Progress could finally be made in plans for a Knaresborough museum next month after “protracted” negotiations with Harrogate Borough Council.

Knaresborough Museum Association (KMA) said it had been offered a year-long rent-free period on the ground floor of the former Castle Girls’ School building, while it spent money refurbishing the rooms and setting up the museum.

However, when the proposed lease was delivered in the spring, the rent-free period was set begin on April 1, even though the rest of the details had yet to be agreed and there were several more months of negotiation ahead.

KMA chair Kathy Allday said:

“They set the start date at April 1. They just made that decision, we had no forewarning.

“We were really upset, because we thought it was going to be a genuine rent-free period. We’re going to have to start paying rent before the museum is open and bringing in money.”

Harrogate Borough Council argued it had been “completely supportive” of the plans for a long period. A spokesperson said:

“Despite a successful Knaresborough castle and museum already existing in the town, we have been completely supportive of the museum group and have worked tirelessly to help accommodate their endeavours.

“A rent commencement date was agreed at the start of the negotiations, something the group were fully aware of. We have also kept the building vacant for them for more than two years while they finalise their plans – at a time when another community group or organisation could have rented the building – as well as agreeing to a concessionary rent over the first five years of the lease.”

Read more:

• Knaresborough Museum plan given go-ahead
• Greggs to open shop in Knaresborough

The group said it had disputed a clause which obliged it to pay £12,000 to the council in order to take up a single parking space to install a lift to create an accessible entrance. After negotiation, the fee was reduced to £6,000.

Ms Allday added:

“Elsewhere, when parking spaces have been used, for example for bicycle racks by the town council, they didn’t have to pay a fee.

“The entrance is actually a fire escape route and there’s a fire escape used by the tenant above, the Scouts. [The council] have plonked two car parking spaces right underneath it.”

The council spokesperson said the fire escape was fully compliant with regulations. He also said the charge for the parking space was £6,000 over 10 years, equating to less than £2 per day.

He added:

“We have a responsibility to look after and maintain our assets to generate funds and help support the delivery or frontline services, while also supporting community groups.

“And sadly, despite working extensively with this group and offering them a significant number of incentives to use this building – that could otherwise be occupied by another group for the benefit of the town – they continue to be dissatisfied with what has already been agreed.”

Despite the disagreements, more than six months on from its official start date, the lease should be agreed in the next few weeks.

Fundraising has been slower than expected because of the covid pandemic. Costs have also risen, meaning the association is still fundraising to ensure the project will be completed.

Staff from Succession Wealth in Harrogate have volunteered to help with the preparatory work for the project and KMA is keen to hear from anyone else who can help.

An artist’s impression of how the museum’s exhibits could look

Planning permission has already been granted to improve the building and work is expected to begin in the new year.

The museum will feature a replica Marigold boat, a 3D model of Nidd Gorge in prehistoric times, a wartime Knaresborough display featuring part of a Nissan hut, and plenty of interactive elements.

Ms Allday said:

“Knaresborough has been hiding much of its geology, archaeology and social history under a bushel resulting in much of the town’s history not being told.

“By showcasing the amazing geology and archaeology of the town along with its fascinating social history, Knaresborough Town Museum will complement and dovetail with what is displayed at the Court House Museum.

“It is a really exciting opportunity for the two museums to complement each other and we hope by continuing to engage with HBC’s museum service that the benefits of a new heritage quarter for Knaresborough can be realised.”

KMA hopes the Knaresborough Town Museum will open in late summer 2023.

The organisers of the annual Bonfire Night celebrations in Tockwith have said the event will not take place this year.

Tockwith and District Agricultural Society has previously used the bonfire and fireworks to raise funds for the village show in the summer.

However, the committee has decided not to run it this year because of the amount of work involved and the difficulties of using the showfield site.

Committee chair Georgina Watson said:

“It was a hard decision for the committee but ultimately our focus as an agricultural society is making sure we can put on the annual Tockwith Show.

“We have just held an incredibly successful show in August, but organising it, staging it on the day and most importantly clearing up the field afterwards involved a tremendous amount of work by a relatively small group of volunteers, and the burden of organising the Bonfire Night event would have fallen on the shoulders of that same group.

“Unlike the show itself the Bonfire Night event is totally at the mercy of the weather but still involves the same amount of hard work, so given both reasons we have with regret decided to cancel the event.”

