A Hartlepool primary school has been granted flagship status from a national education body for its commitment to inclusion.

West View Primary School in Davison Drive had previously been awarded Centre of Excellence status by the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) but following a recent visit from assessors, the school has risen to flagship status.

In her report, IQM Assessor Joanne Smith, said: “The leaders of West View Primary School embody their vision of inclusion. They approach their work with careful planning using evidenced based research and expert advice.

“Leaders ensure the training and development offer to staff gives every opportunity for them to deeply understand how best to support all pupils, so they are not only included but enjoy school and thrive in all areas of learning and life.

“The leadership team is supported and held to account by knowledgeable and skilled local governors and Ad-Astra Trust colleagues.

“The school continues to develop its strong curriculum. They look for ways for pupils to celebrate learning. The school was recently recognised for its excellent work in phonics with a national award of Little Wandle Champion status.”

The report continues: “West View is proud of becoming an Arts Award Centre – an initiative run by Trinity College London – to inspire young people to develop their art and leadership talents

“The learning environment has been developed with the Curiosity Approach and is outstanding. From the earliest ages, pupils are immersed in their learning activities, both inside and outside the classroom.”

Pupils also come in for praise in the report.

It says: “The behaviour of pupils is excellent. Children are happy and engaged in their lessons. They enjoy coming to school and talk warmly about the staff and their friends. They were eager to talk about the importance of a happy mind as well as being physically fit and healthy.”

Staff and the positive relationship with parents also come in for praise.

“The Inclusion Team is exceptionally supportive to families; they work hard to develop positive relationships and invest time to build trust to ensure the best outcomes for all pupils.

“The team at West View not only plans activities to welcome families so they engage positively in their child’s school journey with them, but they also monitor the engagement through feedback from parents and staff. They are very good at listening to parents and carers and signpost them to services that can support.

“Communication systems in school are strong. The website is a window into a vibrant school packed with information and celebration. Social media and the website also share the leaders’ vision of inclusion and parents shared that this is a real strength of the school.”

The report concludes: “The school continues to move from strength to strength in terms of its superb inclusive practice and I am firmly of the opinion that the school fully meets the standard required by the Inclusion Quality Mark to pursue Flagship School status. I therefore recommend that the school moves to Flagship Status and is reviewed again in 12 months.”

Lauren Furness, Headteacher of West View Primary School, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be awarded flagship status by IQM which is recognition of our ongoing commitment to be a fully inclusive school.

“The award is testament to the continuing hard work and commitment of everyone involved at West View to ensure that the school does everything it can to provide the best possible opportunities for all of our children and the community we serve.

“In particular, I like to say a huge thank you to our IQM Lead Natalie Boagey, who has driven this initiative.”

West View Primary School is one of ten primary schools across Hartlepool, Teesside and County Durham under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, CEO of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Flagship status is not granted lightly by IQM, and I would like to congratulate everyone involved at West View Primary School on this major achievement.

Inclusion is an integral part of our Trust Strategic Plan, and we will be sharing good practice at our Festival of Education on 30th June at Teesside University.

Natalie Boagey of West View Primary School is pictured with pupils.

Click on the link below to read the IQM report in full.

West View Primary School Review – April 2025

A Hartlepool primary school has held a series of events to highlight that everyone is unique and approaches situations in different ways.

West Park Primary School in Coniscliffe Road organised Neurodiversity Week during March which also involved parents/carers.

One of the events involved children producing artwork which went on display in the school’s art gallery.

The individual pieces of art were framed, and parents had the chance to purchase their child’s work for £3 with proceeds going to the school’s Parent and Teacher Association (PTA).

Pupils in all year groups across the school took part in a ‘Dress to Express’ day when they were able to swap their school uniform for costume/clothes of their choice.

Other events during the week included a mad/crazy hair day, different classes studying a celebrity of their choice, pupils interviewing role models and an assembly performance from 12-year-old Hartlepool singing sensation Charlie Boy Sings.

