Children from ten primary schools across Teesside and County Durham came together recently (7 June) to demonstrate their sporting talents.

Pupils from Ad Astra Academy Trust schools met up for the day-long sports event at Middlesbrough Sports Village where they competed in a range of events including running, long jump, hurdles and distance throwing.

Pete Wiley and Helen Durnion, School Improvement Leads with Ad Astra, helped co-ordinate the event.

Pete Wiley said: “We organise regular collaborative events for our schools and the sports event was a huge success.

“All of the pupils showed their determination to succeed. They gave their all and competed in a very respectful manner.

“One of our primary schools (Ayresome) hold their annual sports day at Middlesbrough Sports Village so we modelled their programme and it worked really well.

“Performing at such a notable regional sporting venue like Middlesbrough Sports Village can only help inspire our pupils to achieve high in their chosen sports.”

Around 150 youngsters aged between 7 and 11 took part in the event and they all received a medal.

A rosette was also awarded to a child from each school who was judged to best reflect the Ad Astra Academy Trust STARS (Support, Togetherness, Achieve, Respect, Success) values.

The ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust are Sunnyside and Ayresome in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “This was a wonderful event, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to its success.

“As a Trust we encourage our pupils to participate in sport and physical activity as part of our overall approach to promote healthy lifestyles.

“Events like this are also important because they provide an opportunity for our children to meet their counterparts from other schools.”

 

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and 525 employees in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool.

A Hartlepool primary school has been recognised by a national body for its commitment to spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

A Hartlepool primary school has been judged to be “good” following a recent visit from Ofsted.

Inspectors visited West Park Primary School in Coniscliffe Road on 24/25 April 2024 as part of Ofsted’s national programme of school inspection.

The Ofsted report says: “West Park Primary School continues to be a good school. Staff are proud to work at the school. They create a happy environment where pupils attend highly, enjoy learning and are safe.

“Pupils enjoy attending West Park Primary School. The school has high expectations for pupils.

“Pupils behave very well in lessons and are quick to settle to their learning. Pupils are inquisitive. This helps them meet the high academic standards the school has for them. Pupils achieve well in end of key stage tests and assessments.

Pupils enjoy the range of clubs on offer. They appreciate clubs such as guitar, gardening and art club. They enjoy helping their younger peers in the school.

“Pupils value the care they receive from adults. On the rare occasions that bullying happens, the school takes swift and effective action. Pupils are safe in this kind and caring school.”

The school curriculum also comes in for praise.

“The school has carefully considered the broad curriculum that pupils study. Frequent opportunities to revisit previous learning ensure that pupils recall knowledge well.

“Pupils learn to read quickly. Highly trained adults teach pupils the skills they need to be effective readers. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) experience the same high-quality support.

“The school accurately identifies pupils who need extra help. Pupils catch-up quickly if they fall behind. This is due to effective intervention.

“Adults in the school recognise the care that is being taken to support their workload and well-being. The school, trust and local academy committee ensure that this is a priority.”

West Park is home to 347 pupils between the age of three and 11 and is one of ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “This is a positive report, and I am delighted that the school has maintained its “good” Ofsted rating.

“I would like to thank staff, pupils, parents/carers and everyone else involved at West Park for their continued hard work.”

Ofsted’s Lead Inspector for the visit was Andrew Gibbins.

Unusually, the school has one or two places in Reception class for September 2024. For further details, contact Nicola Pearce at the school.

The other primary schools within Ad Astra are Barnard Grove, Brougham and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in Durham.

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and over 500 employees.

Click on the link below to view the Ofsted report in full

10297412 – West Park Primary School

Headteacher Paul Newton (left) is welcomed by Andy Brown OBE

 

Two Durham primary schools have joined one of the North-East’s most successful academy trusts.

Deaf Hill Primary School in Trimdon and Kelloe Primary School joined Ad Astra Academy Trust on 1 March 2024, bringing the total number of primary schools under its umbrella to ten.

Deaf Hill and Kelloe primary schools worked closely together previously as part of a primary federation and Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust is delighted to have them onboard.

He said: “I am delighted that we have expanded the Trust to incorporate Deaf Hill and Kelloe primary schools. Both schools have lots of qualities and they share the values of the Trust.

“It will enable us to enhance the excellent collaborative work across the Trust and embrace schools in Durham for the first time.”

Paul Newton, Headteacher of Deaf Hill and Kelloe Primary Federation said: “Our Federation is very excited to join Ad Astra Academy Trust. We are two successful schools in County Durham keen to embark on the next, exciting phase of school development.