The event was held last year, after a gap in 2020 because of the covid pandemic. In 2019, it had to be called off at the last minute when heavy rain left the showfield waterlogged.

The waterlogged field in 2019. Photo: Tockwith and District Agricultural Society

The announcement this week follows a decision by Harrogate’s Round Table to alter the format of its event on the Stray.

Rather than a bonfire, the volunteers said they would offer family entertainments including fairground rides, as well as the popular firework display.

A survey of the public after last year’s event found people were ambivalent about the bonfire, which the Round Table said was expensive and challenging to organise.

Are you putting on a community Bonfire Night event? Email the details to us for our round-up next month.

Read more:

• Farming life on display as Tockwith Show returns
• No bonfire on the Stray in Harrogate this year

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Seven Harrogate law firms have been included in the Legal 500 Guide for 2023.

Berwins, LCF Law, McCormicks and Raworths are all listed across a number of areas of law, including corporate and commercial, employment and private client work.

Harrogate Family Law and Stowe Family Law are listed for their work in this area, with Raworths, LCF Law and McCormicks also included.

McCormicks is mentioned for its sports law, Berwins for its IT and telecoms law provision, and Hempsons for its work in healthcare and with charities.

The latest version of the guide was welcomed by Raworths, whose managing partner Simon Morris, pictured above, said:

“We’re extremely proud to be recognised once again in the Legal 500 Guide, as this cements our reputation as one of the leading law firms based in the north of England delivering a genuinely integrated service to business and private clients.

“The guide highlights our commitment to delivering a high-quality service through our genuine team approach. We feel that our personal approach to looking after our clients sets us apart, and it certainly has helped us to build trusted, longstanding relationships with our growing client portfolio.

“Half of our lawyers are referenced in the guide across various practice areas, which is a testament to their knowledge and skills. It is particularly gratifying as the results are based on independent feedback and reiterates our approach which puts clients first.”

Chief executive Paul Berwin said he was particularly pleased the guide described Berwins’ support for clients, adding:

“I am naturally delighted to see the firm recognised in this way. We have some outstanding lawyers and it is a testament to them that their teams have been recognised as regional leaders.

“Essential though this deep expertise is to the way we support clients, what is particularly pleasing to see is the way the guide have identified Berwins’ high standards of service.

“From day one, we have had two overriding mantras – that care for the client is paramount and that, if we cannot do something well, we won’t do it at all. This outstanding directory recognition, built as it is on the feedback of clients and commentators, affirms the fact that we are being successful in both.”

The prestigious guide, which lists the top legal practices for each region of the UK, is independently researched and uses data from in-house peers.

Read more:

• Business Breakfast: Harrogate district hotels win national awards
• Business breakfast: Ripon firm invests £250,000 in robot laser welder

Late businessman behind coach donation to Knaresborough special school

A school in Knaresborough has been given a coach thanks to the generosity of a late businessman.

The Forest School received a special Variety Sunshine Coach in memory of Paul Ziff, a Yorkshire philanthropist who was a lifelong supporter and former regional chairman of Variety.

The children’s charity has helped to provide more than 5,700 coaches for SEND schools and other non-profit organisations working with disabled and disadvantaged children and young people across the UK since it was founded in 1949.

At The Forest School, 94% of pupils have speech, language and communication needs, and the specially-adapted minibus will give them the chance to visit new places and gain experiences which will support their development.

Mr Ziff’s widow Lea said:

“Paul had a lifelong passion to help others, and in particular to champion young people and unlock their full potential, no matter what their circumstances or disabilities. That’s why he was so dedicated to working tirelessly for Variety for so many years, having the same aims at heart.

“I chose Forest School to be the recipient of this sunshine coach, as Paul himself suffered from severe aphasia for 20 years so we both knew how challenging language and communication impairments can be.

“I really hope this bright new sunshine coach will broaden horizons for all the children at Forest School and give them the freedom and opportunity to experience many wonderful  educational and recreational days out.”

Paul Ziff’s widow Lea hands over the Sunshine Coach keys to The Forest School

Paul James, co-headteacher at The Forest School, said:

“We are extremely grateful to our sponsor and Variety, the Children’s Charity for providing a Sunshine Coach.

“A donation such as this means our pupils will benefit for many years to come by having transport to allow them to take part in opportunities such as horse riding, swimming, learning in the community, theatre visits and school residentials. Thank you so much.”

