An 'inspirational' headteacher has been chosen to spearhead a national programme supporting disadvantaged children.

Dame Reena Keeble, head of Cannon Lane Primary School, in Cannonbury Avenue, Pinner, was appointed an Achievement for All ambassador at ceremony.

The programme ensures disadvantaged children do not fall behind and they are given extra coaching in reading, writing and maths.

Dame Keeble becomes one of 18 new ambassadors chosen by the Achievement for All 3A’s charity, which runs the scheme.

She said: “To have been asked to be an Achievement for All Headteacher Ambassador is a great honour and reflects the teamwork of our school.

“It is so important to share strategies and ideas which could make a difference to young people beyond our school.”

More than 1,900 schools are now using the Achievement for All schools programme.

Professor Sonia Blandford, founder and chief executive of Achievement for All 3As, said: “Through the inspirational leadership of Dame Reena and her deputy headteacher Chris Richmond, Cannon Lane has fully embraced a whole-school approach to Achievement for All.

“All staff have a shared vision of high expectations and all parents and carers are engaged in termly structured conversation with teachers. Cannon Lane has shared its expertise widely by hosting visits, speaking at conferences and through the deputy supporting other Achievement for All schools as a coach.”