Erdington’s MP and other invited guests helped celebrate Court Farm Primary School officially joining Broadleaf Partnership Trust at a special event last week.

Paulette Hamilton helped cut the ribbon to mark the Tedbury Crescent based school becoming the 5th member of the Trust, marking the end of a near year long process for the historic school leaving local authority control to access the support and benefits provided by Broadleaf.

Trustees, Governors, representatives from the other schools in the partnership and Trust staff descended on the school to meet and greet Court Farm staff, whilst pupils were given balloons and stickers to help the party atmosphere.

The school was also presented with a specially commissioned memento, made from reclaimed and recycled wood by Sutton Coldfield based Jericho Enterprise, helping to signify our joint commitment to sustainability as we ‘Grow Together’.

Broadleaf Chief Executive Claire Prichard says it’s the start of something special:

“I was very pleased to be able to officially welcome Court Farm to our Trust through the vehicle of this wonderful event that brought so many different stakeholders together. It was fabulous to see all of our schools represented, visibly demonstrating our value of alliance. As Court Farm become an integral part of our Trust, not only will they  benefit from a wider network of support, they will also bring their unique strengths and insights to our table for the benefit of all of our learners.”

Headteacher Madeleine Bromley believes it’s a fresh start for all involved:

“It’s been a long process transitioning into the Trust but we have said all along that we were doing this for the benefit of the children, so to see them so involved and included in the welcome event is a really good start for the future. Serving our community and the families within it is always our main focus and we firmly believe the benefits of being a part of Broadleaf will help us greatly.”

Amongst the invited guests was Malcolm Shaw MBE, a long time benefactor of the school who met his wife Marlene at Court Farm when they were both aged just five years old. Mr Shaw donated 2 framed pictures to mark the occasion, just months after gifting the school £400 to provide support with year 7 uniform.

He was the guest of honour at a special staff lunch that also included Labour MP Paulette Hamilton, who was delighted to help mark the occasion:

“It was a pleasure to join the staff and pupils of Court Farm Primary for their celebration event. I had the honour of officially cutting the ribbon to welcome the school into Broadleaf Partnership Trust and wish the school and Trust all the best for the future.”

Labour MP for Erdington Paulette Hamilton is joined by Broadleaf Chief Executive Claire Pritchard (left) and Court Farm Headteacher Mrs Madeleine Bromley (right)