A Teesside primary school has scooped two prestigious national awards for its commitment to inclusion.

Rosebrook Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees is celebrating after being awarded Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) as well as being granted a Centre of Excellence.

In her report, IQM Assessor Joanne Smith, said: “We can be whatever we dream,” is the school’s vision for children to achieve without limitation. The leaders and staff team work to remove barriers to ensure pupils have every opportunity to be happy and succeed in school learning and life.

“The children know that staff believe in them and care for them and the leaders’ vision is echoed through the children’s voice. Pupils speak warmly about the adults in school and enthusiastically shared their happy experiences and memories from the many opportunities and the interesting curriculum that the school provides.

“High expectations are the starting point for the work of all involved in the life of Rosebrook.  The school’s purpose is to serve their community which is evident from their website welcome, their online presence, communications with parents, carers and community members and strong governor involvement.”

The report goes on to praise leadership at the school.

It says: “The leaders are uncomplicated in their vision, they see children wanting to attend their local primary school and are very clear that their job is to welcome every child and their family to their happy, hardworking school.

“A number of staff gave examples of the compassion shown by the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher.”

The report continues: “One parent shared the kindness of a staff member who worked with their young child to settle into school life, the parent knew that the staff member had given up their own lunchtime to make sure their child was settled and happy and could not have been more grateful.

“Families cannot speak more highly of the support, kindness and positivity shown by all school staff. All parents and carers could not be more complimentary about the never-ending kindness and compassion from staff.”

Staff are also applauded in the report.

The report adds: “The staff talked positively about the impact of training and in particular the whole school approach to understanding adverse childhood experiences. Staff said that everyone has a strong understanding of children’s lived experiences and are able to ensure support is given at the earliest opportunity.”

In the report, Rosebrook’s Inclusion Team was recognised as a beacon of positivity and hope, supporting families with compassion and care, and helping children to feel safe and thrive.

Headteacher Leanne Todd expressed immense pride in the recognition.

She added: “We are incredibly honoured to receive both the Inclusive Quality Mark award and Centre of Excellence status. These awards are a reflection of the belief we hold in every child’s potential and the dedication of our entire school community to nurturing that potential through care, consistency, and high expectations.”

Rosebrook is one of ten primary schools across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “These are significant achievements, and I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Rosebrook.

“The awards demonstrate Rosebrook’s exceptional commitment to being an inclusive school that engages well with the school community and puts the well-being of pupils at the heart of everything they do.”

Reception places for September 2025 are still available at Rosebrook. For further information, contact the school on 01642 677985

Click on the link below to read the full IQM report

Rosebrook Primary School Report – Mar 2025

Inspectors have said that a Stockton-on-Tees primary school is “good” in all areas and has “high expectations for all pupils”.

Ofsted visited Rosebrook Primary School on 4/5 February as part of its national programme of school inspection.

The Ofsted report says: “Rosebrook Primary School is inclusive and welcomes all pupils. Pupils are proud to be part of this caring school community. They are polite and kind to each other, staff and visitors. Pupils value the positive relationships they have with staff members. Staff know pupils well and are committed to their success.

“Pupils with complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive the support they need, both in the classroom and through targeted interventions. The school has high expectations for all its pupils. Pupils work hard and take pride in their achievements.

“Behaviour in lessons and around school is positive. Pupils understand the school rules and follow them well. They trust staff to deal with any behaviour issues swiftly.”

The report continues: “The school provides a wealth of opportunities to develop pupils’ wider interests and experiences. This includes a range of enrichment activities, educational visits, and leadership roles such as eco-warriors and friendship leaders.

“Pupils learn how to stay safe, including when using the internet. Pupils are confident that they can speak to trusted adults in school if they have any concerns.”

The curriculum also comes in for praise in the report which has been sent to all parents/carers.

It says: “The school has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of pupils.

“Teachers deliver the curriculum with enthusiasm and expertise. They effectively check pupils’ understanding and address misconceptions.

“The provision for pupils with SEND is a strength of the school. Pupils’ needs are identified quickly. Accurate support plans help pupils to be included and learn well.”

The report continues: “The school’s early reading curriculum is well considered and established in each year group. Children are well prepared to begin learning to read as soon as they join Reception.

“The school ensures that all pupils have access to a wide range of reading material. Pupils are keen to read at home and are motivated by the recognition they get for doing so.

“Children make a strong start in the early years. The curriculum is well thought out and helps children to develop key communication, language, and social skills.

“Pupils behave well in lessons and during unstructured times. Staff have high expectations, and pupils respond positively. They have a positive attitude to their learning.

“The school uses learning activities in its woodland area to instil a respect of nature and teach calming strategies.”