“We are aware that Ad Astra is a Trust that is hugely supportive, while allowing schools to retain their individual characteristics that make them special – something which appeals to us greatly.

“We have chosen Ad Astra Academy Trust for many reasons. They live and breathe their ‘to the stars’ motto and it is clear that every Ad Astra school is committed to improving the experiences and standards of all children.

“We are also very excited to be part of a diverse and vibrant group of schools – to learn from their exceptional practice, but also to share our expertise and talents. Ad Astra embraces all of its schools – supporting and challenging when needed and we feel it is an organisation we will be proud to be part of.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley. With the two additional schools, it will provide education for over 3,500 pupils and 600 employees in Durham, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees.

The other eight primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

For further information about Ad Astra Academy Trust, visit www.adastraschools.org

 

Headteacher Paul Newton (left) is welcomed by Andy Brown OBE

 

Children from eight primary school across Teesside came together this week (24 January) to demonstrate their creative art talents.

Pupils from Ad Astra Academy Trust schools met up at Sunnyside Academy in Coulby Newham for the day-long event where they made ceramic tiles from clay.

Prior to the event, pupils were tasked with designing their tiles to reflect the principles and values of individual Ad Astra schools.

Helen Craggs, Art Leader at Sunnyside Academy, who helped co-ordinate the event, said: “This is the first time that Ad Astra schools have collaborated on an event like this.

“Sunnyside Academy is the only school within Ad Astra to have its own kiln, so it is an ideal location.

“The event has given children the opportunity to demonstrate their creative talent and all of the ceramic tiles will be displayed at Ad Astra’s Festival of Education later this year.”

The eight schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra are Sunnyside and Ayresome in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, added: “Creative arts features strongly in all of our schools and is an important part of the curriculum.

“All of the children have fully embraced the event. The artwork is of an exceptional standard, and I am very proud of all the pupils who participated.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and 525 employees in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool.

Click the link below to hear Art Leader Helen Craggs talking about the event

Video

Issued by Alastair Rae, on behalf of Ad Astra Academy Trust. For further information, call 07581239557.

25 January 2024

A Teesside primary school has been judged to be “good” in all areas.

Ofsted visited Sunnyside Academy in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough in November 2023 as part of its national programme of school inspection.

The Ofsted report says: “The school has made huge strides in the quality of education provided for pupils.

“This is a highly inclusive and caring school. Pupils with additional needs work alongside each other and their classmates with a smile. Pupils say this is one of the best things about school. Pupils accept each other for being just the way they are.

“Teachers expect pupils to do their best. Pupils make an effort with the presentation of work and take pride in their books. Most pupils achieve well and demonstrate a love of reading. Pupils benefit from a calm and supportive environment in which they can learn.”

Sunnyside Academy is home to 282 pupils between the age of three and 11. It is a mainstream school with provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), particularly those with visual and hearing impairments.

The report continues: “The school’s provision for pupils with SEND is excellent. Pupils are supported by staff with great skill, passion and knowledge. Whether in the resource bases or mainstream classes, pupils thrive.

“The school’s curriculum is ambitious and of good quality. In most subjects, the key knowledge pupils need is spelled out clearly and linked intelligently by broad themes.

“In lessons, pupils behave very well. They are attentive and keen to learn. They say lessons are fun. Children show curiosity and imagination.

“The school works hard to make sure that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education, promoting ambition and aspiration. A careers fair helps to make pupils aware of different career paths, widening pupils’ understanding of the world of work.”

The report concludes by describing systems of governance as “highly effective”.

It says: “The local governing committee provides objective oversight and challenge. The trust provides high-quality support. School staff talk of a team approach based on mutual support and an ethos of positivity.”

Julie Sutton, Headteacher of Sunnyside Academy said: “I am incredibly proud of the whole school community, pupils, parents and staff. We have worked hard together to make Sunnyside Academy such a vibrant and inclusive school where everyone is welcome.”

Sunnyside Academy became the eighth primary school under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust when it joined in April 2022.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, commented: “This is a really pleasing report and is testimony to the fantastic progress that Sunnyside has made.

“I would like to congratulate staff, pupils, parents/carers and everyone else who has contributed to such a positive report.”

The other primary schools within Ad Astra are Ayresome in Middlesbrough, Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees.

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and over 500 employees in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool.

Children and staff at Sunnyside Academy celebrate their “good” Ofsted rating.

The link below will take you to the full Ofsted report.

 

Dozens of Middlesbrough children will start school this week with smart new uniforms – thanks to kind-hearted NHS workers.

