R.E.A.L Independent School Ilkeston has received its first ever Ofsted visit and achieved a brilliant overall rating of ‘Good’.
The visit took place in July this year and recognised the varied experiences the learners enjoy such as “celebrating Pride week, trips to the theatre, canoeing, and meeting Titus, the dinosaur.”
Nikki Purcell, Head of Schools said: “I’m delighted with the result we achieved. This was the third of our school inspections in just over a year and yet again our staff and learners showcased the work they do really well.”
It was noted that RIS Ilkeston “cares about each pupil as an individual” and the “relationships between staff and learners are extremely positive.”
Nikki said: “It was wonderful that the inspectors recognised how positive our relationships are with learners and their parents or carers.”
Ilkeston has helped “develop learners’ self-confidence and resilience, making them prepared for their next steps and gaining qualifications which will help them be successful in their lives.”
Nikki said: “I was lucky enough to hear parent and carer and learner feedback to inspectors during the inspection, which was at times overwhelming. Especially when one learner spoke about how his improved reading skills have impacted on his life.
I know that we make such a difference to our learners’ lives through creative re-engagement , which, as one of the parents reported, makes education a positive experience for them.”
The feedback from staff was also positive saying they’re proud to be part of the school and “leaders are supportive and considerate of their well-being and workload.”
Nikki said: “Reassuringly, the areas that inspectors identified for development were those we’d already identified and incorporated in our school improvement plan.
We’ll continue to work hard and further improve the quality of education we offer the learners who are in our care.”
R.E.A.L. staff and learners across all sites paid their respects to Queen Elizabeth II, as she sadly passed away this month.
RIS Blidworth learners visited Nottingham City Hall to lay flowers and sign the book of condolences. Andy Richmond, Learning Manager said: “The learners’ tributes were so heartfelt and touching. I’m so proud of all the learners who made the trip.”
RIS Mansfield, Woodhouse Road and more Blidworth learners also went to Mansfield Civic Centre to write in the book of condolences and lay flowers too.
At all of our sites, staff and students have taken time to remember, reflect and give thanks for the Queen’s life and dedicated service.
The January R.E.A.L. Inset day was hosted virtually again this year to reduce Covid transmission and the theme of the day for the education services staff was ‘R.E.A.L. Gets Reading.’
The day was organised by the Heads of Quality of Education, Michelle Farr and Chris Newman, and featured a good range of pre-recorded sessions and live Zoom presentations.
Included in the schedule was input from a guest speaker, Debbie Hepplewhite from Phonics International, and an introduction to R.E.A.L.’s new Lexia Reading app.
Kay Carter, Head of Safeguarding and Standards said: “It was disappointing we were unable to get together in person again this year, but Michelle and Chris put together a great day which was highly appreciated by all of our wonderful staff, and highlighted the focus of R.E.A.L. on all things reading this academic year.”
R.E.A.L. Independent School Hinckley raised an amazing grand total of £126.37 for Children in Need last month.
Learners designed t-shirts which were auctioned off amongst staff and learners, as well as holding a cake and biscuit sale, with everything selling out.
Dawn Besa, Receptionist said: “The learners and their tutors put so much hard work and effort into designing their t-shirts and they had a fabulous time doing it.
“I and my fellow colleagues are stunned at the amount we raised for a small hub like Hinckley. The auction itself was very competitive. We all enjoyed it and the staff and learners made it a fantastic event.”
When you think about Christmas, the copious amount of food on offer is up there in the top list of things to enjoy over the festive season.
Learners and staff across all R.E.A.L. sites got together to make a banquet worth of food goodies to sell at the R.E.A.L. Christmas market.
Ellen Longmate, Learning Manager said: “The market was full of lovely sweet treats and craft items that the learners had made from all school sites.”
There were mince pies, Christmas cake puddings, jam crumble slices, wax melts and decorations on sale.
Ellen added: “We had learners from Blidworth, City Hub, Ilkeston and Woodhouse Road selling gifts. It was really well received.”
Christmas music was playing and hot chocolate and marshmallows were served by the kitchen staff.
Ellen said: “The learners loved it. A few of them definitely have that sales streak in them, as we all left with no money!”
