Latest News
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Primary school's 'one-stop support hub' is a lifeline for families
Mon 20 Nov 2023The Family Hub at Cranham Primary School in Worcester is a beacon of support for families of the school, offering a unique one-stop resource that brings together various community organisations to offer them support. This collaborative effort involves partners such as Platform Housing, Community Housing, the Police, Starting Well Partnership, and Worcester City Council.
The Family Hub opens its doors to families every other Wednesday morning. Once children have been dropped off at school, families are welcomed into the hub and can conveniently access support in a familiar and trusted setting without the need to visit each organisation or wait on the phone to speak to someone.
“It's easier to access services here at the school” commented a father from the school.
The Family Hub was set up at Cranham over 3 years ago by Sue Turner, The Family Liaison and Nurture Lead. Sue and the Nurture Team help children develop vital social skills, confidence and self-esteem, ensuring they can learn. Whilst running the school's nurture base Sue recognised that parents often had no support which can impact a child's performance at school.
“If parents are going through challenges at home, their anxiety and nervousness can affect the children. If I can signpost or offer support to families, this helps and supports the work being done by the nurture team,” said Sue.
Support
Recognising that the challenges families face are complex, the Family Hub provides a complete support system, addressing key aspects such as housing, employment, community safety, behaviour, health and wellbeing.
For families who have visited the Family Hub, it is more than just a service; it's a lifeline. One father shared how the hub had helped him resolve multiple issues including help with housing, career advice and help from the police to address his child’s shoplifting, he commented “[the hub] is something worth doing and really helpful”.
A representative from Starting Well Partnership said, “The hub provides a place to go for families to ask for help and have access to all the people who can help under one roof”.
Starting Well Partnership offers courses for parents and carers to support their needs and has delivered courses at the school to help families ‘Understand Your Child’ and deal with challenging behaviour.
Community & connection
The Family Hub is not only a destination for those seeking assistance it also serves as a welcoming retreat for those who may feel isolated or lonely at home, it’s a friendly place to go for a cup of tea and a chat, fostering a sense of community and connection.
One mother said, “As a stay-at-home mum, it’s just nice to know I’ve got somewhere to go and a chance to socialise”.
Another mother commented that the family hub and the school offer a “family feel and a real sense of community”.
Foodbank
The Family Hub addresses immediate needs within the community and offers a food pantry for families.
“Parents can come to the hub and collect food items. We have been kindly donated a chest freezer so that we can store frozen items along with packet and tinned goods. I can hand out frozen chips a tin of beans and some sausages and know that the family will have a meal that evening,” said Sue.
The partnering organisations regularly donate items to the food pantry and have even provided families with household items such as a fridge and beds for children to sleep on.
Many of the food donations come from Bags of Love, a local community group in Warndon. The group organises collections and raises money for worthy causes. In the summer one of the group members donated money to the Family Hub so that Sue could buy a family of five children new school shoes and a full High School uniform and PE Kit for the eldest child.
In addition to the Family Hub, the school offers wellbeing and finance drop-in sessions every Friday in partnership with Worcester Community Trust.
The school also hosts ‘Free@Three’ during school pick up on Thursdays, whereby surplus food items, collected by Sue from Aldi and Lidl along with pre-loved uniforms, adult's and children’s coats, Halloween costumes and Christmas jumpers are made available for families in need.
With families feeling the cost-of-living crisis, these resources and services are a vital lifeline for families with nowhere to turn.
Impact
Steph Russell, a parent at the school, first visited the hub 3 years ago looking for support with housing. Platform Housing was able to help Steph with a house move and furthermore with career advice and writing a CV. This led Steph to a job working for Platform Housing as a Housing Officer. She now attends the Family Hub in her new role, to aid families in a similar position.
Steph commented, “I wouldn’t have been where I am now without the support of the school. I’ve seen so many families struggle that have got help from the hub”.
The Family Hub at Cranham Primary School has proved to be an invaluable resource for the community, embodying the school's commitment to nurturing not only the academic but also the wellbeing of its pupils and their families.
