Tag: Nursery

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Chivenor to Welcome “mini Griffins” as Department for Education greenlights new nursery

Chivenor Primary School main entrance / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

The Chivenor school community is celebrating a major milestone following official confirmation that the Department for Education (DfE) has approved funding for a brand-new, on-site nursery facility.

The announcement, which reached parents and staff via email this week, marks the culmination of months of dedicated “behind the scenes” advocacy and strategic planning. School leadership expressed immense pride in the achievement, noting that the successful bid represents a significant investment in the area’s early years provision.

This new addition will allow the school to support its “mini Griffins” from the very start of their educational journey.

“This achievement is the result of months of hard work,” shared Lisa Guest, Executive Head, who extended gratitude to the staff and partners involved in the complex application process.

While the funding is now secured, the work is far from over and the school is now entering a rigorous phase of preparation to ensure the environment is ready for its first cohort. The project will involve several months of detailed planning and infrastructure development to meet the specific needs of the youngest learners, with the nursery doors opening in September 2026.

Local families have welcomed the news, with many places already being snapped up.

As the school community looks toward the future, this initiative stands as a testament to Chivenor’s commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality local education for the next generation.

If you would like more information or to request an application pack, please contact the school office or email nursery@chivenor-gst.org

For more on Chivenor Primary School visit www.chivenor-gst.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org

Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.

If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

 

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Celebrating African culture (and staying healthy) with Ivory Coast dance workshops at Kings Rise Academy

Words by Ed KIng / Pics supplied by Kings Rise Academy

Children at Kings Rise Academy have been exploring and celebrating African culture – with two days of dance workshops from Gaspard Zamble, founder and director of the Zamble African Dance Company.

Children from all year groups at the Kingstanding primary school took part in the workshops, which explored a repertoire of the regional dances of the Ivory Coast.

The Ivory Coast (officially the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire) is a country located on the south coast of West Africa, with roots into some 60 distinct ethnic groups and one of the most varied and dynamic traditional dance cultures in West Africa.

Led by Gaspard Zamble, the African dance workshops gave children at Kings Rise a chance to try something they may never had experienced outside of the school – as well as giving them a fun way to exercise and encourage good health.

All ages took part, from the older pupils in Year 6 right down to the youngest children in Kings Rise Academy’s nursery and Early Years groups.

Kings Rise Academy has recently invested over £175,000 in a new nursery and Early Years setting, which will open its doors at the beginning of the new school year in September – offering the children of Kingstanding the best start to their education.

Kings Rise Academy Vice Principal, Gary Byrne, told Erdington Local: “The dance workshops were a lot of fun and a great way for the children to learn about African culture – Gaspard was amazing, and the children really engaged with him.

“The rich culture and history of the Ivory Coast is not something everyone would get the chance to experience, but now our young people have learnt a bit more about the world we live it – inspiring them the look further, explore deeper, and learn even more.

“Plus, as it’s dancing, it’s a healthy alternative to classroom based learning.

“Our children have done so well during lockdown but now we’re back together it’s good for them to work and learn together, in a way the encourages better health.”

Nursery and Reception places are still available at Kings Rise Academy, with open days on Wednesday 7 July and Thursday 8 July – limited places are available for other year groups.

To arrange visits on alternative days, simply contact the school office who will be happy to help – call (0121) 464 4635 or email kraenquiry@kingsrise.org

For more on Kings Rise Academy visit www.kingrise.bham.sch.uk