St Aidan’s school in Harrogate receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating

St. Aidan’s Church of England High School has received a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted, six months after being rated ‘inadequate’.

The inadequate rating came as a shock to many staff and parents, as the school had previously been graded ‘outstanding’.

When a school is rated inadequate it has to wait up to three years before another full inspection and is subject to regular monitoring visits to check on progress.

But after the first monitoring visit at St Aidan’s in May, inspectors felt the rating “was not a fair reflection of the school” and returned two days later for a full three-day inspection.

In the previous report, published in January, the school was rated ‘good’ in all areas except leadership and management, which was rated ‘inadequate’ and meant it automatically achieved the same overall outcome.

It was highly critical of the school’s safeguarding policies and said pupils were “at risk of harm”. However, the new report said the school has “robust systems in place” for safeguarding.

It praised leaders for “swiftly” addressing the concerns raised in the prior report.

The report added:

“Staff know the signs that suggest a pupil may be at risk of harm. Adults promptly report any concerns they have. Leaders take swift action to ensure that pupils are safe.

“Where necessary, leaders refer concerns to appropriate external agencies.”

Nurturing environment

The secondary school has over 2,500 pupils, which includes those in a shared sixth form with St John Fisher Catholic High School.

The report said the sixth form provision was ‘outstanding’ and pupils “demonstrate a real love of learning”.

The new Ofsted report also gave an ‘outstanding’ rating to behaviour and attitudes at St Aidan’s, calling it a “happy school with a positive and nurturing environment where pupils flourish.”

It added:

“Pupils enjoy their lessons and value teachers’ knowledge and enthusiasm for their subject. Leaders have established clear routines that result in calm lessons. This enables pupils to focus on their work. They are keen to succeed.”

Quality of education and personal development were rated ‘good’.

The report said:

“Teachers have strong subject knowledge. They bring their subject to life for pupils with the clarity of their explanations and richness of examples. Pupils are captivated in lessons and are keen to answer the questions that teachers ask.”

The school’s response

Chris Ives, the school’s acting headteacher, said:

“This is an outcome that we think is a much fairer reflection of our school. In saying that, it is important to stress that changes have been made since the initial inspection outcome. We have collectively worked tirelessly to ensure that our approaches mirror what is required under the Ofsted framework.

“We have always believed in what we do and how we do it, and the process we have been through ensures that is fully in line with every expectation that is placed on us.”

Jo Wicks, chair of governors, said:

“After a period where we hadn’t been inspected in 15 years, to have three inspections in the matter of months has been challenging.

“There have, however, been real positives through this journey. The support we have had from our immediate community has been heartening, and the impact it has had on our school is immeasurable. Our staff have been unbelievably focused and determined to do their very best to ensure our school got the grading it deserved. The Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust has given their unwavering and constructive support.

“Most importantly, our students have not let this distract them from achieving their own goals and thriving as individuals. They continue to impress with their generosity of spirit and sharpness of their aspiration.

“We are truly delighted that we can end the year so positively and hope that we can build on the recent success when Ofsted next visit us to secure an outstanding judgement overall.”

Harrogate’s Rossett School could swap three tennis courts for 3G pitch

Rossett School is planning to remove three tennis courts and replace them with a new artificial 3G football pitch.

The school has submitted a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council that would see football facilities improve at Rossett Sports Centre.

There is currently a high demand for 3G pitches in the area, particularly since Harrogate Town were forced to remove theirs after promotion to the English Football League two years ago.

Last year, the school raised £10,000 through a fundraiser to replace its current 3G pitch.

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3G pitches are a way for schools to make extra income by hiring out the facility to local teams.

St Aidan’s Church of England High School has planning permission to build a new 3G pitch, which is set to open from 6pm to 8pm for community clubs to use.

St John Fisher Catholic High School also has a 3G pitch available for hire and Ashville College has an astroturf pitch.

The Stray Ferret asked Rossett for further details on its plans but a spokesperson declined to comment.

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Major crop fires underway near A61 in Ripon

Firefighters are attempting to put out crop fires in fields close to Ripon this afternoon.

The fires are in fields alongside the A61 around Hutton Bank and billowing smoke can be seen for miles around the area.

Today has been the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures of 29 degrees recorded in the Harrogate district.

North Yorkshire Police has advised motorists to avoid the area. A spokesperson said:

“We’re asking motorists to avoid the area and find other routes for their journeys while our Fire Service colleagues work at the scene. Thank you for your patience and understanding”

You can watch a video of the fire that was posted by North Yorkshire Weather Updates below:

UPDATE 6pm: Harrogate Fire Station has said the fire is now out.