Mr Ziff was made chairman of the Leeds committee of Variety from 1975 and continued his support for the charity until his death in 2020, aged 84. As well as helping to organise coaches for schools across the region, he set up numerous events including the sportsman of the year dinner and the first ever woman of the year awards.

The new Lidl store in Harrogate will open on Thursday, October 13 at 8am, the company has confirmed.

Construction has been under way since February on the Knaresborough Road site, previously home to Lookers Ford car dealership.

The company said the shop will create around 40 new jobs and will offer an in-store bakery, customer toilets including baby changing facilities, and parking for cars and bicycles.

It will be open daily from 8am to 10pm, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

A spokesperson for Lidl GB said:

“It is fantastic that we are able to open our doors and welcome everyone into our new store in Harrogate.

“We have received overwhelming support from local residents, and we would like to thank all those that have played a part in delivering this new store. We now look forward to serving our multi-award winning products to everyone within the local community.”

Read more:

• Drone shots reveal progression of new Knaresborough Road Lidl
• Aldi looking to open second Harrogate supermarket

This article is sponsored by TravelGate.

A husband and wife team in Harrogate are making it their mission to create the best possible memories for people across the district.

Phil and Melanie O’Boyle founded TravelGate to deliver the kind of service they would want to receive from a travel agent: personalised, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile.

The pair have been running the firm for seven years and are just completing their busiest summer ever. Phil said:

“It can take a huge amount of time to book your own holiday, and it can be stressful, trying to coordinate all the elements and get exactly what you want.

“Using an independent agent takes all that away, especially for people who are time poor.

“We get a lot of repeat custom from people who’ve appreciated the service they get from us, letting them just turn up and enjoy their holiday.

“And the more we work with people, the more we get to know them and can make recommendations of places we know they’ll love.

“It’s fantastic when you reach the stage where they just say, ‘you tell me – where should we go?’ and you know exactly the right thing.”

One of the most remarkable things about TravelGate is the huge range of holidays it can offer to customers.

From simply booking flights for those who might be staying with family abroad, to delivering tailor-made, once-in-a-lifetime adventures around the world, they have seen and done it all.

Independent travel agents

Not only can they make their own recommendations, but their close contacts in the industry mean they are always able to source new hotels and resorts which they know will be a good fit. As independent travel agents, they can access deals which aren’t always open to others, building relationships with hoteliers and reps around the world.

They also keep in touch with customers old and new, hearing about their experiences and using their tips to make recommendations to others. Melanie said:

“We get emails from people while they’re on holiday telling us how much fun they’re having – even sending us holiday snaps.

“It’s really lovely knowing we’ve made sure they got what they wanted and are creating memories.

“That feedback also helps us to make recommendations for them in the future, and to other customers who are considering the same destination.”

When it comes to destinations, Phil and Melanie cover the whole world, and have customers flung far and wide at any given time.

As well as traditional summer package holidays from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, they work a lot with people who want to visit sout-east Asia, make the most of a trip to Australasia, or try a roadtrip across America.

Keeping everything on track

Though nobody likes to consider what happens when things go wrong, it is in these cases that a knowledgeable, independent travel agent comes into their own.

Whether it’s a cancelled flight or queries over transfers, dealing with any minor hiccups on holiday can be stressful, especially taking into account language and other barriers.

Phil and Melanie are always on hand – even having a phone at home to take out-of-hours calls – to step in and ensure things get back on track.

“We’re getting a lot of new customers at the moment who have never spoken to us before, but who perhaps haven’t been away for a few years and just want that added reassurance of having someone to contact if they need anything.

“Booking without an agent is a risk: you don’t know whether it will live up to the promises you see online or in a brochure.

“Whatever your budget and wherever your destination, a holiday is a big deal. You want it to be right and you want to feel you’ve got value for your money.

“That’s what we’re all about: making sure that investment delivers the experiences and memories that make it all worthwhile.”

You can contact TravelGate by phone on 01423 210 580, email on enquiries@gotravelgate.co.uk or message the TravelGate Facebook page.

What the customers say

There’s no better recommendation than that of someone who has used the service themselves.

TravelGate has hundreds of happy customers who are more than happy to return – and recommend the company to their friends.

Some recent comments sent to Phil and Melanie from around the world include:

Australia and New Zealand

“This is our last night of what has been an unforgettable trip. You know we were very nervous about travelling to Australia and New Zealand but the time you spent with us putting the trip together and going through everything with us a few days before we travelled put us at ease.

