Harrogate’s Grove Road remains a ‘good’ school, says Ofsted

Grove Road Community Primary School in Harrogate has retained its ‘good’ rating by Ofsted.

The findings were published in a report today, following an inspection in October.

Grove Road was previously rated ‘good’ in 2018. Ofsted carries out short routine inspections every four years to confirm schools previously assessed as ‘good’ have maintained standards.

Government inspectors said the pupils at the 307-pupil school are “happy, friendly and confident” and have “positive attitudes to learning.”

It added:

“The school ensures that its pupils are safe.

“Bullying is not a problem. Pupils are confident that adults would sort it out if it did happen.

“Many pupils behave very well.”

Ofsted praised the school for its “coherently planned and sequenced curriculum” and said it breaks learning into small steps.

Inspectors also said that in some subjects, such as maths, pupils can “talk about their learning confidently” and show how their knowledge is building over time.

“Teachers use a consistent lesson structure for teaching phonics.

“Pupils achieve well in the Year 1 phonics screening check.

“The school supports pupils who find learning to read difficult to catch up with their peers.”

The school “quickly identifies” any children with potential special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND), inspectors added, and found those with SEND are “fully included in the life of the school”.

They added:

“The school provides opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and interests. For example, there are some sports after-school clubs and a singing club.”

The report said staff are “proud” to work at the school.

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Areas of improvement

 However, inspectors did note some areas the school could improve on.

Although the school is “ambitious for its pupils”, the report said this is not currently reflected in pupils’ achievement. But, leaders are taking action to ensure that outcomes for pupils improve, it added.

Inspectors praised the curriculum but said some leaders’ checks on what is taught and how it is taught are not “sufficiently rigorous”.

They said, as a result, some leaders have an “overly positive” view of how well the curriculum in their subject is implemented.

‘A special place to learn’

The inspection came after what Ofsted described as a period of “turbulence” in leadership and staff in recent years.

In the academic year 2021/2022, the school was in the highest 20% of all schools nationally for staff turnover and teacher absence.

New headteacher James Grayston said:

“We are delighted with the report which reflects the hard work of everyone involved in the school.

“I would like to personally thank all the staff, governors and parents for their unwavering dedication in everything we’ve been doing. Without fail, they always put the children at the centre of everything we do.

“We all know that Grove Road Community Primary School is a very special place for children to learn and we’re so pleased that the inspector saw what we see every day.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate carbon accounting firm makes two new hires

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

A Harrogate company that specialises in carbon accounting has announced two new appointments.

Flotilla, which is based on Station Parade, has hired Charlotte Hallowell as a carbon accountant and Jason Talman as full stack developer.

The company said it made the appointments as part of continued growth in its services.

John Rastrick, Flotilla chief executive, said: 

“Bringing Charlotte and Jason on board is critical to the delivery of our high-quality net zero solutions services. Charlotte’s analytical and business understanding skills will help clients realise the wider benefits of starting and delivering a net-zero journey.

“Jason is a determined problem solver and I am confident his arrival will allow us to further develop our technology for the benefit of our clients and for our planet.”

Henshaws to hold leadership course

Henshaws is set to host a leadership programme in February 2024.

The charity will hold the event at the Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate from 8am on February 2.

There will be a breakfast and networking lunch included. The course will include a presentation from business coach, Rob Northfield.

The course is aimed at anyone who wants to grow in their career or personal life. 

Tickets are £99 and all proceeds go to Henshaws.

Flora Simpson, senior fundraiser at Henshaws, said: 

“We were so over the moon with the success of Rob’s first event and are so happy to be able to bring this learning back.

“We had such a great turn out from a host of local business owners and their teams but also individuals who are aiming for self-development.”

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Man jailed for possessing cocaine in Harrogate

A drug dealer has been jailed for two years and two months after police intercepted his vehicle in Harrogate.

Bakar Ranian, 45, of Conway Grove, Harehills, Leeds, was jailed by York Crown Court today (December 5) after pleading guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement today officers on proactive patrols in and around Harrogate spotted a vehicle that had been making regular trips between Leeds and Harrogate on November 11.