Staff from Secure Inpatient Services (SIS) at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust have spent hundreds of pounds on school wear for youngsters at Ayresome Primary.

Administration manager Sophie Antill initially came up with the idea of a possible uniform exchange while sorting out her son’s new uniform – and the initiative snowballed from there.

“Loads of colleagues have happy memories of shopping for uniform and, when I mentioned my exchange idea, someone suggested buying new uniforms for a local school,” she said.

“I never expected it to get this big – and it’s been emotional at times. I kept thinking about the people who don’t have what my son has and wanted to help as many as possible.”

Ayresome Primary was chosen as the link school for the project, as its postcode falls within one of the most deprived communities in Middlesbrough.

Staff from across SIS – including admin, ward staff, housekeepers and leaders – took responsibility for buying individual uniforms and a total of 31 youngsters received support.

“The response was amazing,” said Sophie. “I linked staff up with families, and each child was given what they specifically needed – and often more as well. It was heart-warming.

“Not only did people buy the usual sweatshirts and polos, but also a lot of extra stuff – like hair bobbles, bags and school materials. One family requested shoes – and got them.

“When you consider we only launched this a few weeks ago, just before the school summer holidays, it is amazing what we have achieved. It’s lovely to think we’ve helped so many.”

Sophie has spent the past six weeks hot-desking at work, after turning her own desk space in the admin office into a school uniform drop-off point.

But, although glad to finally get her seat back, she is now looking ahead to Christmas – when she is planning to hold a festive gift appeal for the pupils of Ayresome Primary.

“I want to thank everyone who donated. The compassion value of the Trust really, really shone through during this appeal. People were so happy to help out,” she said.

“As a child I used to love getting my new uniform, then going to school feeling all nice and new – and I wanted the children we were supporting to feel like that too.

“It’s such a nice thing. I just love the idea of all the children going to school in their new unforms and feeling a million dollars. It makes me smile to think of that.”

Charlotte Haylock, headteacher of Ayresome Primary School, welcomed the donation of uniforms and thanked everyone at TEWV who had taken part in the initiative.

She said: “We are delighted with the support that we have received from NHS staff. It really does make a valuable difference.

“With the cost of living impacting on so many, we aim to help our families in a variety of ways to ensure all children can have the same sense of belonging and pride at attending school in uniform. The support means such a lot.”

Ayresome is one of eight primary schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

The others are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

The headteacher of Brougham Primary School has paid tribute to everyone following the fire to the school nursery during the summer holidays.

The nursery and pre-school area suffered significant damage following the fire on 13 August

Sarah Greenan, Headteacher of Brougham Primary School, said: It has certainly been a challenging time for everyone associated with the school, but our jobs have been made much easier thanks to the amazing support we’ve received.

“We are making good progress and our contractors are working closely with the insurers to ensure that the nursery and preschool classrooms are cleared ready for the refurbishment to begin.

“In the meantime, nursery and preschool children will be taught in temporary classrooms which arrived on site recently and are currently in the process of being fitted out ready for our youngest children to return on Monday 18 September.

“Once fitted out, we will be able to start to add furniture and resources to create a stimulating and exciting environment.”

Pupils from Reception to Year 6 return to Brougham on Tuesday 5 September.

Sarah Greenan continued: “We are determined to ensure that this devastating event does not affect our school vision to provide the best education for our pupils to help them to ‘be the best they can be’.

“To do this we will continue to provide a wonderful school curriculum by ensuring that all items and resources lost are replaced. This has been helped by donations from other schools, particularly those in our Trust. The support from the community has also been fantastic and has really helped to raise the spirits of the staff in school.

“We will continue to keep all parents updated on the progress of the refurbishment and we are looking forward to welcoming our youngest pupils back to school.”

Brougham is one of eight primary schools across Teesside under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

The other primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

Tees Valley Mayor impressed with new-look school library

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has given his seal of approval to a new school library.

Children at Sunnyside Academy in Coulby Newham have taken a leading role in giving their school library a whole new look.

Pupils were asked earlier this year during World Book Week to put forward their ideas to make the school library more appealing.

Some brilliant ideas were put forward including soft furnishings, brighter colours, new shelving, a communal area to share books with others and lap trays for braille readers.

Kirsty Smith Hodgson, the school’s English lead, said: “The library is in a great location within the school, but it was a little outdated, so we wanted to breathe new life into it to encourage children to read more.

“The Friends of Sunnyside made a kind donation and overall, we had a budget of around £2000. We got some fantastic suggestions from pupils, so we chose four winners and then sat down with them to develop their ideas.”

