'The beauty is behind the front cover': Inside Walsall school which has undergone 'significant changes'

They can enjoy reading their books in the school's library, which has recently undergone some changes.

Headteacher Diane Newton said: "They go in the library and we have big bean bags where they just read what books they want to read that aren't being forced upon them.

"The library was once a multi-purpose room, is now solely a library, and the children love it because it belongs to them and they love that."

Miss Newton took on the post at the Field Road school, which forms part of The Lighthouse Federation, in September last year and said the education children are being provided with has "significantly changed".

The headteacher explained: "At the school we have taken a different direction and journey from what predominantly had been and I think the main reason for that is having some ownership of the children here.

"I wanted to make school somewhere they felt proud to come and enjoyed being there."

Miss Newton said the school - which teaches pupils from Year 3 to Year 6 - has also had an "overhaul" of its curriculum, with a focus on learning both inside and outside the classroom.

For example, youngsters complete field work as part of geography lessons and carry out experiments in science.

Miss Newton said behaviour and attendance has improved at the school since September. One of the ways it encourages this is through its 'Blakenall Bank'.

Here, pupils earn tokens for attendance and behaviour and exchange them every half-term. Prizes range from a 'golden ticket' for a lunch with Miss Newton to a Google Chromebook laptop, which will take them around two years to 'save' for.

Miss Newton told the Express & Star: "It is not only promoting attendance and behaviour but equally teaching a life skill - the children love it.

"They have their own 'bank book' where they see how much they are saving and use their mathematical knowledge."

School-goers are taught to follow the 'four R's' of reflection, respect, responsibility and resilience. Upon its last inspection of the school in 2022 where it was ranked 'Good', Ofsted noted pupils "show respect" for others.

The four values can be seen on a wall in the school hall along with the colours of the four house groups, named after important figures like Thomas Telford. Miss Newton said the house groups help instil a sense of ownership and belonging in the pupils.

School-goers can also take on responsibilities such as by joining the Eco Team, which sees them pick up litter and help make changes, for example encouraging pupils to use paper straws instead of plastic. 

Miss Newton, who started her career in teaching 10 years ago having previously worked in the police and the army, said Blakenall Heath Junior School "feels like home" and described feeling as though she is working with family.

The headteacher explained: "It drives me and spurs me on every day to do even better for every child in this school. I thrive on the challenge at wanting to make the school life even better than what it has been.

“The children is what makes it special here, the parents and carers. It just feels like the children want to come here, they come here happy. The beauty is behind the front cover of this school.”