Headteacher Louise Sheffield said: “Neurodiversity Week was a huge success, and it was great to see so many parents attending the school to view the work of our pupils.

“Since I arrived at the school in January, we have been doing a lot of work to promote the ethos that West Park is an inclusive school where everyone is treated equally.

“Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the range of events which gave them the opportunity to showcase their individual skills and characteristics.”

West Park is one of ten primary schools across Hartlepool, Teesside and County Durham under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, commented: “This is the latest in a series of positive initiatives at West Park since the appointment of the new leadership team.”

The new Deputy Headteacher, Sam Marino, also started in January and the school recently announced that it is working much closer with its neighbouring secondary school – High Tunstall College of Science.

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.

West Park is home to 347 pupils between the age of three and 11.

Any parents/carers interested in reception class places for their children from September 2025 should contact the school on 01429 282090.

A Hartlepool’s primary school has completed its leadership team with the appointment of a new deputy headteacher.

Sam Marino, who has been Head of School at Crakehall Primary School in North Yorkshire for the last six years will take up her new role at West Park Primary School at the beginning of January.

The announcement follows hard on the heels of the appointment of new headteacher Louise Sheffield who also starts in January 2025.

West Park Primary School in Coniscliffe Road was inspected by Ofsted in April of this year and was judged to be a “good” school.

Mrs Marino said: “When I first came to have a look round West Park I was really impressed with the children; how kind they were and how well they played together. I was also really impressed by the staff and members of the local community that I met.

“I am really looking forward to being part of such a wonderful school and the fantastic, supportive community and working closely with Louise Sheffield and being part of the Ad Astra team.”

West Park is one of ten primary schools across Hartlepool, Teesside and County Durham under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

School and Trust leaders are also looking forward to forging much closer links with its neighbouring secondary school – High Tunstall College of Science.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, commented: “With the new leadership team in place, I am really excited about the future of West Park.

“We work well with High Tunstall but moving forward I welcome the opportunity to forge closer links. I’m in envy of their fantastic facilities and I can’t wait for West Park pupils to take advantage of them.”

Headteacher Louise Sheffield said: “2025 will mark the start of a new chapter for West Park with the new leadership team in place.

“Over the last couple of months, I’ve had the opportunity to talk and listen to lots of people from the school community. West Park is a school with huge potential and I am really excited about the future.”

Mark Tilling, Headteacher of High Tunstall College of Science and an Ad Astra trustee, commented: “I am really looking forward to working with the new leadership team at West Park, particularly developing the links between key stage 2 and key stage 3 students.

“It is an opportunity for us to assist in curriculum development with the facilities that we have and to ensure that moving forward the curriculum between West Park and High Tunstall is seamless.”

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.

West Park is home to 347 pupils between the age of three and 11.

Any parents/carers interested in reception class places for their children from September 2025 should contact the school on 01429 282090.

A Middlesbrough specialist teaching assistant has received a Gold Award after serving the same school for almost four decades.

Pam Richards started as a parent volunteer at Sunnyside Academy in Coulby Newham in 1986 and after working for the last 28 years as a specialist teaching assistant, she will retire at the end of the month (December 2024).

The school, which is one of ten primary schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust, recently held a special assembly for the married Mum of two to give her the sendoff she deserves.

Speaking at the ceremony before an audience of staff, pupils and trade union representatives, Headteacher Julie Sutton said: “Pam is a star in our school and has been a huge part of Sunnyside Academy for many years. She is always there for every child; she is my ‘go to’ person in the school.

“She is kind, she is thoughtful and one of the most generous people I have ever worked with. Pam will be a massive loss to the school, but we all wish her a long and happy retirement.”

Schoolchildren sang during the ceremony; individual staff members paid their own tributes, and Pam was presented with Ad Astra Academy Trust’s ‘Star in our Schools’ Gold Award.

Sunnyside Academy is home to just under 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.

Pam Richards said: “My husband and I moved into the area in 1986, and we were looking for a school for our two children (aged 5 and 9 at the time). As soon as we walked in the door, we knew it was the school for us.