It said its movements were consistent with an organised crime group involved in the supply of class A drugs.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police’s county lines Operation Expedite team, stopped the vehicle, a BMW 1 series, in Harrogate and asked the driver to explain his movements.

The driver was Bakar Ranian, originally from Hackney in London but who had recently become a resident of Leeds.

The police said his account was implausible and vague and it began to change when challenged by officers.

Ranian was detained for a search under Misuse of Drugs Act, as was his vehicle. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cocaine after officers found drugs on him following the search.

Some of the seized drugs.

A search of his vehicle led to officers finding £100 cash and a large quantity of suspected class A drugs, all concealed in various compartments in the vehicle.

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They recovered three large snap bags that each contained multiple deal snap bags inside them.

They located a further four large snap bags each containing multiple deal bags of white powder, inside in a bag wrapped in a hat, concealed in the boot.

A single bag of white powder was also located within the glovebox. Police then conducted a search of his address where approximately £2,000 cash was found and further evidence of his drug dealing activities.

In total officers recovered 109 packages of cocaine and four bags of MDMA with a combined street value of approximately £5,000.

PC Michael Haydock of Operation Expedite, who lead the investigation said:

“Bakar Ranian was working for a county line with the sole objective of selling highly dangerous and addictive drugs on the streets of Harrogate.

“He has knowingly broken the law and has clearly made a significant financial gain from his criminal activity. This has now been taken away from him. He, like many others before him, have sold these drugs without the slightest bit of thought or consideration for the wider implications of their actions.

“I am pleased to see that he has been imprisoned for his crimes and hopefully, he will now see the error of his ways. Similarly, anyone who believes they can commit drug crime in North Yorkshire should see this as a warning that drug dealers will be pursued and sent to prison”

 

New travel agents to open in Harrogate

A new travel agents looks set to open in Harrogate town centre.

Althams Travel plans to open a new branch on Cambridge Street next to Claire’s and WHSmith.

The unit used to be occupied by camera shop, Jessops.

The travel agent, which currently has 32 branches across Yorkshire, Lancashire and Lincolnshire, was established in 1874.

Its nearest branches to Harrogate are currently Otley and Horsforth in West Yorkshire.

The company is advertising for a branch manager, assistant manager and two travel consultants for its Cambridge Street outlet.

The Stray Ferret contacted Althams Travel to ask when it expects to open its Harrogate branch, but had not received a response by the time of publication.

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Starbucks recruiting staff for new Harrogate drive-through

Starbucks has advertised for staff for a planned drive-through on Wetherby Road in Harrogate.

The multi-national coffee shop, which already has an outlet on Cambridge Street in the town, looks set to open a new site at the former Leon drive-thru.

North Yorkshire Council approved plans to change the signage around the Wetherby Road site to Starbucks branding in August.

Since then, the company has advertised for a supervisor, assistant manager and barista on hospitality recruitment site caterer.com for a new store in the HG2 area.

The Stray Ferret asked Starbucks if it had an opening date planned for the site and how many staff it would employ.

A spokesperson for the company said:

“We are always looking for new locations and opportunities to bring the Starbucks experience to customers in the UK, but at this time we have no updates to share about plans in Harrogate.”

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The move comes as Leon, which opened at the site last June, closed its doors on April 2 with the loss of around 20 jobs.

It was operated by Blackburn-based EG Group, which also runs Starbucks franchises as well as brands including KFC and Greggs.

Currently, the building has been empty for eight months and has been stripped of its Leon branding and signage.

Brother of murdered Seb Mitchell issues knife plea to young people

The eldest brother of murdered Harrogate boy Seb Mitchell has urged young people to “think again” about carrying knives after the killer was sentenced today.

Dylan Cranfield, 17, plunged an eight-inch kitchen knife through Seb’s heart, causing a fatal loss of blood and cardiac arrest after an argument at a house party.

He received a life sentence at Leeds Crown Court today – but will be eligible for parole in a little over 10 years.

Seb’s family read out heart-rending victim-impact statements expressing their devastation at the loss of a “beautiful, kind soul” and their wish to see Cranfield jailed for “many years”, the Harrogate killer.

Jack Mitchell, Seb’s eldest brother, also warned other young people to “think again” about carrying knives. He said:

“No amount of justice will ever compensate for the loss of Seb.