“It was a complicated itinerary but everything has gone so smoothly. My sister recommended you to us and we will definitely be using TravelGate for all our future holidays. Thank you both so much.”

Canada

“Wow wow wow – Canada is amazing. Beyond all our expectations.

“There are so many highlights. The Rocky Mountaineer has always been on our bucket list and did not disappoint.

“Memories of watching grizzly bears from our lodge in British Columbia will stay with us forever. We can’t wait to get over to Niagara Falls on Tuesday.

“Everything has been perfect so far and we cant thank you enough for everything you have done for us.”

Europe

“I just wanted to say thank you finding such a brilliant holiday for us.  The resort was fantastic, Lake Geneva was beautiful and the hotel was stunning.

“The temperature was just right for us and there was the perfect mix of activities to keep everyone busy. We would definitely go back and if you know of any other resorts like this we could try them too!

“Thanks for all your help and hard work on our behalf.”

Ski trip

“Just wanted to say we’re having a lovely time skiing this week. The hotel you chose for us is absolutely great, plenty of snow and even the sun is shining. Thank you for organising another great family holiday!”

Beach holiday

“Just wanted to send you a quick message to say what a find this hotel is. We are currently sitting on the private beach which is stunning. We are loving it and it’s just perfect! A big thank you!”

Florida

“We arrived in Longboat Key yesterday after an action packed Disney week. It all went brilliantly well and we all created life long memories.

“Our apartment at Longboat Key Resort is exceptional. We all love it here. Great choice of resorts guys. Thank you for all your help.

“The boys and I are playing golf tomorrow and the girls are going horse riding on the beach.

“Magical!”

Two people from Grantley. near Ripon, have been charged with smuggling cash out of the UK as part of a major national investigation.

Jonathan Johnson, 54, and Jo Emma Larvin, 43, appeared before Uxbridge Magistrates Court yesterday charged with removal of cash from England and Wales which they knew or suspected was acquired through criminal conduct.

It follows an investigation by the National Crime Agency into the smuggling of millions of pounds of cash, which has seen a total of 12 people from across the country charged.

They are all suspected of being cash couriers, responsible for transporting large amounts of money in suitcases on flights from the UK to Dubai.

All 12, aged between 24 and 54, were bailed to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on October 27.

Read more:

• Police seize suspected cocaine in Ripon house raid
• Thieves steal seven bikes from Ripon cycle shop

A surprise guest with a film crew brought a bit of fun to a village yoga class near Ripon last week.

Hugh Dennis, best known as a comedic actor including in sitcom Outnumbered, was in Studley Roger filming for archaeology show The Great British Dig.

The TV crew asked if they could join Kirsten Agar Ward’s Iyengar yoga session at Studley Roger Village Hall, so they could invite participants to help with the dig.

While there, Hugh and co-presenter Natasha Billson joined in the class, which was all filmed by the production company. Kirsten told the Stray Ferret:

“I’ve been filmed quite a bit before, not for TV but I’m fairly used to it, up to a point. I was a little bit nervous, I have to admit, but once I’d started I just got into what I was doing.

“It was a very unusual situation. It was fast-paced and fun, and they said they’d enjoyed it and seemed quite relaxed at the end.”

The session proved fruitful for the visitors, who recruited a number of locals for their dig, which will be shown as part of a new series of the programme next year.

Kirsten hopes some of their yoga session will be included in the final edit, not only to raise the profile of her classes but also to spread the word about Iyengar yoga.

She trained extensively in India and is a senior level three teacher, travelling around the world to deliver classes as well as setting up the Bath Iyengar Yoga Centre in 2000.

Now based back in Yorkshire, she leads sessions in Ripon and Harrogate too, along with online classes which attract international participants from Tasmania, Costa Rica and elsewhere.

She said:

“I’m very committed to teaching this method. it’s very structured and progressive and safe. The teachers are rigorously trained.

“It’s very good for meeting people’s needs, because you aren’t just doing one thing, you can adapt and grade it according to people who are coming, whether they are old, young, bendy, stiff, have health problems or whatever.

“I’m very pleased they came to film the class. Part of the Great British Dig is they’re trying to build community and that’s what I’m trying to do too, so it was a good mix.”

Read more:

• Great North Art Show returns to Ripon Cathedral
• Poets perform to packed audiences at Ripon festival

Runners from across the Harrogate district will descend on the capital this weekend for the 42nd London Marathon.

