'She still belongs as part of this school and her memory is still here': Memory of tragic toddler still honoured by Black Country school ahead of bitter anniversary
The headteacher of a Black Country school where a pupil attended before moving and being killed in a school massacre has spoken of how her memory is still honoured and cherished today.
Claire Walford has spoken about how the staff and pupils of Cradley C of E Primary school still honour the memory of Charlotte Dunn on the anniversary of her death in the country's deadliest mass shooting.
Charlotte, aged five, was in a PE lesson with her classmates at Dunblane Primary School on March 13, 1996, when Thomas Hamilton burst into the school hall and started shooting. The youngster was among 16 pupils who died on the day, alongside her teacher Gwen Mayor.
The death of Charlotte was felt strongly at Cradley C of E Primary school, having lived in the Black Country and spending her reception year at the school before moving up to Scotland.
Ms Walford said she had learned a lot about Charlotte since becoming headteacher in 2024 and spoke about how she was still remembered at the school nearly 30 years later.
She said: "We have a picture of Charlotte in our corridor and, at the moment, we have been talking as a staff group about something that we can do for the 30th anniversary, such as a further tribute like an outdoor play shed or reading shed.
"It would be something that could be accessed by all of the children in her memory and there are staff here who were children in her class or who worked here at the time.
"Our school vision is 'believe, belong, be happy, every child, every chance, every day' and she still belongs as part of the school and her memory is still an integral part of that."
Ms Walford said the school had also continued to honour Charlotte's memory through the annual Charlotte Dunn Award, which is given to a child who stands out to the staff as enduring or going through and standing firm in the face of hardship.
She said there would also be a church service at St Peter's Church in her memory as well and said it meant a lot to be able to continue honouring Charlotte.
She said: "There will be an opportunity for people to come in and light a candle in her memory, then a very short prayer and Moment of Remembrance.
"The award is being handed out at the end of the month and her parents will be involved in that ceremony as they still like to contribute to the school and provide this award themselves.
"It's important to remember her and honour her memory all these years later."