“He was an utterly beautiful soul who filled all of our lives with laughter and treated everyone he met with love and kindness. The chasm in our lives from his loss will never be filled.

“I urge anybody listening to this that carries a knife or thinks it is acceptable to pick up a knife in anger to think again.

“All it takes is one knife. One moment. One stab. And suddenly you are a killer.

“Your life is over and you have destroyed so many lives.”

‘Every day is felt with sadness, tears and heartache’

Seb’s mother Sonya Mitchell said Cranfield had committed “the ultimate betrayal” by killing his friend, which had destroyed her family’s life.

She added:

“Seb was my baby, the youngest of our five boys. Seb was one of the good guys, the best. He loved his life.

“The day that Seb died was the day our lives and many other lives in the Harrogate community and beyond changed forever.”

“We received the devastating news that although the knife wound had been repaired in his heart, it was not enough to save his life. It was the day our family of seven were shattered and broken into a family of six.”

Seb Mitchell. Picture: Sam Mitchell.

Seb Mitchell. Picture: Sam Mitchell.

She said her family were enduring a “life sentence of pain and misery that will never, ever leave us”, adding:

“Seb was a beautiful soul, a courteous, bright, funny, popular, talented and supportive son, brother, grandson, friend and cousin loved by so many people,” she added.

“It’s impossible to comprehend the needless, senseless and violent way such a wonderful young man died. He was ripped away from us all forever, leaving a Seb-shaped hole in our hearts.

“Since the dreadful incident in February, every day is felt with sadness, tears and a heartache (from) losing Seb in such a ruthless and barbaric way. He had such a bright future ahead of him.”

Ms Mitchell, who has been on high levels of medication since her son was murdered, added:

“Whatever sentence is given to Seb’s murderer will never be enough. Seb will still be dead.

“I will still be dreading going to bed every night and dreading waking up the following morning to the awful realisation that I will never, ever see my beautiful, happy, smiling boy again, never hear his laugh, never see him evolve from the loving, kind teenage boy into the brilliant young man we all know he would have been.”

Grandmother’s tribute to ‘dearly loved’ Seb

Seb’s grandmother Lynette Fellows said:

“It’s impossible for me to quantify the abject misery, pain and distress this has had on us all. The loss of a dearly loved child (and) grandchild in the most brutal and senseless of ways has caused a grief so profound no-one can imagine.

“Seb had so many friends and talents with so much to give in the future. He had such a zest for life. Sadly, this future has been cut short in the most cruel and senseless way.”

She said her beloved grandson was kind to people and animals alike and “those blue eyes…always sparkled with love and a sense of fun”.

Murder after row over mirror

The incident, which was witnessed by three other teenagers, occurred at Cranfield’s house on Claro Road, Harrogate, where the two boys became embroiled in a blazing row.

Seb, who was just a week away from his 18th birthday, died two days after being stabbed in the chest by his friend who was “heavily intoxicated”, said prosecutor Peter Moulson KC.

Dylan Cranfield

Cranfield, of Claro Road, was found guilty of murder following a nine-day trial in August after the jury decided he had used the knife with intent to cause grievous harm.

Judge Guy Kearl KC, the Recorder of Leeds, lifted reporting restrictions allowing the press to name Cranfield who had previously remained anonymous due to his age.

The jury heard how the incident was triggered by a smashed mirror after Harrogate Grammar School student Seb had pushed Cranfield into a door during an argument. Within seconds, the two boys were squaring up to each other, shouting and swearing, whereupon Cranfield grabbed a large knife from the kitchen block and pointed it towards Seb’s stomach.

“A minute or two” since the initial argument, Seb was laid out on a sofa with a chest wound and gasping for breath, his face going white.

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Three teenagers who witnessed the incident in the early hours of February 19 went to Seb’s aid and called police and an ambulance as he lay barely conscious on the settee.

Mr Moulson said that when police arrived, Seb was unresponsive and falling deeper into unconsciousness.

He was taken to Harrogate District Hospital by ambulance, but his condition was so critical he was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary where he underwent emergency surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma, but despite the best efforts of doctors he was certified dead two days later, having suffered “catastrophic” brain damage due to fatal blood loss which led to a lack of oxygen reaching the brain.

