Providing More this Winter
As 2022 closes, the Watergrove Trust looks back with well-earned satisfaction at another year of providing more for the communities it serves.
The Church of England schools within the Trust were both inspected by Ofsted this year, receiving strong reports and we are grateful to the staff of both schools, under the expert leadership Executive Headteacher Judith Rainford, for the quality of education provided.
At St Andrew’s CofE Primary Ofsted noted an unusual richness of experience offered by the school
There is a skilfully planned programme of activities beyond the school’s curriculum subjects, to which all pupils have access. These include puppet-making, learning sign language and birdwatching. Pupils have opportunities to raise money for various charities. They can also take on a position of responsibility, such as a school councillor.
Ofsted 2022
whilst at St. James’ CE Primary they were struck by a marked sense of community and warmth.
Pupils enjoy attending this friendly, happy school. They describe their lessons as fun and interesting. Pupils appreciate the care that staff give to them.
Ofsted 2022
Kentmere Academy awaits inspection in the new year and both confidence and diligence remain high. Moreover, their optimism is validated by a recent survey of workforce culture enacted by the Power of Us Agency, whose clients include Jaguar Land Rover, which produced the strongest feedback ever recorded from any organisation. Our thanks go to Nicola Howard for her great work at Kentmere Academy and for her support of the up-and-coming Moorhouse Academy which is thriving through the hard work of Head of School Kelly Milnes and the staff team, producing outcomes such as Year 1 Phonics measures significantly above national average.
Our thanks go also to Chris Jennings and the marvellous staff community of Matthew Moss High School who continue to produce academic progress well above national average with an EBacc entry double that which is usual in English schools. Their thoughtful hard work ensures that Matthew Moss prospers further as a hugely over-subscribed and popular school.
Last but not least is the sterling work enacted by the staff of Wardle Academy under their new leader James Glennie, with everyone working flat out since summer. Indeed James finished the term as he began, demonstrating the disposition for listening which has emerged as such a strength of his leadership. The positive culture created is clearly reflected in the recent Ofsted report.
Pupils at Wardle Academy feel safe and happy. They value the strong relationships that they have with staff. The ‘Wardle Way’ mission is lived out through all aspects of school life, supporting pupils both academically and pastorally.
Staff feel well supported by the leadership team. They said that leaders are a visible presence in school and that they are approachable. Leaders have made changes to support staff with their workload. Staff feel valued and appreciated.
Ofsted 2022
So the schools of the Watergrove Trust continue to thrive and, moreover, we are all excited in anticipation of receiving a new partner, Sandbrook Community Primary, into our community. Our Trust evolves so positively every time a new school joins as we exchange the gifts of our expertise and practice, working together to overcome challenge and embrace opportunity.
The future is bright at Watergrove and we look forward excitedly to what 2023 will bring.
We wish everyone, families, staff, Members, Governors, Trustees and our great colleagues at the Diocese of Manchester, Rochdale LA and the Department for Education, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