Held in October for the third time because of the impact of the covid pandemic, it will see 40,000 people cover the 26.2-mile route around the city, with a further 10,000 expected to take part virtually around the country.

The Stray Ferret is sharing the stories of local participants in the run-up to the event on Sunday, October 2.

If you’re taking part and would like to be included, email details to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Record attempt for unicorn runner

Jeremie Maillard from Harrogate will have two challenges in front of him as he crosses the start line on Sunday.

First, he will need to complete the distance – and second, he hopes to become the fastest runner to complete the course dressed as a mythical creature.

The Guinness World Record attempt is not his first foray into costumed running. Jeremie said:

“Having run London Marathon several times over the years, having completed it once dressed as a Ninja Turtle, I absolutely love the support from the crowd. So why not combining the running experience whilst fundraising for a great cause?

“If you see a unicorn on a practice ride ahead of the big day in October, you are not dreaming. You might not recognise the runner under the mask, but be sure that I will be sweating whilst struggling to see through my nostrils.”

Jeremie has already surpassed his £250 fundraising target for the Alzheimer’s Research UK, and donations are still coming in. To sponsor him, click here.

Early Bird runner takes on challenge for hospice

A Harrogate man will show his gratitude to the hospice that cared for his father by raising funds this weekend.

Nick Page’s father Warren was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and underwent treatment for more than five years.

In early 2021, he was placed under the care of the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice community team, who provided help to Warren and his wife. Nick said:

“As his health deteriorated, it was November that year he recognised the need for more specialist care and was admitted to the hospice for what turned out to be his last two weeks.

“At that time, for us as a family, the word hospice had negative connotations and it was initially a battle to be able to talk about.

“The reality was very different from what I had envisaged. Yes it is a medical setting but with a calm and empathetic atmosphere and the staff were incredibly kind and supportive.

“Covid restrictions were in place at that time, however, we were always welcomed and had great comfort knowing that Dad was in safe hands and I believe that his last days and hours were peaceful.”

Nick’s daughter India, now nine months old, was born just two weeks after his father’s funeral in January this year. The whole family has continued to receive support from Sue Ryder this year.

Nick has also found comfort from a running group in Harrogate, which has helped to inspire his marathon training too. He said:

“I joined the Early Bird Run Crew, who run every morning in Harrogate. It was established with the primary goal of improving mental and physical health and has given me the opportunity to use exercise as an outlet.

“The crew are a really encouraging group of people and this has helped me push myself with my training and preparation for running the marathon.

“Through the friendships that have been formed I’ve not done a long training run alone and one of the crew, Andy, will be running the marathon with me. With mental health now being a regular topic of conversation, we will sometimes go for a coffee (or a beer) and talk openly about mental health.

“It’s been a great support and the driver behind me completing a Mental Health First Aid course as well as becoming a wellbeing ambassador at my place of work because I want to channel my experiences into helping others in a similar situation.”

To donate to Nick’s fundraising, click here.

Marathon efforts for friends of young cancer patient

A former Ripon Grammar School pupil will run the London Marathon this weekend to support her friend who has been going through gruelling cancer treatment.

Lucy Verity, who left the school in 2018, was diagnosed with the rare bone cancer Ewing Sarcoma in January last year. She has undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as having 21 blood transfusions.

The young Masham resident has already raised more than £35,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which has supported her through her treatment, and the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

Her friend Ruby Beardsall, right, will run the marathon this weekend, while her brother Oliver will take on the York Marathon later in October.

Lucy’s mum Gaynor said:

“Bone cancer is a brutal cancer and needs a very aggressive treatment regime.

“We couldn’t have got through the last 19 months without the support of the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) and its dedicated link nurse. At the moment the charity can’t reach all the patients it would like to due to lack of funding.

“The Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT), based in Leeds, receives no government funding and every penny raised counts towards research and providing support and information on bone cancer.”

To donate to Lucy’s fundraising, click here.

Running in memory of Dad

Knaresborough runner Tom Kilmurray will be raising money for the MS Society in memory of his father, Bob, who died from the illness last year.

Bob had been diagnosed with MS 16 years earlier and was cared for by his wife, Tom’s mum. In his younger days, Bob was a runner too, and Knaresborough Striders member Tom is following in his footsteps.