“Not long after, I became a parent volunteer which was the beginning of an amazing journey in my life and in 1996 I became a specialist teaching assistant working with deaf students at Sunnyside.

“Being part of Sunnyside has given me the opportunity to work with wonderful children and meet so many lovely people. The experience has also had a huge impact on me as an individual and given me the inspiration to grow as a person.

“Sunnyside is like no other school – it is unique. It is one big family where everyone works together and supports one another.”

Pam, who is also UNISON’s Middlesbrough School Convenor, said that in retirement she’s looking forward to spending more time with her family and meeting up with the lots of friends she has made whilst at Sunnyside. She’s also looking forward to going on holiday during term time for the first time in many years.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Pam is the first ever recipient of our ‘Stars in our Schools’ Gold Award which demonstrates how significant her contribution has been at Sunnyside.

“Everyone associated with the school is hugely appreciative for everything she has done over the last 38 years, and we wish her the very best for the future.”

Dawn Nicholson of UNISON who attended the special assembly, commented: “Pam has played a huge and invaluable role at Sunnyside, both for the children as a specialist teaching assistant, and for the staff as a trade union representative.

“She has been an integral part of UNISON Middlesbrough for over 30 years and is an absolute champion of school workers’ rights. Pam has not only supported and represented hundreds of UNISON members in schools right across the town, but she has also helped to organise and run our school support staff network and campaigned on many school support staff issues. Pam is definitely a star in her school and in UNISON too.”

The other nine primary schools within Ad Astra are 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.

Click on the links below to hear Pam Richards being interviewed by Gary Phillipson on BBC Radio Tees.

BBC Radio Tees – Part 1
BBC Radio Tees – Part 2
BBC Radio Tees – Part 3
BBC Radio Tees – Part 4

12 December 2024

Children from primary schools across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool came together recently (4 December) to host their very own International Food Festival.

Pupils from Ad Astra Academy Trust schools met up at Ayresome Primary School in Middlesbrough to showcase their culinary talents and learn about different cultures across the world.

Schools buddied up in pairs to produce a range of different foods from England, Greece, Italy, Romania and Pakistan. Scones, Greek Salad, Pizza, Salam de Biscuit and Samosas were all on the menu.

Each school sourced their own ingredients and youngsters prepared and cooked their dishes during the day-long event.

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

Helen Durnion said: “This was the latest in a series of collaborative events for our schools and the theme was Togetherness’ which is one of the Trust’s values.

“The children worked together really well and excelled in producing a wide range of food dishes from around the world.

“Events like this help our children to learn new skills and prepare them for future life.”

Ayresome Primary School teachers Nikki Robson and Sophie Dunn along with parent volunteer Neelam Zaman were heavily involved in organising the event.

Sophie Dunn commented: “We linked in with our fellow Design Technology leads in other schools across the Trust when planning the event.

“Our vision was to create an event whereby children would prepare and cook various foods from around the world whilst learning about the different cultures.

“Everything went to plan, and it was amazing to see all of the children from across the Trust working together.”

There are ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust. They are Ayresome and Sunnyside 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: “Collaborative events like this are important because they provide an opportunity for children to develop their skills and meet fellow pupils from across the Trust.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown to provide education for over 3,500 pupils and 600 employees.

Food Festival – Video

A group of primary schools across Teesside, Hartlepool and County Durham have teamed up with UNISON to acknowledge the fantastic work undertaken by school support staff.

‘Stars in our Schools’ is an annual UK-wide celebration, co-ordinated by UNISON, to recognise the invaluable contribution by the likes of teaching assistants, catering and admin staff, cleaners, lunchtime supervisors and site staff.

Celebratory events took place at Sunnyside Academy in Middlesbrough and Barnard Grove Primary School in Hartlepool which are both under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Every year we choose different schools to mark UNISON’s ‘Stars in our Schools’ initiative and this year held special assemblies at Sunnyside Academy and Barnard Grove Primary School.