The hub is one element of the school’s ‘Early Help’ offer to provide advice, help or support where emerging problems and potential unmet needs of individual children and families have been identified.
Sue concluded "We are committed to the wellbeing of our pupils and their families. By collaborating with community organisations, we can offer a broad spectrum of support services conveniently located within our school premises. Our aim is to reduce barriers to learning for the children and to support parents who are experiencing difficulties or have concerns about their children”.
Families with children due to start reception class in September 2024 are welcome to visit the school during an open afternoon on Saturday 16th December, between 2 pm and 4 pm. Prospective parents interested in seeing the school should call the school office on 01905 452437 to book a school tour.
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Train to Teach Open Events 2023-2024
Mon 13 Nov 2023If you are looking to start your career in teaching then come along to one of our next Train to Teach Open Events to find out more about our Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) and QTS qualification.
Everyone’s journey into teaching is different and your questions may be unique to you and your circumstances. During an open event we can answer all your questions and maybe some you didn’t know you had!
Location: The Rivers Teaching Alliance, Henwick Road, Worcester, WR2 5NS
Dates:
- Saturday 18th November, 11 am - 1 pm
- Wednesday 13th December 2.30 pm - 4 pm
- Wednesday 24th January 2.30 pm - 4 pm
- Monday 19th February, 9 am - 11 am
- Friday 8th March, 11 am - 1 pm
- Thursday 25th April, 1 pm - 3 pm
- Wednesday 22nd May, 11 am - 1 pm
- Tuesday 18th June, 9 am - 11 am
No need to book just, call in anytime.
Find out more: Become a teacher
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St Peter's help local council hit 10,000 pupil litter pickers
Wed 08 Nov 2023St Peter's Droitwich CofE Academy has helped 'Little Litter Warriors' to reach the 10,000 pupil milestone as they joined in with litter picking this week.
Since it launched in March 2021 the 'Little Litter Warriors' educational litter initiative, funded by Wychavon Council, has seen over 39 Wychavon schools get involved and 10,000 pupils educated on the impact litter has on the wildlife, marine life, and their local community.
Children from Reception through to Year 4 joined Karen Blanchfield, Wychavon Council's Litter Heroes Ambassador, on litter picks in the school grounds, the local park and the local churchyard.
During the litter picks children have found crisp packets and drinks cans from 1998. Hayley Watson, RE Lead at St Peter's and organiser of the litter pick said, "I think it’s staggering to think we are picking up rubbish that is over twenty years old."
Karen said she started litter picking in 2018 and has seen "no improvement in the amount of litter in our communities". She is passionate about raising awareness of litter pollution and educating the future generation to take action.
Wychavon Council commissioned 'Little Litter Warriors' to support the council's anti-litter campaign which also includes adopting a street to keep free of litter. St Peter's has adopted the road outside their school and the eco-council regularly goes out to litter pick the street.
Pupil said they enjoyed the litter picking and commented that they were "helping the world".
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Applications now open for NPQs starting in February
Wed 01 Nov 2023National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are a national, voluntary suite of qualifications designed to support the professional development of teachers and school leaders. They equip teachers with the expertise to lead sustainable improvement across their schools.
The Rivers Teaching Alliance is delighted to share with you 4 NPQs that we are now recruiting for February start.
Specialist NPQs
These provide CPD for teachers who want to make their classroom teaching the best it can be, whether or not they move into school leadership.
- Leading Literacy (NPQLL)
- Leading Primary Mathematics (NPQLPM)
Leadership NPQs
The Leadership NPQs cater to teachers in leadership, or aspiring towards leadership and focus on the crucial skills and sector knowledge teachers need to educate and lead in their schools.
- Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
- Headship (NPQH)
For more information on each course visit: National Professional Qualifications (NPQs)
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First half term at Unity Academy
Mon 30 Oct 2023Unity Academy our new Alternative Provision has now been open for half a term and is in full swing of school life. There are 19 children at the school, which will rise to 24 this half term.
Katherine Rock, Deputy Head Teacher said, “It has been a brilliant first half term and children have settled well and enjoy coming to school.”
