A HEADLEY headmistress has defended her decision to seek financial help from local businesses.

But Helena Rees, of Holme Primary School, has also written to Headley Parish Council apologising for any offence she may have caused.

As reported in The Herald last week, the council criticised Miss Rees' decision to send out letters to local businesses asking for funding to make refurbishments to the school.

Councillors were alarmed about the implied health and safety ramifications and were also concerned that the county council would get the impression that by holding back on funding, schools would be willing to get help from businesses, and would therefore be less likely to seek grants.

Miss Rees was quick to point out that the money would go towards a facelift for the school and that none of the work she says is necessary concerns health and safety issues.

She believes there is nothing unsafe about the school, but it does need a makeover.

"I believe that the environment in which we work is extremely important. It is far more difficult to work productively, or indeed learn in an environment which is shabby, dull, and boring with resources which are outdated," Miss Rees said.

She has defended her plea for financial aid, saying that many teachers are having to be pro-active and turn to external sources for extra funding to raise the profile of schools.

Some schools are fortunate enough to have affluent parents who are able to donate money for the upkeep of the school but Holme school does not have that luxury, she said.

"People forget that there are pockets of deprivation in this area. For the children who need it most there isn't the money."

Miss Rees is determined to make Holme Primary School one of the best in the area. In order to fulfil its potential she feels that the interior must look as good as the exterior.

She told The Herald: "When parents come and see the school, they don't see the great teaching, they will remember how the school is presented."

Miss Rees has already improved the reception area and would now like to re-paint and re-carpet the classrooms.

The matter will be discussed further at the next full Headley parish council meeting on Monday, November 8, when all members of the public are welcome to attend.