacher and special educational needs co-ordinator said: “I have high aspirations for our pupils and in the wake of the pandemic our priority is to provide them with more enrichment activities through which they thrive.”

Mrs Bartlett is also keen to bring the community back into the school and, in a new development, is opening their forest school for parent and toddler sessions in March.

She said: “The demand for this has been unprecedented and we are so excited. We expected around 8 but have upwards of 40 booked in already.

“I would like to welcome parents to come and see our beautiful grounds and the wonderful work that our staff and children are involved in here, especially those looking for pre-school nursery places.”

For next month’s science week, pupils will take part in fossil workshops and have a visit from a life-size animatronic dinosaur.

Mrs Bartlett is also hoping to attract funding for new playground equipment for early years children and create a garden for pupils to promote their mental and social wellbeing.

Caroline Unitt, executive headteacher of Hartlebury and Wilden All Saints CE Primary, said: “Mrs Bartlett brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the new head of school role and has always been a fantastic asset to the school. I’m thrilled to be working so closely with her and look forward to more exciting and successful times ahead for all of our wonderful school community.”

Chris King, trust chief executive, added: “Mrs Bartlett was up against a strong field of candidates and her passion, ambition and ability shone through."