“The contribution made by support staff is hugely important in all of our schools and events like this provide an additional opportunity to show our appreciation for everything they do.”

At the Sunnyside Academy event, pupils sang to show their appreciation to support staff whilst at Barnard Grove Primary School, representatives of the school’s Junior Leadership Team read out tributes to support staff members.

Headteachers were full of praise for their support staff who also received a certificate and a goodie bag from UNISON during the celebrations.

Julie Sutton, Headteacher of Sunnyside Academy, said: “Events like this are so important as it presents an opportunity to say thank you to our amazing support staff who help enormously in the smooth running of our school.

“A lot of the work of our support staff is ‘behind the scenes’ and without them, Sunnyside would not be the amazing school that it is.”

Lee Walker, Headteacher of Barnard Grove Primary School, said: “Every single employee in our school is integral to ensuring that our children are safe, ready to learn and enjoy their time at school.

“Some of the work of our support staff is not always at the forefront so this is our opportunity to tell each and every one of them that their work is vital in making us really special.”

UNISON northern regional head of local government Conor McArdle said: “UNISON is pleased once again to work in partnership with Ad Astra Academy Trust to celebrate Stars in our Schools on its 10th Anniversary.

“School support staff are often hidden behind the scenes, but they are vital to the education of young people.

“Their roles are incredibly diverse, from cooks, cleaners and family support advisers to teaching assistants, admin staff and school business professionals.

“They all play a vital role in every aspect of school life and without them, schools simply could not function.”

The other eight primary schools within Ad Astra are Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County 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.

A Hartlepool primary school has received praise from Ofsted following a recent inspection.

Inspectors visited Barnard Grove Primary School on 5/6 November 2024 as part of Ofsted’s national programme of school inspection.

The Ofsted report says that the school has taken effective action to maintain the standards set at the previous inspection when it was judged to be “good”.

The report states: “Pupils are proud to attend Barnard Grove Primary School. They feel happy, safe and valued here. Parents explain that the school feels like a family. This is reflected in the warm relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils are keen to make their teachers proud. They work hard and achieve well.

“The school has high expectations that are clearly summed up in their school values of ‘ready, respectful, safe and kind’. Pupils understand and live these values. Pupils are taught how to behave well. They recognise this as the ‘Barnard Grove way’.

“Pupils’ school experience is enriched by a range of trips and visits. Many pupils also enjoy taking part in a wide range of extra-curricular sporting clubs and competitions.”

The report, which has been sent to all parents/carers, adds: “Pupils achieve well at Barnard Grove. From their arrival, pupils begin learning important foundational knowledge quickly.

“The school has an ambitious wider curriculum in place. It has been designed to make sure that pupils learn about their own community as well as the world beyond.

“Pupils are keen to learn and engage in lessons. They are confident to share their ideas and happy to give things a go.

“The school is an inclusive community and staff have been well trained to identify pupils who may have SEND (Special educational needs and disability).

“Pupils across school are kind to each other. Across the inspection, older pupils were seen helping and playing with younger pupils. Pupils know what bullying is and explain that it is taken very seriously in school. They are confident that teachers would sort it out quickly.”

Leadership also comes in for praise at the school.

“Leaders have an accurate view of the school’s strengths and areas for further development. Staff and parents explain that leaders are visible and willing to listen. Staff feel well supported in school. Staff, pupils and families are proud to be part of this school community,” says the report.

Headteacher Lee Walker commented: “This is a very pleasing report. It highlights many of the positive aspects of the Barnard Grove school community where everyone works very closely together to do the very best for our children.”

Barnard Grove is home to 285 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 very positive report, and I would like to congratulate everyone for ensuring that the high standards at Barnard Grove are being maintained.”

Ofsted’s Lead Inspector for the visit was Katie Spurr.

There are some child places available in certain year groups. For further information, call the school on 01429 230300.

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

Please click on the link below to view the full Ofsted report.

Barnard Grove Primary School – Ofsted Report-1

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