Ofsted inspectors have praised a Hartlepool primary school for providing “exceptional” support to pupils and families and described the approach to staff development as “exemplary”.

Brougham Primary School was inspected on 19/20 November 2024 and was judged to be consistently “good” in all areas.

The Ofsted report says: “The school is at the heart of the local community. It provides pupils and their families with exceptional pastoral care and support. It values pupils for who they are, develops pupils’ character and instils in pupils’ a respect for all. This is a truly welcoming school that celebrates pupils’ achievements.

“The school has high aspirations for its pupils. Pupils achieve well. They work hard in lessons and show an interest in their learning. The school prepares pupils well for the next stage of their education.”

The report, which has been sent to all parents/carers, goes on say that pupils behave well, and that they are polite, friendly and inquisitive.

It adds: “Pupils enjoy school life. They take great pride in their roles as subject ambassadors, librarians and as school council representatives.

“The school has established a broad and ambitious curriculum. By the end of key stage 2 (age10/11), pupils gain the knowledge they need for their future learning.

“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the same curriculum as their peers.

“Pupils read often and widely. The school develops pupils’ love of reading. Pupils enjoy author visits, reading projects and trips to the local library.”

Staff also come in for praise in the report.

“Teachers are well trained. They revisit what pupils have learned previously and build on that learning step by step. Teachers present new information clearly for pupils. This helps pupils to gain a coherent body of knowledge.

“In the early years, teachers design rich and purposeful activities. These activities promote pupils’ physical development and develop their understanding of the world.

“Staff enjoy working at the school. The school values staff highly and prioritises their well-being.”

The report continues: “The school has high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and attendance. Pupils meet those expectations with regard to behaviour.

“Pupils learn about different relationships, equalities and diversity. Pupils benefit from visits by external agencies, such as the police and fire service. They learn about making the right choices and how to keep safe. The school prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain.”

Leadership at the school is also judged highly.

“Trustees and local governors perform their duties effectively. They hold school leaders to account and provide appropriate strategic oversight. The school engages with educational research and works well with a range of educational organisations. Its approach to professional development is exemplary.”

Headteacher Sarah Greenan said: “I am delighted with the report as it highlights so many positive aspects of our lovely school. I am incredibly proud of the staff and pupils and what they achieve every day in Brougham.”

Brougham is home to 342 pupils between the age of two 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: “To be judged “good” in all areas is a significant achievement and to read words in the report such as exemplary and exceptional demonstrates just how good Brougham Primary School is.

“I’d like to thank everyone associated with the school for their sterling efforts.”

Ofsted’s inspection team were led by Ian Rawstorne.

Brougham Primary School currently has spaces available in Reception and Years 2,3 and 5. For further information, call the school on 01429 273663.

The other primary schools within Ad Astra are Barnard Grove, 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.

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

Brougham OFSTED Report

One of Hartlepool’s biggest primary schools has appointed a new headteacher.

Louise Sheffield, who has been Deputy Headteacher at Crook Primary School in County Durham for the last seven years will take up her new role at West Park Primary School at the beginning of January.

Born in Middlesbrough, Mrs Sheffield has worked in education across the North-East after qualifying as a teacher over 20 years ago. She also spent seven years training teachers for High Force Education.

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

Louise Sheffield said: “West Park is a primary school with huge potential, and I am really looking forward to leading the school on its journey from “good” to “outstanding” and beyond.

“I’ve already met many of the parents/carers at recent parents’ evenings and I am really looking forward to working with them and embracing the whole school community to ensure that all West Park children get off to the best possible start in life.”

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: “The Trustees and I are looking forward to Louise taking up her new role at West Park.

“She joins the Trust with tremendous credibility from her previous post in Durham and we look forward to working with her in the future.”

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 group of schools across Teesside and County Durham have welcomed forty new staff during a special event.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella, is one of the area’s biggest employers with 525 members of staff.

The Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown and now provides education for over 3,500 pupils.

The event was held at Rosebrook Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees for staff who have joined the Trust in the last twelve months.

Speaking at the event, Andy Brown, OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra said: “It is important that we formally welcome you all into the Trust at an event like this.

“It gives me an opportunity to emphasise how much we value our staff, and it gives you the chance to meet other staff members and find out a little bit more about Ad Astra Academy Trust.

“As a Trust we continue to develop and evolve as an organisation and listening to our staff is a key part of this process.

