Latest News
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Box Car Rally 2024
Thu 16 May 2024Get ready for the thrill of innovation and creativity at the 3rd Annual Rivers Box Car Rally on Wednesday 10th July 2024.
We are excited to celebrate the fusion of engineering, technology, art, and design with over 700 Rivers children and staff.
Thank you to Richard Hay of Hayfisher Productions, Elena Lengthorn from the University of Worcester, and Aisha Khan of Dolce Schools Catering for agreeing to serve as judges again for this year's event. Our thanks also go to Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb for agreeing to host the event.
Watch the 2024 preview video from Hayfisher Productions on our Facebook Page: https://fb.watch/s5v5uSYpVN/
Keep up with all the day's excitement by following the Rivers Facebook Page.
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Staff collaborate for Forest School Apprenticeship
Thu 16 May 2024Staff members from several Rivers schools are nearly halfway through a 2-year Outdoor Learning Level 5 Apprenticeship.
This unique initiative brings together forest school specialists from different schools, fostering collaboration and enhancing outdoor education within their schools.
This apprenticeship not only provides schools with access to highly qualified forest school practitioners but also empowers forest school leaders with the confidence and inspiration to incorporate outdoor learning into their day-to-day teaching. This translates to safe, valuable, and effective experiences for children in natural settings.
The course equips staff with essential skills for the effective operation and management of a forest school. Additionally, participants learn about wilderness therapeutic approaches and interventions. These approaches aim to improve children’s perseverance, resilience, tolerance, respect for others, behaviour, confidence, tenacity, and desire to explore.
Scott Holdaway said he has witnessed first-hand how being in the outdoor environment has helped children who usually struggle with their social and emotional behaviour in class, to connect positively with others during forest school classes.
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Mental Health Awareness Week 20024
Mon 13 May 2024We recognise that our staff’s mental health and wellbeing is paramount. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Week on 13- 19 May, we want to highlight the comprehensive support we offer to ensure our staff thrive both personally and professionally.
- We have Mental Health First Aiders in all schools, who are trained to guide colleagues in need.
- Our staff also have access to a range of wellbeing services, including counselling, financial wellbeing support, a 24/7 GP service, stress coaching, and physiotherapy.
- We are committed to the Education Staff Wellbeing Charter, which ensures that everyone working in education receives the support they deserve.
- Our policies, such as the Wellbeing Policy and Managing Work-Related Stress, reflect our dedication to staff wellbeing.
- We also value employee feedback and strive to create a positive and inclusive workplace.
- Finally, we understand that life can be complex, so we offer flexible working arrangements to promote balance and productivity.
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Double celebration at Worcestershire Education Awards
Fri 19 Apr 2024We are delighted to announce our success at the prestigious Worcestershire Education Awards, winning the ‘Stem Project of the Year Award’ for the Rivers Boxcar Rally and Lee Davies from Wychbold First and Nursery School winning the ‘Unsung Hero Award’.
The awards took place on 18th April to celebrate ‘the best in the education industry across Worcestershire’. Of the 13 awards available, our trust was a finalist in five award categories and won two, solidifying our commitment to excellence in education.
The Stem Project of the Year Award was presented to the Trust for its outstanding initiative -the Rivers Boxcar Rally. This annual event brings together over 700 Rivers children and staff, celebrating the fusion of engineering, technology, art, and design. The rally serves as a platform to showcase the knowledge and skills acquired by pupils through the curriculum, inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals.
Congratulations to everyone involved in making the Rivers Boxcar Rally a resounding success.
We are looking forward to heading back to Shelsley Walsh in July for this year’s event.
In a heartwarming moment, Lee Davies, a 1:1 support assistant at Wychbold First and Nursery School, received the Unsung Hero Award. Lee’s unwavering commitment to the school and its children earned him this well-deserved accolade.
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National Offer Day for reception 2024
Wed 27 Mar 2024Tuesday 16th April is National Offer Day for pupils starting primary school in September.
Primary school place offers will be sent to parents and carers via email.
To help us prepare, and guarantee their child’s place, we’d like to encourage parents and carers who have received an offer to accept as soon as they are able and by the date specified in your offer confirmation. Full details of how to accept your offer will be included in your offer confirmation.
The transition to primary school is an important stage for every child. Our schools will give every child the support they need to make a success of the transition.
