Doors Open at Caversham’s Newest School, The Heights Primary School Having only received planning consent on 24th July (2014), The Heights Primary School opens its doors for the first time today (5th September) Thanks to a huge effort from the school’s contractor, REDS10, its teachers and an army of parents, the former site of the Caversham Nursery on Gosbrook Road has been transformed into a new primary school in a matter of weeks. 50 Reception and 12 Year 1 children join the first Free school to be established in Caversham. The team, which consists of the Headteacher, 3 qualified teachers, 4 teaching assistants, 4 administrative staff, the Governing Body, The Members of The Heights Primary School Academy Trust and the parents have worked tirelessly to ensure an outstanding education for the founding children and beyond. The initial intake of 62 children will be taught in three classes at the school, with an additional two classes being added until the school reaches full capacity in 2020. Being a school in and for the community is at the heart of the vision for the Heights and the work involved by so many to get the school open by today has demonstrated what a Community can achieve if it works together. Ruth Rosewell, a Founder of the school, said “Less than 2 years ago Reading Council held a public meeting with parents to highlight the acute shortage of school places in Reading. Parents responded pragmatically by utilising the new Free School process as a method to address the problem with the bid for a free school being prepared in three months and finally approved in May 2013. It’s simply amazing how quickly the school has come together in what is effectively an area where a new school has been desired by local residents for over 20 years.” The new staff team at The Heights, led by Headteacher Karen Edwards, has been working exceptionally hard over the summer to prepare the school to open today. Edwards said, “I’m delighted with the calibre, commitment and experience of both our teaching and non-teaching staff. I’m also very grateful to our neighbours at Gosbrook Road who have been incredibly understanding during the construction process. We believe that our strong commitment to educating every child morally, spiritually, socially and physically will help prepare them for the future to become compassionate, contributing citizens. We’re all looking forward to getting to know our new pupils individually to provide the children with memorable learning experiences in an engaging, caring and safe environment where their needs and wellbeing will be at the heart of everything we do.” Daniel Pagella, a Member of the Trust, said “Agreeing sufficient suitable land for a new 350 place Primary School is complex and could not realistically be achieved in the short time frames available. Reluctantly a temporary location, outside of the catchment area, had to be used in order to open in 2014 and reduce the need for bulge years and even larger class sizes at existing schools. It’s regrettable that even with The Heights taking 50 reception pupils The Hill has had to take a bulge year. This only goes to highlight the severe problem that is being addressed.” Jennifer Carter, the Chair of Parent Friends of the Heights comments ‘This summer, parents of The Heights have been organising socials such as meet ups at local parks and soft play centres to help The Heights new pupils and parents to get to know each other. We are all so excited to have a school serving the community of Caversham Heights as it has really helped our children make friends with other children living close by. We have all met the staff a few times and are really excited about the school opening today.’
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 11:29:54 +0000