“We are one big family at Ad Astra – you will have good days and challenging days, but we all support one another. Staff are central to everything we do to ensure that our children get off to the best possible start in life.”

Michael Suthers was appointed Deputy Headteacher at Sunnyside Academy in Middlesbrough in September. He was previously English Lead at Pallister Park Primary School where he had spent the last 12 years.

Michael said: “The prospect of working with Ad Astra was one which excited me greatly.  They are a forward-thinking, supportive organisation who always place the best interests of the children first.

“They have a central team who continually strive for the best opportunities for children, who place teaching and learning at the centre of their planning and ensure that barriers to achievement are broken down.

“From a personal point of view, they have already played an integral role in supporting my journey as a leader which I am sure is the case for so many others.”

Chantele Dawes recently joined West View Primary School in Hartlepool as a nursery teaching assistant after working for the previous 18 years in childcare.

Chantele, whose children attended the school, said: “West View has always been my passion as I have seen it grow from a deprived school to the school it is today. I know a lot of the families; it is a wonderful school, and I cried down the phone when I was told that I had got the job.”

Amy Crawford started her first job in September as a reception class teacher at Ayresome Primary School in Middlesbrough after studying for three years.

Amy commented: “I absolutely love my role and love teaching in my community. I studied in Manchester for three years and the demographics are similar to Middlesbrough so coming back and being able to utilise my experience is really good.”

Jordan Messenger also recently joined Ayresome as a Year 4 teacher having worked in education for the last 13 years.

Jordan said: “Over the years I’ve been to several events and Ayresome has always been a school that stood out. When I saw the job advert, I knew straightaway I wanted to be there.

“The children are very well behaved, and everyone excels and achieves together.

“I love the children I work with, the families and the community spirit at Ayresome is second to none.”

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

A group of schools across Teesside and County Durham have launched a new charter to ensure the wellbeing of all staff.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella in Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool, is one of the area’s biggest employers with 525 members of staff.

Andy Brown, OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Ad Astra said: “The Staff Wellbeing Charter demonstrates our commitment and dedication to support and enhance the wellbeing of all of our employees.

“It is extremely important that as an employee of the Trust, individuals feel supported with their health and wellbeing and are provided with practices and support that can have a positive impact on their daily lives both at school and at home.

“Wellbeing should be interwoven into everything we do, with the understanding that happy and content employees perform better and live happier lives.”

The charter has been communicated to all staff and posters highlighting the key components are displayed around each school. Key elements of the charter are as follows:

• The promotion of a good work/life balance
• A Wellbeing champion in each school
• Counselling and physiotherapy services for staff
• A ‘buddy’ system for new employees
• A culture of kindness and empathy

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.

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

Martyn Ingram, Human Resources Manager with Ad Astra Academy Trust, commented: “The importance of staff health and wellbeing cannot be understated, and it is a top priority for the Trust.

“It is hugely important that we have all the appropriate measures in place to provide the best level of support possible to staff.

“We also see the charter as a key tool in terms of staff retention and recruitment.”

Click on the link below to view the Staff Wellbeing Charter.
Ad Astra Wellbeing Charter Document

A school nursery in Hartlepool has officially re-opened a year after it was destroyed by fire.

The nursery and preschool classrooms at Brougham Primary School suffered significant damage following an arson attack on 13 August last year.

However, following a 12-month refurbishment programme, the new-look nursery and preschool area was unveiled today (3 September) in the presence of staff, nursery children and parents.

Ann Cooper, the school’s Early Years Governor, who started at Brougham as a teaching assistant in 1972 and is also a volunteer at the school, cut a ribbon to mark the re-opening.

Sarah Greenan, Headteacher of Brougham Primary School, thanked the whole school community for pulling together.

Speaking after the re-opening, Sarah Greenan said: “The last 12 months has been one of the most challenging periods in the school’s history.

“The fire that swept through our nursery and preschool was devastating and the rebuilding programme was not an easy task. It required immense dedication, hard work, and collaboration from everyone, especially our Early Years Team.

“It has, however, provided the opportunity to massively upgrade the learning environment for our youngest children. Previously, we had four outdated classrooms, but we now have a lovely, modern open plan area which has been built specifically to meet the needs of our children.

“We’ve also been able to improve the outdoor play area and now have artificial grass and new play equipment.