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Horror crash in Harrogate sees pair lucky to escape alive

Two people were lucky to escape alive after a car hit a tree in Harrogate in the early hours of this morning.

The car was severely mangled by the crash, which took place on Harlow Moor Road, close to Harrogate Spring Water’s headquarters, at around midnight.

North Yorkshire Police traffic officer Sgt Paul Cording tweeted that the two people inside the Vauxhall managed to get out with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

He added:

“I am still gobsmacked that we were not doing the long walk to someone’s house last night for ‘that knock’.

“The intrusion is unbelievable and testament to the advancement in vehicle safety & another reason we bang on all the time about wearing seatbelts #Fatal5″

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Harrogate district MPs yet to reveal who they want as Prime Minister

The three Conservative Harrogate district MPs are yet to publicly reveal who they are backing in the race to become the next Tory leader and Prime Minister.

Since Boris Johnson resigned last Thursday, 11 MPs have declared leadership ambitions.

They include former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, current Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

Whoever is selected will bring in their own team, signalling a change of fortunes for many Conservative MPs.

Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith, a former chief whip to former Prime Minister Theresa May, was well regarded during his time as Northern Ireland Secretary from 2019 to 2020 and could be hoping for a return to a senior role.

Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams , who is currently a minister without portfolio in the Cabinet Office, is regarded as one of Boris Johnson’s loyalist allies. He stood outside Downing Street next to Carrie Johnson when the PM made his resignation speech.

Some of Mr Johnson’s allies have been critical of Richmond MP Rishi Sunak’s bid so it seems unlikely Mr Adams will support the current bookies’ favourite.

According to a report in The Times on Saturday, Mr Adams has been telling friends he will get a peerage in Mr Johnson’s final honours list.

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Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Andrew Jones, a rail minister under Theresa May, has been openly critical of Mr Johnson in the last few months and voted against him in the confidence vote.  But like Mr Smith and Mr Adams, he has yet to state who he supports.

The Stray Ferret asked all three MPs what qualities they are looking for in the next leader and if they have a preferred candidate but none has responded.

Mr Smith is currently 200/1 to become the next leader with most bookmakers, which drifted from 100/1 over the weekend.

Mr Adams is also 200/1. The bookies do not currently have a price for Mr Jones.

Harrogate boy, 9, with neurological condition now cycling to school

A boy from Harrogate with a neurological condition that affects his speech and movement is now able to cycle to school in style thanks to a donation from Harrogate Lions.

Noah Maguire, 9, who has Cerebellar Hypoplasia, mastered being able to pedal on a small metal trike two years ago but his family wanted a bike with a low base of support as balance and coordination are challenging for him.

They found the K3 KMX, a reclining bike that would give Noah the freedom to enjoy cycling to school again.

Members of the Lions delivered him the bike last month and were thanked yesterday by Noah’s family who made them a special lunch.

His mum Catherine Maguire said the new bike is the “envy of all his friends” at St Robert’s Catholic Primary School where he attends.

She said:

“Words cannot begin to express our gratitude for the Harrogate Lions ongoing support for Noah. They really have played such an important role in Noah’s journey and he wouldn’t be enjoying the freedom and independence he is today without their support.”

Noah and his mum Catherine Maguire with members of Harrogate Lions

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The Lions have supported Noah to help him become more independent over the past few years.

In 2018 they funded a special play area in the family garden that has handrails and steps to practice walking. The group also funded a canopy to cover the garden so Noah can play out in rain or shine.

As Noah was prone to falling due to his condition, a rubberised play surface was built in his garden that cost £3,000.

Noah is determined to walk and medical professionals believe he can do it.

His mum Catherine added:

“Noah has now got an amazing play area in the garden where he can play football, trampoline, swing independently alongside his two siblings who also benefit from the facilities too.

“The Lions contribution within the community continues to improve the lives of so many. They will always have a special place in the hearts of the Maguire family.”

Ofsted praises North Rigton primary school

Schools inspector Ofsted has praised North Rigton Church of England Primary School following a recent visit, giving it a ‘good’ rating.

The school has been a part of life in North Rigton, as well as nearby villages such as Huby and Weeton, since 1851 and was rated ‘good’ in 2015.

It became an academy in 2016 and is part of a fellowship with All Saints CE Primary School in Kirkby Overblow. The school is part of Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust.

Inspectors said pupils “are polite, well-mannered and respectful” and were supported by teachers “who are clear about what they want pupils to know”.

‘Proud of the school’

Inspectors said the 100 pupils at North Rigton are “very proud” of attending the school, enjoy playing with friends and have “great confidence and trust” in staff.