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Cherry Orchard Primary School Celebrates Remarkable Transformation and Good Ofsted Rating
Tue 19 Mar 2024Cherry Orchard Primary School and Pre-school, located in the heart of Worcester, is proud to celebrate significant improvements in education quality after being awarded a very well-deserved ‘GOOD’ judgement from Ofsted. In particular, the school are exceptionally proud of being awarded ‘OUTSTANDING’ for behaviour and attitudes.
The inspection team were delighted with the behaviour of pupils; ’Pupils behave exceptionally well. They are kind, empathetic and show a readiness to learn.’
‘It is an exciting time to be part of the Cherry Orchard community. Parents, staff and pupils agree that there have been significant improvements to the quality of education and feel proud to be part of this school.’
From inadequate to a strong position
Cherry Orchard joined The Rivers CofE Academy Trust as a sponsored academy in 2021 with an Ofsted judgement of inadequate and special measures. Karen Banford was appointed as headteacher from another school in the trust and has led the Cherry Orchard team brilliantly, seeing through a complete transformation in the quality of education and wider experiences for pupils.
The report recognised that, ‘improving academic standards has been a key priority’ and that, ‘there has been significant change at Cherry Orchard in recent years.’
Inspectors acknowledged, ‘a strong partnership between the school and trust has ensured that there has been a considered approach to school improvement.’
Preparing children for their education journey
Inspectors found that the school prepares children well for the next step of their educational journey. In pre-school it was reported that ‘children get off to a good start’ and in Reception, ‘children demonstrate that they are increasingly ready for the step into key stage 1.’ From the first day, children learn to read and ‘are doing so with increasing accuracy.’ From key stage 1 children are ‘reading fluently and ready to develop their comprehension skills.’ In preparation for high school, ‘pupils now leave the school having reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics.’
Overall, the report found that ‘pupils are demonstrating a deeper understanding of what they learn.’
Furthermore, the school offers a range of extracurricular activities that enhance the learning experience. Opportunities to support charities and ‘trips to new places’ are noted as ways the school brings learning to life.
The report highlights that pupils are attending school more regularly, and effective systems are in place to improve attendance. Pupils value their education and show that they want to do well.
Team effort
The Good Ofsted judgement is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the staff and school community. Inspectors recognised that; ‘There is a strong team spirit at this school. Staff feel that they are well supported.’
The school has successfully created a culture of high expectations and shared determination to make sure that every pupil fulfils their potential. ‘Senior leaders demonstrate that there is ‘no ceiling’ on what pupils at this school can achieve.’
The positive relationships pupils have with the staff contribute to their happiness and safety in school. ‘Staff take notice when pupils need support, both academically and emotionally, and do all they can to help them.’
Karen Banford, Headteacher is delighted with the judgement, "I am absolutely delighted that the OFSTED inspection team have recognised the fantastic education being delivered at Cherry Orchard Primary School. We have a hugely talented staff team and the most amazing pupils and families, and this successful Ofsted visit is a testament to the collective effort of everyone involved. I completely agree with the report, which says it is an exciting time to be part of the Cherry Orchard community".
CEO at The Rivers CofE Academy Trust, Matt Meckin said, “School leaders and staff have worked brilliantly to raise standards and improve experiences for children. Cherry Orchard is a great community school and has an exciting future ahead.”
Cherry Orchard Primary School and Pre-School are hosting open events for prospective families after Easter break. To arrange a tour then please visit the school website and click ‘book a tour’: https://www.cherryorchard-pri.worcs.sch.uk/.
Ofsted report: Cherry Orchard Primary School - OFSTED (cherryorchard-pri.worcs.sch.uk)
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Rivers recognised in Worcestershire Education Awards 2024
Sun 10 Mar 2024The Worcesterhsire Education Awards are in their sixth year and are designed to recognise the efforts of those in the education sector who have worked tirelessly to support, teach, and care for young people.
- Lee Davies, 1:1 support and interventions at Wychbold First and Nursery School, has been announced as a finalist in the 'Unsung Hero' category of this year's Worcestershire Education Awards. The category recognises people for their outstanding personality and enthusiastic approach who can demonstrate that they go the extra mile.
- St Clement's CofE Primary School has been shortlisted for the ‘Primary School of the Year Award’. Northwick Manor won the Primary School of the Year Award last year. Let's hope another Rivers school wins it this year!