The report concludes: “Leaders have a clear vision for the school and are committed to its continual improvement. The school has taken effective steps to enhance its curriculum and improve the quality of education further.

“Trustees and the local academy committee provide effective oversight of the school’s work, ensuring that leaders are held to account. Staff feel well supported, and their workload is carefully considered.”

Headteacher Leanne Todd said: “I am incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment shown by all our children and staff. This “good” rating is a testament to their efforts and to the supportive environment we have worked hard to create.

“I’d also like to thank our parents and carers for their ongoing support – it’s truly appreciated as we continue to work together to ensure the best outcomes for all our children.”

Rosebrook is home to 427 pupils between the age of two and 11 and is one of ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “This is a very positive report, and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in ensuring that Rosebrook has been judged to be “good” in all areas.

“Staff, pupils, parents, governors and the whole school community should be very proud of this achievement.”

Ofsted’s inspection team was led by Georgina Chinaka.

The other primary schools within Ad Astra are Crooksbarn in Stockton-on-Tees, Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in Durham.

 

Click on the link below to read the Ofsted report in full

Rosebrook Primary School – Ofsted Report 2025

Please be aware that OFSTED will be in school on Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th February 2025.

A teacher training programme which has a 100% success rate is appealing for budding teachers to come forward.

Ad Astra Academy Trust – which has ten primary schools under its umbrella in Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool – has spaces available for their ‘Train to Teach’ programme which commences in September 2025.

Under the scheme, participants train on the job rather than go to university and no previous teaching experience is required.

At the end of the one-year programme, trainees will graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Applicants need to have a degree and train for three terms in Ad Astra or their schools over a one-year period.

The ten primary schools within Ad Astra are Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Our programme is an alternative to going to university and every previous applicant has gone on to secure a teaching job at a school within our Trust.”

Lauren Thomson, who trained at Ayresome Primary School in Middlesbrough and went on to secure a permanent teaching job at another Ad Astra primary school (Crooksbarn), said: “The teacher training programme meant I received a significant level of support, and I felt fully prepared to teach my own class after one year. I would highly recommend the programme.”

Helen Durnion, School Improvement Lead for Ad Astra Academy Trust, commented: “The biggest advantage of our scheme compared to going to university is that people train on the job and get first-hand experience in the classroom from day one.

“Initially, participants spend approximately 40% in the classroom and at the end of their third and final term they are 90% classroom based.”

If anyone is interested in the programme, two open days are planned at Rosebrook Primary School in Stockton on Friday 31 January at 1pm and Brougham Primary School in Hartlepool on Thursday 13 February at 9am. To book a place at the open days, email Traintoteach@adastraacademytrust.com

 

For further information, visit https://adastraschools.org/ and follow the link https://www.find-postgraduate-teacher-training.service.gov.uk/course/3A8/F499 to apply.

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and over 500 employees.

Teacher Reece Huntley is pictured with pupils at Hartlepool’s West View Primary School

We appear around the 16:40 mark!

Children from primary schools across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool came together recently (4 December) to host their very own International Food Festival.

Pupils from Ad Astra Academy Trust schools met up at Ayresome Primary School in Middlesbrough to showcase their culinary talents and learn about different cultures across the world.

Schools buddied up in pairs to produce a range of different foods from England, Greece, Italy, Romania and Pakistan. Scones, Greek Salad, Pizza, Salam de Biscuit and Samosas were all on the menu.

Each school sourced their own ingredients and youngsters prepared and cooked their dishes during the day-long event.

Helen Durnion and Pete Wiley, School Improvement Leads with Ad Astra, co-ordinated the event.

Helen Durnion said: “This was the latest in a series of collaborative events for our schools and the theme was Togetherness’ which is one of the Trust’s values.

“The children worked together really well and excelled in producing a wide range of food dishes from around the world.

“Events like this help our children to learn new skills and prepare them for future life.”

Ayresome Primary School teachers Nikki Robson and Sophie Dunn along with parent volunteer Neelam Zaman were heavily involved in organising the event.

Sophie Dunn commented: “We linked in with our fellow Design Technology leads in other schools across the Trust when planning the event.

“Our vision was to create an event whereby children would prepare and cook various foods from around the world whilst learning about the different cultures.

“Everything went to plan, and it was amazing to see all of the children from across the Trust working together.”

There are ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust. They are Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Collaborative events like this are important because they provide an opportunity for children to develop their skills and meet fellow pupils from across the Trust.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown to provide education for over 3,500 pupils and 600 employees.

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A group of schools across Teesside and County Durham have welcomed forty new staff during a special event.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella, is one of the area’s biggest employers with 525 members of staff.

The Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown and now provides education for over 3,500 pupils.

The event was held at Rosebrook Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees for staff who have joined the Trust in the last twelve months.

Speaking at the event, Andy Brown, OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra said: “It is important that we formally welcome you all into the Trust at an event like this.

“It gives me an opportunity to emphasise how much we value our staff, and it gives you the chance to meet other staff members and find out a little bit more about Ad Astra Academy Trust.

“As a Trust we continue to develop and evolve as an organisation and listening to our staff is a key part of this process.

“We are one big family at Ad Astra – you will have good days and challenging days, but we all support one another. Staff are central to everything we do to ensure that our children get off to the best possible start in life.”

Michael Suthers was appointed Deputy Headteacher at Sunnyside Academy in Middlesbrough in September. He was previously English Lead at Pallister Park Primary School where he had spent the last 12 years.

Michael said: “The prospect of working with Ad Astra was one which excited me greatly.  They are a forward-thinking, supportive organisation who always place the best interests of the children first.

“They have a central team who continually strive for the best opportunities for children, who place teaching and learning at the centre of their planning and ensure that barriers to achievement are broken down.

“From a personal point of view, they have already played an integral role in supporting my journey as a leader which I am sure is the case for so many others.”

Chantele Dawes recently joined West View Primary School in Hartlepool as a nursery teaching assistant after working for the previous 18 years in childcare.

Chantele, whose children attended the school, said: “West View has always been my passion as I have seen it grow from a deprived school to the school it is today. I know a lot of the families; it is a wonderful school, and I cried down the phone when I was told that I had got the job.”

Amy Crawford started her first job in September as a reception class teacher at Ayresome Primary School in Middlesbrough after studying for three years.

Amy commented: “I absolutely love my role and love teaching in my community. I studied in Manchester for three years and the demographics are similar to Middlesbrough so coming back and being able to utilise my experience is really good.”

Jordan Messenger also recently joined Ayresome as a Year 4 teacher having worked in education for the last 13 years.

Jordan said: “Over the years I’ve been to several events and Ayresome has always been a school that stood out. When I saw the job advert, I knew straightaway I wanted to be there.

“The children are very well behaved, and everyone excels and achieves together.

“I love the children I work with, the families and the community spirit at Ayresome is second to none.”

The primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside Academy in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

A group of schools across Teesside and County Durham have launched a new charter to ensure the wellbeing of all staff.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella in Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool, is one of the area’s biggest employers with 525 members of staff.

Andy Brown, OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Ad Astra said: “The Staff Wellbeing Charter demonstrates our commitment and dedication to support and enhance the wellbeing of all of our employees.

“It is extremely important that as an employee of the Trust, individuals feel supported with their health and wellbeing and are provided with practices and support that can have a positive impact on their daily lives both at school and at home.

“Wellbeing should be interwoven into everything we do, with the understanding that happy and content employees perform better and live happier lives.”

The charter has been communicated to all staff and posters highlighting the key components are displayed around each school. Key elements of the charter are as follows:

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils.

The primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside Academy in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Martyn Ingram, Human Resources Manager with Ad Astra Academy Trust, commented: “The importance of staff health and wellbeing cannot be understated, and it is a top priority for the Trust.

“It is hugely important that we have all the appropriate measures in place to provide the best level of support possible to staff.

“We also see the charter as a key tool in terms of staff retention and recruitment.”

Click on the link below to view the Staff Wellbeing Charter.
Ad Astra Wellbeing Charter Document

A group of schools across Teesside and County Durham have pledged their support to a charity that provides free beds for struggling families.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella, demonstrated its commitment to the national charity during the Trust’s annual Festival of Education, held recently at Teesside University.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said; “We became aware of the fantastic work that Zarach Charity is undertaking so decided to invite them to participate in our annual festival.

“No child should be without a bed as this can seriously impact on their education and well-being. A number of our schools have already signed up to work closely with the charity and I am sure others will do likewise soon.

“Not only do the charity provide a new bed and mattress to families in poverty, but they also provide bed linen and pyjamas/nightwear. It is a fantastic scheme, and we are delighted to support it.”

Since Zarach Charity was set up in 2018 it has provided beds for over 9,000 children.

Jess Sandy, the charity’s National Development Manager, said: “We would like to thank Ad Astra Academy Trust for inviting us to the Festival of Education 2024.

“It was an amazing day that gave us the platform to raise awareness of our Every Head a Bed scheme. We raised an amazing £385 with our raffle on the day, and we have seen lots more donations being made online too.”

For further information, visit zarach.org

The ten primary schools within Ad Astra are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and over 500 employees.