‘I’m going to wet you up’

Police launched a murder investigation and spoke to two girls and a teenage boy who were at the house that night where drinks had been consumed.

The three teenagers had tried to separate the two boys and calm Cranfield down, but he pushed one of the girls away before grabbing the knife and “pointing it at Seb”.

She said that Cranfield seemed “fixated with (Seb)” and told him: “I’m going to wet you up.”

The expression “wet you up” is London slang for a stabbing.

She said she heard Cranfield repeatedly tell Seb: “I’m gonna kill you.”

Cranfield told Seb:

“If you don’t pay me (for the smashed glass) I will kill you. Like, I will…stab you up and wet you up.”

The girl saw Seb and Cranfield “on the (kitchen) floor, with glass smashed around them”.

They ended up “face to face” as Cranfield pointed the knife towards Seb’s stomach. She tried to grab the knife from Cranfield, but he told her: “Don’t touch my fxxxxxx knife.”

Claro Road murder scene

Police at the scene on Claro Road.

The two boys were still shouting at each other as the fight spilled over into the living room, but then Seb fell silent and was laid out, grasping his chest which was oozing blood.

The girl called 999 and was told by Cranfield to tell the ambulance operator that Seb had fallen onto the knife on the floor and that it was an accident. The two other teenage witnesses went along with this because they thought Cranfield “could kill them” too.

‘This wasn’t meant to happen’

When police and an ambulance crew arrived just after midnight, Cranfield told them:

“It was me. I was scared. Really sorry. This wasn’t meant to happen.”

The court heard that earlier in the evening, Seb, Cranfield and others had been drinking vodka. They carried on drinking at Seb’s grandparents’ house while they were away for the weekend.

Mr Moulson said that following Cranfield’s arrest, police also found a lock knife at the scene which was not used or produced during the incident, but he was charged with a separate offence of possessing a blade.

Seb, a black belt in karate who also played football, was put on life support following the stabbing but died later surrounded by his family.

Mohammed Nawaz KC, for Cranfield, said there was “no doubt” that drink had played a part in his client’s behaviour on the fateful night.

He said that while there was “love and guidance” in Cranfield’s childhood, a “degree of instability” had informed his early life and “that may have impacted on his…life choices that led him to the position that he is in”.

Judge Kearl KC said that Cranfield’s alcohol-fuelled, “spontaneous” act of violence had caused a lifetime of trauma for Seb’s family.

He imposed a life sentence on Cranfield with a minimum term of 11 years, which the teenager must serve behind bars before becoming eligible for parole, less the nine months he had already spent on remand.

 

Harrogate boy given life sentence for murder of Seb Mitchell

A 17-year-old boy has been given a life sentence after murdering Harrogate schoolboy Seb Mitchell.

Dylan Cranfield appeared before Leeds Crown Court this afternoon to be sentenced after being found guilty of murder in August this year.

He stabbed Harrogate Grammar School pupil Seb in the chest with a kitchen knife which led to a fatal loss of blood and cardiac arrest.

Guy Kearl KC, the Recorder of Leeds, sentenced Cranfield to a life sentence with a minimum of 11 years.

Cranfield murdered Seb, 17, after a row over a broken mirror at a property on Claro Road in Harrogate on February 19 this year.

Cranfield pleaded not guilty – he accepted he stabbed Seb, but said he did not intend to kill him.

A teenage girl who witnessed the incident told police Cranfield pointed the knife at Seb and said “I’m going to wet you up”, which the court heard was “London slang” for a stabbing.

Seb was taken to Harrogate District Hospital by ambulance, but his condition was so critical he was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary where he underwent emergency surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma.

He died two days after the incident.

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Cranfield, who was 16 at the time of the incident, was found guilty at a court hearing on August 25.

Judge Kearl lifted reporting restrictions on Cranfield, which had previously prevented the media naming him during proceedings.

Courts have discretionary powers to prevent the media from naming children to protect their welfare. Such orders remain in place until the child reaches 18.

However, Judge Kearl the welfare of children had to be balanced against the open justice principle that says the media should be able to report cases “fully and contemporaneously”.