- The Rivers Box Car Rally has been recognised as a finalist in the STEM project of the year. An award which aims to promote STEM and engage pupils in science-related activities.
- Little Cherries Pre-school at Cherry Orchard Primary School, has been named as a finalist in the 'Early Years Education Award'. This award is given to a child-minding provider, nursery, pre-school, or an organisation that can demonstrate the positive impact of their work on the children in their care.
The winners of the awards will be announced on Thursday, April 18th. We wish all the finalists good luck.
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Our journey to net zero starts now
Wed 06 Mar 2024Taking authentic steps towards net zero
Our vision states, we aim to 'teach our pupils to love, learn and live as global citizens in an ever-changing world'. We have a responsibility to educate children about the world, and its challenges and guide them towards sustainable approaches so they can have a positive impact on the world.
We began by enhancing our curriculum to embed Sustainable Development Goals throughout, to educate and raise awareness about sustainable practices, consumption patterns, and responsible choices for long-term impact.
We have also taken active steps to reduce our carbon footprint such as installing LED lighting and planting trees.
However, whilst planting trees is a valuable endeavour, we need to go beyond offsetting and actively become carbon-negative by reducing emissions.
A pivotal step forward
To make a real difference in the world and work towards net zero we needed to do more and embed it into our operations.
We recognise the need to be transparent and accountable for our carbon footprint and avoid ‘Greenwashing’ by actively reducing our carbon footprint through measurable actions.
Without knowing our carbon KPIs and understanding the impact that different actions have we cannot take informed action and pave the way for ‘real’ climate action.
We understand the urgency of climate change and are committed to taking concrete actions to protect our planet.
Measuring for impact
We have now taken an authentic step towards net zero by firstly measuring our carbon footprint. We follow the World Resources Institute (WRI) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol Standard for accurate carbon emissions tracking.
This allows us to standardise our data and compare it against other organisations, ensuring we’re on the right path to net zero.
Next step towards net zero
Measurement is only the first step in carbon management. The next step is to create a net zero action plan that will outline specific actions and carbon-saving projections, guiding us towards 50% net zero by 2030 and full net zero by 2050.
We’re not just offsetting our carbon emissions; we’re striving to genuinely reduce them.
To find out more about net zero and what we are doing to work toward our goal of net zero by 2050, visit: Working towards net zero
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North Worcester Primary Academy receives a ‘Good’ Ofsted Rating
Mon 04 Mar 2024North Worcester Primary Academy, the newest addition to the educational landscape in Worcester, is thrilled to announce it has achieved a ‘Good’ rating in its first Ofsted inspection. This is a great achievement for a school that opened in 2019 and is still in a period of growth.
The school was inspected by Ofsted on 6th and 7th February 2024 and was judged to be ‘Good’ across all key areas; the quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management, and early years provision.
A journey of growth and excellence
Since opening, North Worcester Primary Academy has been on an inspiring journey of growth and excellence. Leaders and staff have nurtured a vibrant and ambitious learning environment for its pupils in pre-school through to Year 4. The school will continue to grow in the next few years as children gradually move through into year 5 and 6.
Ofsted praised the happy ethos of the school stating that, “Pupils are friendly and happy in school. They enjoy learning...Relationships between staff and pupils are positive.”
The curriculum was recognised for enabling pupils to progress from pre-school upwards. “The early years curriculum provides a firm foundation for children to build their early essential knowledge and skills. Learning is active and fun and children achieve well.”
“From the outset, staff ensure the curriculum focuses on promoting children’s language and communication skills, alongside their physical and social development. This helps prepare children well for Year 1 and beyond.”
Teachers were acknowledged for their adaptability to meet each pupil's needs. “Teachers regularly check what pupils know and remember in all subjects. They adapt their teaching where consolidation or further input is required.”
Staff were also praised in the report for their enthusiasm and dedication to making the school a success. “Staff are overwhelmingly positive about working at North Worcester Primary. They feel supported and valued. They feel well looked after and want to stay at the school.”
Supported by Rivers CofE Academy Trust
North Worcester Primary Academy is proud to be part of the Rivers CofE Academy Trust, a network of 16 schools and a thriving teaching alliance. The trust has a responsibility and oversight for the school and was found to provide “effective support and training for staff.”