MAC Makes Music has been visiting the school each week to work with the children on songwriting, improvisation using musical instruments and recording their own music. All the children have been accessing gymnastic sessions each week and passed their Bronze Award.
The children have been enjoying using the cooking facilities and engaging in a range of DT activities. They held a Macmillan coffee morning in which the children baked cakes and biscuits and raised over £50.
Katherine commented “Every day is a highlight and we are really proud of all of our successes, staff and children, no matter how small."
Kuldip Berdesha (the headteacher) and her team have set the school up superbly and it is making such a difference already.
"We have our first child going back into a mainstream school after being out of education for over a year which is fantastic!”
Well done to all at Unity Academy on a very successful first half term.
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First half term for our trainee teachers
Fri 27 Oct 2023Our trainee teachers on the Rivers Teaching Alliance PGCE have had a 'busy' half term which included a week of intensive training and practice (ITAP) sessions aimed at strengthening the link between evidence and classroom.
One trainee teacher commented "I saw a variety of different teaching styles, techniques and behaviours. I could identify the clear expectations and routines that the school has implemented through each year group the children go through. Along with the school expectations each class teacher had their effective routines and expectations."
When asked how they had found the course so far, the trainees commented:
“Really good positive experience”.
“Really full on, you're really busy but it’s a good busy because it's working towards what I want to be doing in the future”.
“Really fantastic, great support from my mentor, the Rivers Teaching Alliance and the school I’m based in Cherry Orchard Primary School."
Sarah a trainee teacher based at Cherry Orchard Primary School shares her experience of the first half term:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/350671150966437?mibextid=kcDB8O
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Recycling Week 2023
Mon 16 Oct 2023Our schools have taken small steps to reduce, reuse and recycle, which include collecting pre-loved uniform and installing recycling bins.
Cherry Orchard Primary School have set a great example with a number of initiatives to help increase recycling efforts:
- Recycle crisps packets station, which are then taken to a local recycling point (find yours here: Crisp packets | Recycle Now)
- Recycling felt-tip pens, which are then taken to a local recycling point (find yours here: The Writing Instruments Free Recycling Programme | TerraCycle UK · TerraCycle)
- Recycling dental products, which are sent to a local recycling point (find yours here: The Colgate® and hello® Oral Care Free Recycling Programme | TerraCycle UK · TerraCycle)
- Recycling batteries (Batteries | Recycle Now)
- Installed a Collection 4 Clothes big red recycling unit, to collect donations of clothing, accessories, shoes, linen & bric-a-brac. Donated items are exported to retailers throughout Europe with the remaining items being recycled. Aside from doing their bit to ensure a greener planet for generations to come, proceeds from the donations go to support Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
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The Rivers CofE Academy Trust welcomes new CEO to lead education excellence
Thu 21 Sep 2023The Rivers CofE Academy Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Meckin as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Matt brings extensive experience in education and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by schools in today’s ever-evolving landscape.
Prior to joining Rivers, Matt was a Director of Education at a large multi-academy in the West Midlands, overseeing a significant improvement in educational outcomes, as well as being the trust’s strategic lead for safeguarding and digital technology.
He has held the role of His Majesty’s Inspector (HMI) for Ofsted, leading over 70 school inspections and multi-academy trust summary evaluations. During his time with Ofsted, Matt was appointed as National Lead for Physical Education, which included carrying out research, training inspectors and engaging with educational figures, including ministers.
Matt has over 20 years' experience in education as a qualified teacher, teaching across primary, middle and secondary schools. He has been a headteacher of two schools, progressing one school from an Ofsted judgement of ‘special measures’ to 'good' and one from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’.
Matt has a passion for sports and previously led a school sports partnership in Worcestershire.
Matt’s appointment comes at a significant chapter in the trust's journey. Two weeks ago, Rivers proudly opened its brand-new alternative provision setting, Unity Academy, and is now preparing to launch ‘Evergreen’, a trust-wide project to provide every pupil and teaching staff member with a 1 to 1 device to enhance learning.
Matt’s extensive experience and proven track record of leadership will play a pivotal role in driving the Rivers CofE Academy Trust forward. “It is an absolute privilege to lead The Rivers CofE Academy Trust on the next part of its journey and development. I am committed to building on previous success and achieving the highest possible standards for our pupils in the future, both academically and personally,” he said.