In the interim, nursery and preschool children have been housed in temporary classrooms.

Linda Armstrong, the school’s Early Years Lead, commented: “The temporary classrooms have served the children well, but everyone is looking forward to returning to the main building and our new classrooms.

“The fire has given us the opportunity to completely restructure the nursery and preschool area, creating a much more useable and modern space with state-of-the art décor, equipment and furniture.

Brougham is one of ten primary schools across Teesside and County Durham under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their support and hard work over the last twelve months.

“The project has ensured that we have a highly stimulating learning environment for the young children within the community.”

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, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

A group of schools across Teesside and County Durham have pledged their support to a charity that provides free beds for struggling families.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella, demonstrated its commitment to the national charity during the Trust’s annual Festival of Education, held recently at Teesside University.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said; “We became aware of the fantastic work that Zarach Charity is undertaking so decided to invite them to participate in our annual festival.

“No child should be without a bed as this can seriously impact on their education and well-being. A number of our schools have already signed up to work closely with the charity and I am sure others will do likewise soon.

“Not only do the charity provide a new bed and mattress to families in poverty, but they also provide bed linen and pyjamas/nightwear. It is a fantastic scheme, and we are delighted to support it.”

Since Zarach Charity was set up in 2018 it has provided beds for over 9,000 children.

Jess Sandy, the charity’s National Development Manager, said: “We would like to thank Ad Astra Academy Trust for inviting us to the Festival of Education 2024.

“It was an amazing day that gave us the platform to raise awareness of our Every Head a Bed scheme. We raised an amazing £385 with our raffle on the day, and we have seen lots more donations being made online too.”

For further information, visit zarach.org

The ten primary schools within Ad Astra are Barnard Grove, 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 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 raised over £6000 for two very worthy causes.

Children and staff at Barnard Grove Primary School took part in the ‘Mini Miles for Men & Women Schools’ Sponsored Run’ event during the summer as part of National School Sports Week.

Amazingly, the school raised a total of £6062.75 which has been divided equally between two great causes with local connections – Miles for Men charity and Lewin Tubuna, who will be competing in the 2024 Teenage CrossFit World Games in Michigan at the end of August.

Janine Cowie, Deputy Headteacher of Barnard Grove Primary School, who has led on the initiative, said: “Miles for Men is very close to our hearts at Barnard Grove as Micky Day (the charity’s founder) and his team have supported several of our pupils and their families during their journeys with cancer over the past few years.

“The initial suggestion for the fundraising was for any profits to be split 50/50 between Miles for Men and school funds. However, we became aware of Lewin Tubuna’s fundraising to participate in the Teenage Cross Fit World Games in the USA.

“Lewin is a former Barnard Grove pupil, and we have followed his journey since he left primary school and know the amount of hard work and dedication he has committed to achieving this goal.

“Nothing Lewin has done has ever come as a surprise to us because from a young age he always pushed himself to the absolute limit. Whilst at Barnard Grove, Lewin took on several huge challenges to raise money for Alice Hospice, Muscular Dystrophy and Miles for Men, including a Coast-to-Coast bike ride and a mini triathlon.

“We are extremely proud of the determined and successful young man he has become so decided to show him our support for his biggest challenge yet.”

Janine Cowie continued: “Our families really got on board with the sponsorship and money started to flood in. We held an assembly to announce the final grand total with Lewin and his parents and Micky Day in attendance as guests of honour.

“They were thrilled to learn that, in total, we had raised £6062.75 – an unbelievable effort from our whole school community. Micky told the children that their half of the money would be used to fund holidays for poorly children and their families at a caravan the charity has purchased at Crimdon Dene whilst Lewin said he’d be using his half to help pay for travel and accommodation during his American adventure.”

Barnard Grove is one of ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer with Ad Astra, said: “The amount of money raised is an outstanding achievement and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in contributing to such a fantastic success story.”

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.

A Hartlepool higher level teaching assistant has waved goodbye after serving a primary school for over thirty-eight years.

Colette Richardson, who has worked in a number of roles at Barnard Grove Primary School since March 1986, called time on her career at the end of the summer term.

Lee Walker, Headteacher of Barnard Grove Primary School, said: “Mrs Richardson has been an outstanding member of staff. To serve a single school for over thirty-eight years is an amazing achievement and shows her true dedication and commitment to the Barnard Grove community.