He said the public interest of highlighting the dangers of knife crime meant it was therefore “in the interests of justice to lift reporting restrictions”.

Two arrested after cars stolen from Harrogate property

Police have arrested two people after two cars were stolen during a burglary in Harrogate.

The incident happened on Lime Street between 10.30pm on November 28 and 7.15am on November 29.

The offenders entered the house before taking two Skodas from the address.

One was a white Fabia, registration YD14 NVT, and the other was a grey Octavia, registration FT10 0CY.

A man in his 20s and a teenage boy, both from the Harrogate area, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Both have been released under investigation while police enquiries continue.

A North Yorkshire Police statement added:

“Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward if they have not already done so.

“In particular officers are appealing for information or CCTV around the area, showing any suspicious activity around this time, or anyone who has seen the vehicles since the burglary.

“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email phillip.brown@northyorkshire.police.uk

“You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for PC108 Brown.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12230226608.”

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The Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023: ‘This group has changed my life’

This year’s Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is to raise money for a minibus for Dementia Forward in the Harrogate district. 

The appeal is kindly sponsored by Vida Healthcare.

Please give generously to support local people and their families living with dementia. Let’s not forget who needs our help this Christmas.

Today, we talked to member of the young onset dementia group.

Before being diagnosed with young onset dementia, members of Dementia Forward‘s Time Out Together group were just like anyone else. One was the captain of Leeds Rhinos rugby, another a high-flying musician, and one a secretary for the Bank of England.

But everything changed before they reached the age of 65.

“We feel like a family – we are a family.”

This is how one member, Ally, described Time Out Together.

The group supports people living with young onset dementia – a form of the disease which affects people under the age of 65.

They meet every Wednesday and begin their day with coffee, cakes, and a catch-up. They laugh and chat and escape the evil disease they’re living with – even just temporarily.

Ally, who joined the group around nine months ago, said:

“I absolutely love it – it has changed my life.

“Everything we do is different – once we walked with llamas, and mine was named Gary!”

Time Out Together members visit the beach, nature reserves, play golf, visit art galleries, go on walking trips, go to the theatre and much more.

The purpose of the group is to socialise with people who understand them. The disease is robs these people of their former selves every day, but Dementia Forward works tirelessly to combat this.

Kev, the group’s volunteer bus-driver, said:

“It’s about laughing and joking together – we don’t judge here.”

Time Out Together is helping those living with young onset dementia and their carers every week, but the reality is that these people are fighting a downhill battle.

That’s why we need your help to ensure that the vital minibus service continues, and that people carry on receiving the care they need.

Dementia Forward’s current bus is old and urgently needs to be replaced. The charity would seriously struggle to afford a new one, which is why they need your help to keep this vital service going. Without it, many people living with dementia wouldn’t be able to access the help and support they need.

Every donation to our campaign will go directly to Dementia Forward, helping us hit our £30,000 target to buy the charity a new minibus and improving the lives of those living with dementia and the people around them.

Please give generously to those who need our help this Christmas. Click here to donate whatever you can – you never know when you, your family or a friend may be in need of Dementia Forward’s help too.

Thank you.

For those that need urgent help or have a dementia-related enquiry, call 03300578592 to speak to a helpline adviser.

Work hub removed from Harrogate rail station

An office for hire in Harrogate rail station has been removed after just seven months.

Sheffield-based Workfromhub designed the facility to create private working space for an “ever growing remote workforce”.

It opened in Harrogate train station on March 23 and joined hubs in Sheffield and Swinton in Rotherham.

The facilities include space for two people along with internet access, a second screen and desk space.

However, the hub appears to have been removed after just seven months in post.

The space occupied by the hub pictured this week.

The space occupied by the hub pictured this week.

The Stray Ferret approached Workfromhub to ask why the facility has been removed and if it will be replaced, but had not received a response by the time of publication.

The company’s website still lists the hub as one of its locations.

When it opened, Neal Byers, founder of Workfromhub, said the firm was working with Northern to make use of vacant space in train stations.

He said:

“We are working closely with Northern Rail to help transform underused spaces within stations. We can see the need for people who are on the move to have somewhere private and connected to work from.

“We feel that there are not enough remote working private spaces around to keep up with the demand of a growing remote workforce.”

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