Gainford Church of England Primary and Pre-School

Dear Parents and Carers

Consultation on joining the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust.

You may be aware that the Government had in its ‘White Paper’ originally stated the aim that all schools should be part of, or in the process of joining, strong multi-academy trusts by the year 2030.  The Schools Bill, which was intended to implement the White Paper, has now been abandoned on the whole but the government has confirmed it remains committed to the objectives outlined in the White Paper and will continue to progress academy plans as much as it can without legislation.

The governors and I have been discussing this potential scenario for some time now, and we want to make the right decision for our school and our community, particularly in light of falling population numbers in the area and the importance of ensuring our school remains sustainable.

We feel that it is imperative that the school is part of a strong group of schools where there is the opportunity to learn from each other with sufficient support and challenge to enable our school to continue to grow and develop. However, we also want to ensure that we retain our unique ethos and curriculum and our close partnership working with our church community with continued input and control over these decisions at a local level.

As a church school, we are already closely aligned to the Diocese of Durham and have always received excellent support from them and would continue to be able to access this as an academy. An opportunity has arisen to join the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust multi-academy trust (the ‘DNDLT’) and, having visited schools within the trust and talked to other heads, the governors and I are interested in exploring this further.  We feel that joining this Trust would give us the opportunity to benefit from effective support and wider networks but will still enable us to work in close partnership with our local community and school neighbours.  Seventeen other Church of England Primary schools are already part of the DNDLT and three more are due to join. The DNDLT is experienced in working with several small rural primary schools.

The DNDLT schools include Ingleton CE Primary which is very nearby and being part of the same Trust would enable increased partnership working.  There are also several other DNDLT schools which are geographically close to our school.  There is more information on the DNDLT on its website at www.durhamnewcastledlt.co.uk.

However, before making any decisions, we need to know what you think and what questions you might have.  I am attaching an FAQ document which explains some more about this proposal.

So, we would like to invite you all to a discussion meeting on 6^th February at 4.45pm  in school.Representatives from the school and from the DNDLT will be at the meeting so you can discuss any queries you may have and hear more about the proposal. The purpose of the meeting is to gather your thoughts and views on the possible future direction of the school before governors make a final decision about whether to proceed.

We want and value your feedback and would urge you to attend the discussion meeting and/or complete the attached feedback form which we request that you complete and return to us, this discussion period will continue until 26^th February so please ensure you submit any responses before then.  As we expect the meeting to be popular, could you please respond to the operoo message we will be sending  out  – stating if you are planning to attend so that we can get a feel for numbers.

We are passionate about ensuring Gainford CE Primary  School and Preschool is in the best possible position moving forward. We want and value your feedback and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at this initial discussion meeting

Mrs C Riley

Head Teacher

Consultation Response form 22.01.2024

FAQs Gainford doc 22.01.2024

 

 

Yesterday we had a wonderful visit from Hoopstarz, staff and children joined in the fun and the whole day was a roaring success, children have access to hoops in school, so they can continue to exercise and have fun time with the new skills they have learnt.

opstarx

This month two of our staff members, and two of our pupils were confirmed at a special ceremony held at Staindrop. The Bishop of Durham, Bishop Paul Butler, conducted the service after having a very busy weekend supporting King Charles throughout the coronation ceremony. Reverend Canon Eileen Harrop followed this with a Communion service in school where the newly confirmed adults and children received their very first communion. This was the first time that this type of service had been held in our school and we have been here since 1857! 

We offer a huge congratulations to Mrs Linsley, Mrs Demopoulos, Anthony and Emily as they take this next step in their faith journey.   

Year 6 Leavers attended a Celebration Service this morning at Durham Cathedral. The children carried the school banner and participated in the activities and ceremony. As you can see the children had a lovely time and took time out to pose for some photos!

Gainford CE Primary pupils are Eco Warriors!

In March Gainford CE Primary School and Preschool had two visits from Rachel Moore who works for OASES (Outdoor and Sustainability Educational Specialists)

OASES work with Gainford Primary to help children look positively to the future and learn how they can be part of the fight against climate change , the move towards green technologies and renewable energy and the adaptions required for a sustainable future in Class Wear had an exciting afternoon .They took part in lots of hands on practical activities ,including learning about solar panels and wind turbines .

All of the children

The class had already appointed energy monitors who ensure that pupils and staff turn off devices and lights when not in use saving energy wherever possible .The children had lots to say about the sessions.

Lucy – I enjoyed making the wind turbines turn really quickly.

Bethany – I really enjoyed it because when we got to hold hands in a circle making a circuit and the light lit up. It was amazing !

Ivy – I liked getting the lights to flash using solar power.

Chris Riley Headteacher commented “ The children were so engaged in the tasks and have really demonstrated a better understanding of sustainable energy We recognise the need for competency in Stem subjects in providing a green future and these sessions help to enthuse children about the possibilities in science, technology, engineering and maths .

 

Hopefully OASES will be back later in the year to work with more pupils across the school.