‘What a happy ending to a rubbish situation’ – Headteacher of Hasting Hill Academy thanks the community after the school was trashed by yobs

The headteacher of Hasting Hill Academy, Natalie Fountain has thanked for community for their efforts after the school was targeted by vandals earlier this month.

Windows were smashed, mud smeared across school property and projects that children had made themselves were damaged in the attack.

At the time, Miss Fountain described it as “mindless vandalism” and spoke of the cost that the repeated attacks were having on the school.

In a Facebook post on the school’s official page, Natalie has expressed her thanks to everyone for their help during the difficult time.

She said: “Thank you so much for everyone's kind and supportive comments regarding the vandalism our school suffered last week.

“Myself and the staff were humbled at how the community pulled together and were proactive in getting things back to normal for the pupils at Hasting Hill.

“The security currently on site are working hard to keep our building safe out of hours.”

She also thanked Chelsie Mitchell for setting up a fundraiser which has so far raised £1,040 to cover some of the costs caused by the damage.

Another parent, Natasha Johnson was thanked for putting the school in touch with various CCTV companies and ward Councillor Debra Waller has arranged for the school’s broken window is set to be replaced at no cost.

Coun Waller said: “There have been some incredible acts of kindness from people and businesses in the area, which shows that – despite the mindless actions of a tiny minority – this is a place with a real sense of community cohesion. It really does restore your faith, and hopefully this is just the start of breathing new life into our ward.

“It’s great to see our community pull together again like we have done through the recent pandemic.”

Miss Fountain added: “What a happy ending to a rubbish situation.”

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