Matt added, “The strong sense of collaboration and the values-led culture within Rivers creates a brilliant platform for further growth. I look forward to working with the board, staff and parents to realise our vision and teach children to love, learn and live as global citizens in an ever-changing world.”
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The Rivers CofE Academy Trust bids a fond farewell to an illustrious CEO
Thu 14 Sep 2023After an illustrious career and dedicated service to education, we announce with both gratitude and a touch of sadness, the retirement of our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kate Brunt.
Kate will leave the Trust to ‘rebalance’ on the 20th of September, marking the end of her remarkable 9 years, as founding CEO of The Rivers CofE Academy Trust and nearly 40 years working in education.
Throughout her years of leadership, Kate has exemplified an unwavering commitment to educational excellence and improving pupil outcomes for all. From her beginnings as a secondary school P.E and Geography teacher to her time managing 9 pupil referral units in Worcestershire, Kate has positively impacted the lives of so many children and families.
With Kate at the helm, together with a passionate and dedicated team of educators and staff, the Rivers CofE Academy Trust has grown to become a collaborative community and forward-thinking trust. Kate’s charismatic personality has enabled her to empower teachers, staff, and pupils alike and has helped to foster an environment where learning thrives.
Kate will leave The Rivers CofE Academy trust in a strong position, with all schools eligible for Ofsted grading being judged as ‘Good or Outstanding.
Kate hopes her legacy will be one of passion, sharing and happiness. “I hope people talk about working within Rivers with a passion and that we’ve created an organisation that continues to share. I hope that Rivers continues to be a trust of choice for people to work within and to send their children to.”
Speaking of her greatest highlight, Kate said “I feel privileged to have worked with the people I work with every day. Working with teams and seeing the work they do with our children is most rewarding”.
When asked what she would miss about the role, Kate said “I’ll miss hearing children and working with my colleagues. I’ve worked in education for the last 40 years so it’s a massive chunk of my life, but what I’ll enjoy is time with my family and time for me”.
As we bid a fond farewell to Kate, we extend our deepest appreciation for her tireless efforts, dedication, and profound impact on The Rivers CofE Academy Trust. We wish Kate all the best in this new chapter of her life.
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Honorary University Fellowship for our CEO Kate Brunt
Wed 13 Sep 2023We’re pleased to announce that our founder and CEO Kate Brunt has been awarded an Honorary University Fellowship by the University of Worcester in recognition of her passion for inspiring learning and school improvement work across the country.
An Honorary University Fellowship is bestowed upon persons of prominence, whose outstanding achievements align very closely with the mission and ethos of the University.
Kate has received the award in recognition of her distinguished career as a National Leader of Education, including the significant contribution she has made to the region as Chief Executive Officer of the Rivers C of E Academy Trust.
Kate has an ethos of ‘always learning’ and is a school improvement partner for several MATs/SATs across the country. She is an Ofsted Inspector and has been a member of the West Midland’s Advisory Board and the Department for Education’s Headteacher Reference Group and is also a coach/mentor on the DfE’s Trust to Trust Development programme.
Kate’s vision for a culture of collaboration and her passion to create inspiring learning opportunities and improve life chances for all led, to the establishment of The Rivers CofE Academy Trust in 2014. Now with 16 good and outstanding primary, first, pre-school and nursery settings together with the Rivers Teaching Alliance, the trust has become a thriving primary specialist Multi Academy Trust.
In addition to her contribution as CEO, the Honorary Fellowship, has been awarded to Kate to signal the University of Worcester's profound appreciation for her invaluable collaboration with the School of Education and her unstinting support of Initial Teacher Education and strong commitment to the University’s work and values.
Kate said she felt especially honoured as “only a very small number of educationalists receive this award”.
Kate will join the University’s College of Fellows and use her expertise and experience in education to support the University with guest lecturing, among many other ways.
Kate would like to thank everyone for their support of her and the Rivers CofE Academy Trust over the years.
Well done Kate. You thoroughly deserve this!