“She has worked with several generations of families throughout her time and has never wavered in her commitment in laying the foundations for our youngest children to become the fine young people that they are.

“Mrs Richardson has the unique quality of remembering everybody and always, without fail, sees the best in people with her lovely caring nature.

“Everyone connected with Barnard Grove has huge respect for Mrs Richardson and we all wish her a long and happy retirement which she so richly deserves.”

Barnard Grove is one of ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer with Ad Astra, said: “Mrs Richardson has been an extremely valued member of staff at Barnard Grove and made a significant contribution over a considerable length of time.

“She’ll always be part of the Barnard Grove family, and I wish her the very best of luck in the future.”

Colette Richardson commented: “Barnard Grove Primary School and the local community have been a huge part of my life for the past thirty-eight years.

“The generations of families I have worked with along with the amazing, dedicated staff have created some of the most special memories that I will always cherish. It is extremely difficult to say goodbye. I will miss everyone, but especially the children.”

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.

Picture Caption – Colette Richardson is pictured with Headteacher Lee Walker and Barnard Grove pupils

Issued 23 July 2024.

A group of staff from schools across Teesside and County Durham have been recognised for their commitment and long service.

The 64 staff members have accumulated over 1000 years between them and work for Ad Astra Academy Trust which has ten primary schools under its umbrella.

The awards were presented at the Trust’s recent annual Festival of Education at Teesside University which was attended by over 350 school staff, educationalists and the Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham.

Speaking at the event, Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Our employees are our most valuable resource, and this initiative reflects the Trust’s desire to recognise long service, and to thank staff for their continued support, commitment and loyalty to the Trust.

“Service milestones are achieved at five-year intervals following ten years’ service. As many employees have transferred into the Trust all continuous service is counted.

“To each of these employees, I just want to simply say thank you for all you do.”

Each employee will receive a badge, certificate and letter. The badge contains the number of years worked.

Martyn Ingram, the Trust’s Human Resources Manager added: “Our staff are central to everything we do, and it is important that we recognise their hard work and commitment.

“The 64 staff members receiving awards accumulated 1075 years’ service between them. This is a significant achievement and deserves to be recognised in this way.”

The ten primary schools within Ad Astra are Barnard Grove, 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 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 Stockton-on-Tees primary school is celebrating after receiving national recognition for its commitment to nature and protecting the environment.

Rosebrook Primary School is the only school in the North-East to achieve Outstanding Beacon School status from The Tree Council for its ‘Rooted in Nature’ 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.

There are over 5000 schools working with The Tree Council and Rosebrook is one of only 10 schools throughout the country to be judged an Outstanding Beacon School.

Lois Huntington, who has led on the initiative at Rosebrook Primary School, said: “We have been developing our ‘Rooted in Nature’ programme at Rosebrook for a number of years now and to be awarded Outstanding Beacon School status is testament to the hard work and commitment from pupils, staff and everyone else associated with the project.

“Every child in the school is encouraged to develop their connection with the natural world through our Forest School initiative. We recently took part in the National ‘Big Green Week’ with classes learning about a range of topics from litter, plastic pollution, climate change through to composting, trees, bees and pollinators and during Careers Week we had visits from people working in the environmental sector.”

Three of the school’s Junior Tree Ambassadors along with their parents travelled to Cardiff recently to accept the award on behalf of the school.

Lois Huntington continued: ““Across the school we have a wide range of projects where the focus is on trees and nature – many of which involve outdoor learning – which link to the curriculum.”

Other school initiatives include:

• Junior Tree Ambassadors who speak up for nature
• Building a ‘bug resort’ to increase the range of habitats
• Participating in Stockton Council’s Youth Climate Action group
• Appointing Eco-Warriors to ensure the playground is litter free
• Planting trees at Preston Park
• Participating in the Tree Council’s ‘Speaking up for Nature’ competition
• Developing a school orchard to harvest fruit which can be shared
• naming all school classes after trees

Rosebrook is one of ten primary schools across Teesside and County Durham under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra, commented: “This is a significant achievement, and I would like to thank everyone connected with the project for their commitment and tireless efforts.

“The world is facing significant environmental challenges, and it is great to see Rosebrook leading the way in tackling some of these challenges.”

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

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.

11 July 2024

Photos:

Click on the link below to hear more when BBC Radio Tees presenter Amy Oakden visited the school.