The report celebrated the trust-wide curriculum, stating “The school, in collaboration with the trust, has developed a coherent and well-sequenced curriculum”.
Starting from scratch: a triumph of culture and expectations
The Ofsted report commended partnership at the school, “As the school grows, leaders are continuing to build an effective partnership with parents. They have positive views of the school.”
“The school seeks the views of the local community through its advocate group and responds well to feedback provided.”
The report found that, “The school has high expectations of pupils and wants the best for them. This includes for pupils with complex additional needs. Staff work diligently to tailor support to ensure that all pupils achieve well.”
In its early days, North Worcester Primary Academy faced the exciting challenge of building everything from the ground up. The school community—families, teachers, and pupils alike—embarked on a collective mission to create a positive culture, set high expectations, and establish effective routines. The first-year families, many new parents and therefore new to primary education, embraced this journey with enthusiasm, laying the foundation for a now thriving school.
Headteacher’s remarks
Stuart Grimes, Head Teacher of North Worcester Primary Academy since September 2023, expressed his delight at the Ofsted rating saying, “This is a fantastic achievement for our school community. It is a testament to the hard work and passion everyone has in ensuring the children we serve flourish and have the very best experiences.”
A bright future ahead
As North Worcester Primary Academy continues to grow, it remains committed to fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. The school’s vision—“Love, Learn, Live”—captures its aim for every pupil. With a strong foundation and a passionate community, North Worcester is poised to make a lasting impact on the educational landscape of Worcester.
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Remarkable staff honoured at the annual STARS Awards
Fri 02 Feb 2024The Rivers CofE Academy Trust proudly hosted its second annual Staff STARS Awards on Friday, February 2nd, at Bromsgrove Hotel. This prestigious event celebrated the remarkable contributions and achievements of our dedicated staff.
The 16 schools within the trust all share the same vision; to love, learn, live and share the same STARS values of Sharing, Trust, Achievement, Respect and Safety. The awards ceremony is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate how staff model the STARS values for the benefit of everyone within their school community and the wider Rivers family.
Rivers CEO, Matt Meckin began the awards by acknowledging all 860+ staff members, saying “We are all here to help our children to love, learn and live to the fullest extent. However, that doesn’t happen without the passion, work and commitment of all our staff across a wide range of roles”.
Recognising Excellence
From an impressive 220 nominations, a panel of judges meticulously selected 27 finalists who exemplified excellence in their roles and demonstrated the STARS values.
The event was attended by the finalists, along with senior leaders, trustees, advocates, and our generous event sponsors Dolphin Tec, Education Mutual, Every, Joskos, and Sheppard BPC. As a publicly funded organisation, we would not be able to put on an event of this scale without the help of our sponsors.
And the Winners Are…
The Staff STARS Awards winners were revealed during a delightful ceremony. Matt Meckin hosted the ceremony with event sponsors and chair of Rivers’ trust board, Andy Jobbins announcing the deserving winners. Each winner received a certificate and an engraved wooden star award as tokens of appreciation.
Sharing Award Winners:
- Rose Thorpe, Higher Level Teaching Assistant at Summerhill Primary Academy, Tipton
- Gurpreet Ghai, Teacher at Jubilee Park Academy, Tipton
The Trust Award Winner
- Sophie Bushell, Teaching Assistant at Burlish Park Primary School, Stourport-on-Severn
Achievement Award Winner
- Rebecca Wilks, Headteacher at Wychbold First and Nursery School
Respect Award Winner
- Helen Seldon, Office Administrator at St Peter’s Droitwich CofE Academy
Safety Award Winner
- John Rodgers, Caretaker at Great Witley CE Primary School
Special recognition award
The CEO Award was new this year, created to acknowledge and express appreciation to an individual staff member who in addition to performing their usual duties, has also provided outstanding contributions that have made a significant and positive impact on the trust and who embodies all our STARS values.
Mr Jon Beacham, Headteacher at Dudley Wood Primary School was the deserving winner of this prestigious award.
Afternoon of celebration
The ceremony was a joyous occasion to recognise the unwavering commitment of our staff members. Their dedication ensures that our pupils value education and become lifelong learners as encapsulated in our vision ‘love, learn, live’.
Congratulations to all the award winners! We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributes to making Rivers CofE Academy Trust a thriving educational community.