Bob Kilmurray, left, completing the London Marathon in 1983 and son Tom in training this year

Tom said:

“I really wanted to do something in memory of my dad and show support to other carers out there like my mum. Like me, running was big part of my dad’s life and in 1983 he ran the London Marathon in three hours and six minutes.

“It has been awful to see someone who was so active and energetic slowly deteriorate, plus watch the strain it put on my mum, who was my dad’s full-time carer for the last few years of his life. Running London has been a long-held ambition but running in my dad’s footsteps for this charity will be extra special.”

A familiar face at local Parkruns, Tom has set himself a target of £2,000. To sponsor Tom, click here.

Former Ripon pupil supporting women’s rights in Afghanistan

A former Ripon Grammar School pupil is preparing to run the marathon on Sunday to help protect some of the most vulnerable people in the world.

Edward Lyons, who left the school in 2016 for a degree in politics, philosophy and economics at King’s College, London, is raising money for Afghanaid.

Having since worked as a Treasury economist, he said the charity is close to his heart:

“Afghanaid works with marginalised groups in the Afghan community, helping to provide emergency aid, and assisting communities with resources and education to help support them through political turmoil, human rights atrocities, and other devastating challenges.

“Having experienced first-hand the monumental effort of colleagues in Her Majesty’s Treasury to support vulnerable citizens from Afghanistan via the Afghan Resettlement Scheme, this is something I feel extremely passionate about.”

As well as hoping to raise more than £1,500, Ed is aiming for a sub-three hour marathon. He said his own experiences of fundraising events at school have helped to inspire him to continue doing what he can to support good causes.

His passion for economics and politics led him to set up the RGS Politics Society while in sixth form, driving him towards his future career.

A new charity shop will open tomorrow on Harrogate’s Oxford Street as part of ambitious expansion plans.

Yorkshire Cancer Research will open the shop in the former Porters clothing shop, after the business moved to James Street two years ago.

Tomorrow’s official opening will be conducted by TV presenter and journalist Christine Talbot, with the Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Cllr Victoria Oldham, also attending.

The Harrogate-based charity already has five shops and plans to open a further 15 in the next five years, saying it plans to open units on every high street in Yorkshire.

Each shop is expected to raise £100,000 a year for the charity, which funds research into cancer. YCR is the largest regional cancer charity, funding 62 research programmes and allowing 250,000 people to participate in pioneering research and treatment.

The former Porters shop on Oxford Street.

A spokesperson for YCR said:

“As well as raising funds to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, the shops are the ‘greenest on the high street’, allowing people to recycle pre-loved items and buy sustainably sourced products.

“They also provide opportunities for people to learn new skills, meet new people and play a role in helping those with cancer in Yorkshire through volunteering.”

Read more:

• Louis Vuitton shoes donated to Harrogate charity shop feature in national campaign
• Harrogate district autism charity celebrates 10th anniversary

A Harrogate junior school has achieved a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted less than four years after inspectors said it required improvement.

Saltergate Junior School in the Jennyfields area was praised for the “warm and respectful” relationship between teachers and pupils, with “high expectations” for their achievements.

The latest inspection took place in June, with the report published last week. It said:

“Many pupils say there is nothing they would change about their ‘amazing’ school. They thoroughly enjoy the wide range of rich and exciting experiences provided for them.

“School leaders make sure all pupils get lots of opportunities to develop their talents and interests.”

Inspectors praised the school’s leaders and governors for the “significant improvements” made since the last inspection, with changes to the curriculum and teaching continuing throughout the pandemic.

They said some areas of the curriculum which have more recently been introduced still needed further monitoring to ensure they were implemented effectively.

Read more:

• Richard Taylor school in Bilton receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating
• North Yorkshire gets less than half national average for special schools

While three of the four areas of assessment were rated ‘good’, the school was awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating for personal development. Chair of governors Mark Walker said he was “particularly thrilled” with this.

The inspectors added:

“Governors know the school well and provide effective support and challenge. Staff say that leaders are always ready to provide professional and personal support.

“They are rightly proud to work at this school.”

The inspection was carried out under previous headteacher Linda Mortimer, who retired in the summer. New head Joanne Hall said:

“I feel very lucky to be leading such a special school community and to be able to build upon the work achieved so far by Mrs Mortimer and the staff team.

“This successful inspection is thanks to all of our staff at Saltergate in both the infant and the junior schools as we all work closely together for the benefit of our children.

“Our infant school will be inspected at some point in the near future and we hope that Ofsted will be equally impressed.”