One pupil told an inspector that staff are “exceptionally understanding, support them and always want the best for pupils.”

The report added:

“Pupils are kind and respect each other. They understand that people should be treated equally. When learning is challenging, they persevere and enjoy helping each other to succeed. Pupils strive to achieve rewards such as yellow and white ribbons for good work and contributing to school life.”

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Skillful teaching

The report said reading is “at the heart” of the curriculum at the school with staff also teaching phonics well. It said overall, books are well matched to pupils’ ability.

It adds that teachers are clear about what they want pupils to know and they check and assess their levels “skillfully”.

It said there is a “strong culture” of safeguarding with vigilant staff who know how to keep children safe.

On things to improve, it said the school has gone through “flux” in leadership and staffing this year which has left some leaders having their workload increased. It said leaders should take steps to ease the burden on staff.

‘Very pleased with the outcome’

Headteacher Amber Andrews said:

“Everybody at North Rigton CE Primary School is very pleased with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection and the judgement that our small village school continues to be ‘good’. We would like to thank all our pupils for demonstrating to the inspectors what a warm and welcoming place our school is and our parents and carers for their continuing support.

“We also thank all our staff for their hard work, our Governors for their dedication and Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust for their commitment to keeping small village schools at the very heart of their community.”

New plans to convert Harrogate’s former post office

Plans have been submitted to convert Harrogate’s former post office on Cambridge Street into 11 apartments and retail space.

The Post Office controversially relocated to WH Smith in 2019 amid claims by Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones the service was being “downgraded”. The building has stood empty since.

In November 2020, Harrogate-based developer One Acre Group submitted plans for 25 apartments and offices in the building but withdrew the application last year.

The former plans were welcomed by conservation group Harrogate Civic Society although it was concerned about a proposal to build an additional floor.

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The new scheme, which was submitted to Harrogate Borough Council this week, will keep part of the ground floor that faces Cambridge Street as a retail or commercial space.

The apartments would have either one or two bedrooms.

The building is still owned by the Post Office but this time the application has been submitted by Leeds-based property firm Priestley Group.

A planning statement attached to the application says:

“The proposed development will secure the active re-use of this longstanding vacant building with an entirely appropriate mix of uses within a town centre location that will enhance the general appearance of the building with resultant benefits for the wider streetscene and conservation area as a whole.”

 

Ripon mum pens book about domestic abuse

A mum from Ripon will be signing copies of her book tomorrow about domestic abuse and the pain of losing a daughter to suicide.

Ally Garbutt said she decided to write Losing Lisa after escaping an abusive marriage that lasted 40 years.

The book is named after her daughter Lisa, who took her life aged just 23 after a difficult upbringing in the family home. She said she wanted to give Lisa a voice and tell her story.

Since splitting from her partner, Ms Garbutt has lost contact with her two youngest children and the book explores parental alienation, which is sometimes involved with family break up.

Ms Garbutt said:

“The book exposes what’s going on behind closed doors. It was traumatic writing it but also therapeutic. It helped me deal with abuse I had.”

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Profits from the book will go to domestic abuse charities. Ms Garbutt said she hopes the book will help other people in similar situations and show that there is a way out.

The author also reveals the traumatic psychological impact of coercive control, which is now recognised as a criminal offence.

She added:

“So many people are going through the same thing but you can get out and break the silence. After 40 years, I am free but it’s difficult.”

“I’m trying to get the message out there that people can break free from suffering and there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

The book is available to buy online from Amazon, WH Smith and Waterstones websites. Physical copies are available at Little Ripon Book Shop on 12-13 Westgate.

Ms Garbutt will be at the Little Ripon Book Shop from 11am-1pm tomorrow signing copies of the book.

Harrogate’s first Lidl set to open this autumn

Harrogate’s first Lidl supermarket is set to open this autumn, the company has confirmed.

Work began in February to demolish the old Lookers car dealership on Knaresborough Road to make way for the new store.

It will be the first Lidl to open in Harrogate, although there is already one in Knaresborough.

The multi-million-pound building includes a 1,263 square metre sales area, an in-store bakery, customer toilets and 94 parking spaces.

The new store will be open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

The German-owned company is currently on a recruitment drive for staff. A Lidl spokesperson said:

“We are delighted to confirm that construction of our new Lidl store on Knaresborough Road, Harrogate is well underway.

“The store is due to open this autumn and we are currently hiring for open vacancies, so would encourage anyone interested to visit our careers website.

“We look forward to sharing more information with the local community closer to the time.”

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