Cheryl Gilbert, Author at STEP Academy Trust

STEP Chair of Trustees, Rama Venchard, receives New Year Honour

09/01/202309/01/2023 by Cheryl Gilbert

We are delighted that Rama Venchard, Chair of Trustees of STEP Academy Trust, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2023 for services to education.

A valued member of the Board, Rama Venchard has volunteered as a STEP Trustee and has provided consultancy services for the Board for several years.

Upon hearing the news, Mr Venchard said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this way and can only thank the brilliant colleagues with whom I have worked throughout my career as this would not have happened without them. It was a shock to be nominated, but I feel very honoured to have received the MBE. I’ve had many, many messages of congratulations! I’m so humbled by the award and by everyone’s reaction to it.”

Turnham Academy Ofsted Report

30/11/202203/01/2023 by Cheryl Gilbert

We are pleased that following the rigorous 2 day Inspection, Ofsted judged Turnham to be Good. The many Academy’s strengths were recognised in the report, including the fantastic behaviour and attitudes of the children. Inspectors noted:

Pupils are happy and well cared for at this school. The school sits in the heart of the local community.
Pupils behave well in lessons and on the playground. Staff are quick to deal with any incidents of bullying or unkind behaviour.
The curriculum is ambitious for all pupils. Staff are well trained to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The strength of leadership, particularly of Ms Mann, Mr Piggford and the senior team was also acknowledged: “Leaders know what they still want to improve. They are committed to giving their pupils a rich experience of education.”

The STEP Team at Turnham Academy will continue working with passion and urgency to build on this achievement and continue the trajectory of improvement.

Congratulations to all the staff, pupils and parents of Turnham Academy, as well as the extended STEP family.

We hope you enjoy reading the report.

Turnham Ofsted Report – November 22

STEP Newsletter November 2021

18/11/202118/11/2021 by Cheryl Gilbert

View the latest news across STEP Academy Trust.
Take a moment to read our staff spotlights and find out more about our upcoming events.

https://www.stepacademytrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/STEP-Newsletter-Edition-17.pdf

STEP’s Response to Covid-19

23/03/202023/03/2020 by Cheryl Gilbert

From Monday 23^rd March, schools across the country have been asked to perform very different functions.

STEP are pleased to rise to these new challenges and will do so with the passion and commitment that our communities can expect.

Many of our academies will be open on Monday to our most vulnerable learners and the children of key workers. All families of vulnerable learners have been contacted directly and the below offers guidance on the definition of keyworkers and the circumstances under which their children should attend school.

Keyworker Letter

Using our in-house catering service, we will provide meals for children on-site and have written to the families of children who are eligible for free school meals to extend our continued support.

Please visit your academy’s website for further information around COVID-19, updates and details of home learning.

STEP Academy Trust – MAT of the Year 2019 Finalist!

29/10/201931/10/2019 by Cheryl Gilbert

We are delighted that STEP Academy Trust has been selected as one of four shortlisted finalists for the MAT of the Year Award! The winner will be announced at the Schools & Academies Show National Schools Awards in November 2019.

At STEP, we have a strong, unique sense of unity – we establish consistency in our approaches, support each other to improve and develop so that we continue to improve and meet challenges. We focus on achieving excellence in everything – the STEP Standard. All of this means we deliver the quality education our children deserve.

To be shortlisted for MAT of the Year in a small group of four in a highly competitive field is a testament to what we are all working for.

STEP Newsletter July 2019

18/07/201918/07/2019 by Cheryl Gilbert

STEP Newsletter Edition 12, July 19

Breakwater Graded Good by Ofsted

28/06/201918/07/2019 by Cheryl Gilbert

At the beginning of the Summer term, Breakwater Academy was visited by Ofsted; the school’s first inspection since joining STEP Academy Trust in September 2016. We are pleased to confirm that, following the rigorous two-day inspection, Ofsted judged Breakwater Academy to be Good. Previously, the school had only ever received Inadequate and Requires Improvement ratings.

Inspectors recognised that the school has undergone significant changes since joining STEP: “Since academisation in 2016, leaders have successfully driven improvements because they have implemented clear strategies and raised aspirations for all pupils.” The very effective leadership of Zoe Griffiths (Headteacher), supported by Tim Mills (Executive Headteacher), was rightly highlighted.

The personal development, behaviour and welfare of the children was also noted, something staff have been working on since 2016: “The academy’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is good.” and “Pupils are polite, respectful and friendly to one another and to staff. They work hard in lessons and discuss their thinking and opinions confidently and respectfully, know their views are valued.”

Hawkes Farm Academy judged Good with Outstanding features

22/05/201924/05/2019 by Cheryl Gilbert

At the beginning of this term, Hawkes Farm Academy was inspected by Ofsted, the school’s first inspection since joining STEP in September 2016.

We are pleased to confirm that, following the rigorous two-day inspection, Ofsted judged Hawkes Farm Academy to be Good with Outstanding features. Inspectors recognised that the school has undergone significant changes since joining STEP: “Since joining the school, the headteacher, supported by senior leaders and the multi-academy trust, has brought about substantial and sustained improvements to all aspects of the school’s work.” Of course, particular praise should be reserved for the outstanding leadership of Mr Meek and his senior team. It is pleasing too that Ofsted recognised the impact of governance: “The multi-academy trust is relentless in its pursuit of the highest possible standards of teaching, academic achievement and behaviour for this school.”

The personal development, behaviour and welfare of the children was also recognised, something staff have been working on since 2016: “The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding.” and “The behaviour of pupils is outstanding.” We are delighted too that Early Years was judged to be Outstanding.

Come back to teaching with STEP and Octavo

14/05/201922/05/2019 by Cheryl Gilbert

STEP and Octavo are working in partnership to support ex-teachers, who are looking to return to education. Full details are available here.

Tudor Academy judged Good by Ofsted

08/05/201922/05/2019 by Cheryl Gilbert

Last term Tudor Academy was visited by Ofsted, their first inspection since Wolsey Junior and Wolsey Infant and Nursery Schools were amalgamated in September 2018.

We are pleased to confirm that, following the rigorous two-day inspection, Ofsted judged Tudor Academy to be Good in all areas. Inspectors recognised that the school has undergone significant changes since the previous inspection: “Trustees, governors and leaders have an accurate understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the school.”

Clearly, such an outcome cannot be achieved without very effective leadership. Mrs Majumdar and her team are praised: “Trustees, governors and leaders have high expectations and aspirations for the school”. It is pleasing too that Ofsted recognised the impact of STEP Academy Trust’s values: “The trust’s values of passion, urgency, positivity, aspiration and commitment permeate throughout the school.”