Sunnyside Academy is home to over 300 pupils between the age of three and 11. It is a mainstream school with provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), particularly those with visual and hearing impairments.

Julie Sutton, Headteacher of Sunnyside Academy, commented: “The redesigned library is very impressive, and I am so proud of our children for their input.

“Our aim was to move from a culture of learning to read to loving to read and I am confident this will be achieved with the new look library. The new features and layout will certainly raise the profile of reading for pleasure.”

Kirsty Smith Hodgson added: “Inclusivity has been at the heart of the design. We now have lap trays for our braille readers, water features, a sensory LED tree and salt lamps.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen cut a ribbon on Thursday 7 September to declare the new library officially open when he will meet up with the four winning pupils – Isla Grace, Miley, Jude, Eve and their families.

Mayor Houchen said: “I am very impressed with the new library and the children have done an outstanding job in helping to design it.

“Investing in our young people to give them the best start in life is so important, and it’s great to see Sunnyside Academy leading that charge to make their school an even better place for pupils to learn.

“These improvements to the library, all made possible by generous donations and led by the pupils themselves, will encourage young people to read even more, a cause I wholeheartedly support.”

As part of the event, Middlesbrough author James Harris will also hold a series of workshops in the library.

Sunnyside Academy is one of eight primary schools across Teesside under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust. The others are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Ayresome in Middlesbrough.

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last eight years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and 525 employees in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool.

 

 

Mayor Ben Houchen is pictured with Miley, Eve, Jude and Isla Grace

Mayor Ben Houchen at the launch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mayor Ben Houchen with Jude, Isla Grace, Eve and Miley

 

 

 

 

 

Mayor Ben Houchen with Kirsty Smith Hodgson

Please click on the link below to see Mayor Houchen’s reaction to the new library.

Video

A Hartlepool primary school is celebrating after receiving national recognition for its commitment to nature and protecting the environment.

Brougham Primary School has achieved ‘Young Tree Champion National Beacon School Status’ from The Tree Council for its Forest School project.

The Tree Council is a national body that brings everyone together with a shared mission to care for trees and the planet’s future.

The school started the project last year by transforming a grass field area into a wealth of flowers, trees, and shrubs to encourage wildlife.

Helen Moore, who has led on the initiative at Brougham, said: “The children have worked together to create various areas within the space whilst thinking about the different wildlife we wanted to encourage to visit.

“We’ve created a whole school vegetable patch where the children planted seasonal vegetables. They have been watering them and checking on them regularly. Already we’ve had delicious radishes and the carrots are coming on nicely. We’ve also planted potatoes, beans, and strawberries.

“We have planted trees, hedgerows and wildflowers that we have watered and looked after and now we are seeing the fruits of our labour. The Forest School is alive with beautiful wildflowers, lush meadow grass, new trees and hedgerows and we are seeing an increasing number of ladybirds, butterflies, and bees. Children have also created a bird-feeding station.

“It has been a great experience for our children. They have taken ownership of the space and I have seen first-hand the pleasure it has brought to them, spending time outdoors working on the development of the site with their friends.

“It has been a fantastic team effort and we’ve even had parents donating wooden planters for the wildflowers.

“I am incredibly proud of all the children for the passion and dedication they have shown, and everyone is looking forward to developing the site further in the months and years ahead.”

Brougham is one of eight primary schools across Teesside under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Sarah Greenan, Headteacher at Brougham Primary School, commented: “One of the best ways we can enjoy and protect our environment is through the planting of trees.

“At Brougham, we are so excited about being named as a Young Tree Champion National Beacon School as it highlights our approach for fostering a love for nature and our commitment to a more sustainable future.

“To achieve Beacon Status the pupils undertook a series of activities to highlight the importance of trees in tackling climate change and the benefits of being in nature for our health and wellbeing.

“As a Beacon School, we will now benefit from additional trees and hedgerow packs, tailored to our forest school’s plans, additional free technology, such as wildlife cameras and opportunities to trial and develop new resources.

“This is a great achievement, and I would like to thank all the pupils and staff, particularly Mrs Moore for all of their hard work and dedication to developing our outdoor learning environment on our school grounds.”

The others Ad Astra Academy Trust primary schools are Barnard Grove, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last eight years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and 525 employees in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool.

Helen Moore of Brougham Primary School is pictured with pupils celebrating Beacon Status for their Forest School.

 

 

 

 

 

Tyler Railton and Fallon Moore at the bird feeding station.

 

 

 

 

 

Aubrey Moore and Aiden Moore survey the strawberry plants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel Markitans and Ava Marper check on the wildflowers.