Padstow School scraps Christmas tree decorating tradition

A primary school's tradition of pupils decorating their town's Christmas tree has been scrapped due to an "inadequate" Ofsted report.

Padstow School in Cornwall said it had declined to be involved due to "a commitment to ongoing improvement".

Parents said it was a "disgrace" that the school had taken away "the magic of community getting together".

They vowed to organise independent events for children to make the tree decorations as usual.

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One parent, Anna Wright, said she "couldn't believe" the "absolutely disgusting" decision.

"What's been taken away is the magic of community getting together, all because our Ofsted report was a shambles," she added.

Mother-of-three Emma George said it had been tradition for several years for pupils to make individual decorations and then hang them on the town's large Christmas tree, where they were given a free hot chocolate by a local business.

Criticising the school's head teacher, Kate Whitford, she said: "It's a disgrace, it's so sad that she wants to take this away."

In its latest inspection report, published on 17 November, Ofsted declared the school was "inadequate" and required special measures to be taken.

A school spokesperson said: "Due to an extremely busy timetable of events and activities planned between now and Christmas and a commitment to ongoing school improvement, the school has politely declined to be involved this year."

They added that the school "has always enjoyed close links with the town" and is involved in many Christmas community events.

Another parent, Emily Colwill, said she had co-organised an event next week for children to make items for the tree.

"I understand these teachers are under a lot of pressure but it's been a tradition for nine years or so that all the kids are so proud of," she said.

"We have been contacted by up to 60 people so far who want to help. I have been blown away by the community spirit."