New Romney primary school praised by Church of England inspectors   Church of England inspectors have heaped praise on St Nicholas CE Primary Academy in New Romney, describing it as having “life-changing impact across the community” and “inspirational leadership”. A quarter of all primary schools are Church of England establishments and St Nicholas is one of 16 academies that are part of Aquila, The Diocese of Canterbury Academies Trust. All Anglican and Methodist schools are inspected by the Church of England; this is separate to Ofsted inspections. A Church of England inspection focuses on the impact of the school’s Christian vision and is called a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools Report (SIAMS). There are no gradings - inspectors simply state whether the school is living up to its foundation as a Church school. Inspectors, who visited St Nicholas in November, said the school was more than achieving this aim. They said the school had “exceptionally strong partnerships” which “impact positively on people’s lives producing lasting change”. “The school values of ambition, community, friendship, perseverance, respect and trust are intrinsically woven through the vision,” inspectors said. “Pupils rightly explain how these values support all to thrive. Everyone in the school aspires to ‘be a Barnabas’, creating a culture of kindness and support.” The inspectors particularly praised how the school’s more than 400 pupils look for opportunities to make a positive difference to the world. “Writing to the prime minister, older pupils show a mature understanding of the plight of child refugees arriving on boats,” the inspectors said, while other pupils have requested a ban on laminating in school after learning about climate change. “Pupils have also worked together to set up a permanent community food cupboard within the school … after recognising that food poverty was an ongoing concern not limited to the season of harvest.” The inspectors praised the school’s curriculum as “exciting, fun, imaginative” and linked to local history and issues. “Leaders ensure that the wide and varying needs of the pupils are met through the broad and rich learning on offer,” the inspectors said. Christopher Dale, St Nicholas’s Headteacher, said: “We are proud to be a welcoming, inclusive and aspirational learning environment with our community at our heart. “We are delighted that the inspectors recognised our many strengths. We will continue to do our very best for our pupils and our wider community.” Annie Wiles, CEO of Aquila, The Diocese of Canterbury Academies Trust, said: “This is testament to the hard work and committed and excellent team at St Nicholas’s who put the needs of pupils at the centre of everything they do.”   Notes to editors:   The SIAMS report can be found here: file:///C:/Users/jessi/Downloads/SIAMS%20report%20St%20Nicholas%20Church%20of%20England%20Primary%20Academy,%20New%20Romney%20142814%20301123.pdf   Please find attached an image of the school attached.   For any further information, please contact Jessica Shepherd on jessica@sparrowhawkcommunications.com or 07957147308    

We currently have three vacancies at Aquila Trust head office, applications are now open for the following roles: Head of Human Resources (P/T) Governance Manager (P/T) Finance Officer (P/T) To apply to any of these roles, please use Kent Teach. Closing date for applications is 5pm 30th November Interviews to take place week commencing 4th December Position to start in January 2024. Good luck!

Brenzett School PTFA are hosting their very first quiz night next Friday, 24th November! Come along and support them to raise funds for the school. Just £15 per table (up to 6 people a table), plus there will be a raffle and a high-low win game. Bring a bottle and snacks!  7:30pm start

Primary school applications are now open! For children starting school in September 2024 applications for both reception year and year 3 (junior school) opened today, Friday 3rd November, and will close on Monday15th January. You can apply for up to 3 schools, and please note the following: List the schools in the order of preference. It is in your best interest to list 3 schools. Naming only one school does not guarantee your child a place at that school, or give priority for a place over another child. You are not able to name the same school more than once. For more information on any of our schools or to book in for a viewing, take a look at their websites: All Souls' CE Primary School, Archbishop Courtenay CE Primary School, Brenzett CE Primary School, Charing CE Primary School, Charlton CE Primary School, Eastchurch CE Primary School, Kennington CE Academy, Kingsnorth CE Primary School, Reculver CE Primary School, Sandwich Infant School, St Clements' CE Primary School, St George's CE Primary School, St Laurence Juniors, St Mary of Charity CE Primary School, St Nicholas CE Primary Academy, Temple Ewell CE Primary School Applications are processed between 6 November 2023 and 16 April 2024. For more information and to apply, please head to KCC's website. 

We are excited to announce #CEOPSummerChallenge starting today, July 24th! Engage in online safety discussions with your children this summer #ClickCEOP #OnlineSafety  Follow @CEOPUK for daily updates & learn more  https://thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/ceopsummerchallenge

1 in 5 children cannot read well by the age of 11. The Summer Reading Challenge, with the support of public libraries, is on a mission to change this - and we need your help. Encourage the young people in your life to take up the Challenge and enjoy a summer of reading and activities  summerreadingchallenge.org.uk Taking part online? Need a hand creating an adult & child account? Watch our handy video www.readingagency.org.uk/resources/6822/

Places Where Kids Eat Free (or for £1) During the Summer break 2023 from Money Saving Central. Please check their website for the most up-to-date information

It's #LearningDisabilityWeek This year we are busting all of the myths about living with a learning disability. Why not visit this website https://bit.ly/36AEnTdto find out how you can help spread awareness and get involved?

Find out more about this free youth programme for ages 5 to 18 years old that can help children become ‘heroes’ in their community. Visit: https://www.kentprepared.org.uk/youth-resources