News
OUTSTANDING Ofsted Inspection at Brantridge School
We're proud to provide some extracts from the OFSTED Inspection Report held at Brantridge School in March 2008:-
“The overall quality rating is outstanding.”
“The school provides a good level of care to the children who have complex needs.”
“The staff are supported at the school by good supervision and extensive training in order to ensure the children are understood and kept safe and secure.”
“Extensive training is available for staff including specific subjects relating to children.”
“The school has a robust approach towards ensuring the children are protected from the risk of harm, neglect or abuse.”
“The school has an excellent activities programme and on each evening and throughout the weekend the children are able to choose between activities at the school on site and going out into the community.”
“The children are supported by the staff at the school and relationships were seen to be warm and caring in a professional manner.”
“The overall management of the school is very good.”
“The care staff team offer the children a wealth of knowledge and experience.”
“The whole school were also involved in the Grafham Grange Trust development plan meeting.”
OUTSTANDING Ofsted Inspection at Grafham Grange School
We're proud to provide some extracts from the OFSTED Inspection Report held at Grafham Grange School in February 2008:-
"‘The overall quality rating is outstanding"
"The school operates its boarding provision to a very high standard with outstanding outcomes for its pupils"
"The school keeps excellent records, which intrinsically demonstrate how pupils’ health, safety and well being are promoted"
"The staff work holistically and communication between residential, therapeutic and academic staff is exceptional, as is the communication between the school and parents/guardians."
"The pupils benefit from excellent levels of individual support both from staff and other adults external to the school"
"A dedicated staff team encourage, support and empower pupils to attain their full potential"
"There is very strong leadership overseeing and monitoring all aspects of the care provided"
International School Partnership
The Chief Executive Sue Tresman visited the KUSASA project in Franschhoek on a recent visit to South Africa and spent some time teaching English to the children seen here. Brantridge are hoping to forge an international partnership with Dulabuhle Primary School.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year at Brantridge School
At Brantridge School we like to celebrate different cultures and Chinese New Year (CNY) fell in early February this year. We at Brantridge are always on the look out to celebrate something! Although it fell too late to celebrate in the first half of the spring term, we could still celebrate it, with out it being bad luck on our return to school.
I spoke to Catherine Hole, one of our cooks in the kitchen, who just happens to be from Singapore, and asked if she would cook a special Chinese meal for the children. She agreed and we, along with the Catering Manager, went shopping for the ingredients.
I also wondered if it would be possible to get some genuine Lion or Dragon Dancers down to perform for us. After a major search on the internet, I managed to find a Troupe that was able to perform on the day we were going to celebrate. They were coming from North West London.
I asked the Head if she could ask the teachers to do some painting for us on a Chinese theme. This they did and all the pictures we placed in the dining room ready for the day.
While we were buying the food (at Wing Yip’s in Croydon), we found a place that sold CNY decorations, we spent an arm and a leg! But saying that, the proprietor did give us a huge discount!
A dragon went ‘flying’ from the ceiling and lanterns were abound everywhere! It really did look a treat, even though I do say it myself!
The local press were invited as were some people from St Marks School, a local primary school located in the village. Catherine also had some friends of hers from the local Chinese community.
On the day, the meal was something special indeed. The kitchen and domestic staff really did themselves proud. I know they really worked hard and did above and beyond the call of duty. For this I thank them very much. After such a meal, the children needed a run around; they did this until the dance troupe arrived at two o’clock. The display was superb to say the least. As you can see by the pictures they dressed in all the full regalia and blessed the school in true Chinese fashion, taking the cabbage off the building.
The boys were enthralled and really enjoyed themselves. It was nice to see them appreciate how another nationality celebrates a new year. They also did themselves and the school proud with their behaviour and good manners.
By Gary Ireland RCCO
What a Score!!
Brantridge School Versus St Marks School
3rd December 2007
The day began very cold … and just got colder! St Marks had asked only the day before if they could have 7-a-side instead of the normal 6-a-side, as there were members of their football club that do not usually get to play a match. This was not a problem except that we only had six boys that could play, as one dropped out and another was injured!
Kick off was slightly delayed as St Marks had to walk across the Common in the bitter cold and nearly froze solid!
We kicked off and within a couple of minutes went one down to a lovely little shot passed by the keeper. However, we were not down hearted and soon pulled one back, then two and three. In the first half we were slightly overwhelming and not only scored four past St Marks but hit the post on numerous occasions!
The second half began in near freezing conditions, however we warmed up and scored four more past St Marks. To give St Marks their due, they played right to the end without lowering their heads and did themselves proud.
The final score was a cracking 8-1 to Brantridge School, therefore retaining the Gary Cup for the third time running. A score not to be sneezed at, especially in the cold! Another match will be taking place after Christmas, where St Marks have promised their revenge … we shall see. Well done boys!
By Gary Ireland