A school for the community

We move into another academic year with our purpose clear - to provide the best we can for the community of Chilwell and Beeston. The news earlier in the week of changes to the OFSTED regime by removing single word judgements is welcome and I have made my views clear over a number of years on the need for reform. I appreciate the time that both Sir Martin Oliver and Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson have given myself and others in recognising that there needs to be an effective system. Schools should be held tightly to account so that their communities are served well, but in a more comprehensive and less reductive manner. Many schools around the country have faced the pressure of forced academisation, and yet Chilwell School continues to be proud of the status we have as a foundation, maintained school, accountable to the local community, and providing a broad and good quality education for our children.

We are also clear in the role we have in ensuring that our children are able to grow up in an environment free from violence and prejudice. The thuggery and racism of the summer riots was mercifully less evident in Nottingham than in other cities, and yet we are also mindful that our children will have been aware and affected by what they have witnessed or seen on television. We will continue to do everything to ensure that the school environment is one that is welcoming, supportive, tolerant and inclusive so that our children can grow and develop in a better world.

Welcome to our new students

A special welcome to students who are joining us in years seven and twelve. We will be helping you through the first few weeks to settle in and to find your way around the school. We are very friendly and you will find lots of people pleased to help and to answer any questions!

Welcome evenings

With the start of the new year we will be hosting a number of online welcome evenings for parents to raise the key dates and activities that will be taking place in your child's year group.

These are as follows:

These meetings will be held on zoom and a link code will be sent out on the day of the meeting. We look forward to meeting with parents to share our plans for the year.

Summer building work

Our news item last week gave information about all of the building work this summer. Please see more photos below. We have worked hard to ensure investment in both new accommodation and redecoration of our existing classrooms and corridors. The improvements have meant that we can look forward to the next few years with confidence whilst we await the start of work on the rebuild of the whole school.

Welcome to our new staff

As we continue to grow we are delighted to welcome new staff to the school. Our increased staff numbers ensure that students are all effectively supported and given the personal attention that every child needs.

Open day - Erewash Leisure

For families living in Erewash, Erewash Leisure is having an Open Day this Saturday 7 September at all of its sites in Erewash. There are lots of free and discounted activities for all the family and they are hoping to see as many of the local community as possible.