Dozens of Middlesbrough children will start school this week with smart new uniforms – thanks to kind-hearted NHS workers.

Staff from Secure Inpatient Services (SIS) at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust have spent hundreds of pounds on school wear for youngsters at Ayresome Primary.

Administration manager Sophie Antill initially came up with the idea of a possible uniform exchange while sorting out her son’s new uniform – and the initiative snowballed from there.

“Loads of colleagues have happy memories of shopping for uniform and, when I mentioned my exchange idea, someone suggested buying new uniforms for a local school,” she said.

“I never expected it to get this big – and it’s been emotional at times. I kept thinking about the people who don’t have what my son has and wanted to help as many as possible.”

Ayresome Primary was chosen as the link school for the project, as its postcode falls within one of the most deprived communities in Middlesbrough.

Staff from across SIS – including admin, ward staff, housekeepers and leaders – took responsibility for buying individual uniforms and a total of 31 youngsters received support.

“The response was amazing,” said Sophie. “I linked staff up with families, and each child was given what they specifically needed – and often more as well. It was heart-warming.

“Not only did people buy the usual sweatshirts and polos, but also a lot of extra stuff – like hair bobbles, bags and school materials. One family requested shoes – and got them.

“When you consider we only launched this a few weeks ago, just before the school summer holidays, it is amazing what we have achieved. It’s lovely to think we’ve helped so many.”

Sophie has spent the past six weeks hot-desking at work, after turning her own desk space in the admin office into a school uniform drop-off point.

But, although glad to finally get her seat back, she is now looking ahead to Christmas – when she is planning to hold a festive gift appeal for the pupils of Ayresome Primary.

“I want to thank everyone who donated. The compassion value of the Trust really, really shone through during this appeal. People were so happy to help out,” she said.

“As a child I used to love getting my new uniform, then going to school feeling all nice and new – and I wanted the children we were supporting to feel like that too.

“It’s such a nice thing. I just love the idea of all the children going to school in their new unforms and feeling a million dollars. It makes me smile to think of that.”

Charlotte Haylock, headteacher of Ayresome Primary School, welcomed the donation of uniforms and thanked everyone at TEWV who had taken part in the initiative.

She said: “We are delighted with the support that we have received from NHS staff. It really does make a valuable difference.

“With the cost of living impacting on so many, we aim to help our families in a variety of ways to ensure all children can have the same sense of belonging and pride at attending school in uniform. The support means such a lot.”

Ayresome is one of eight primary schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

The others are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

A Middlesbrough primary school has been judged to be ‘good’ in all areas following a recent Ofsted inspection.

Four inspectors visited Ayresome Primary School in the centre of Middlesbrough in May of this year as part of its national inspection programme.

In her report, Lead Inspector Kate Morris, said: “Leaders are determined that all pupils feel included and succeed at Ayresome Primary School. New pupils are met with a warm welcome by staff and fellow pupils. They settle in quickly and soon feel part of the school community.

“Pupils behave well in lessons. Around school, pupils are very polite and well-mannered. Bullying rarely occurs. When it does, staff act quickly and effectively to resolve it.

“Leaders have prioritised reading throughout the curriculum. Pupils told inspectors that they enjoy reading. One pupil simply commented, ‘Books fall open, you fall in,’ when asked what they like about reading.”

The report goes on to praise teaching.

“Teachers have strong subject knowledge and value the professional development offered to them. In most subjects, teachers check pupils’ understanding regularly. They know the starting point of pupils and can fill any gaps in knowledge effectively.

“Teachers are proud to be part of Ayresome Primary school.”

The report continues: “Leaders are ambitious for all pupils to achieve well, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

“Pupils are enthusiastic in their learning. The positive, caring ethos contributes to a settled school environment.

“Leaders have carefully considered pupils’ wider development. Pupils learn about a range of faiths and cultures. They appreciate the importance of equality and show respect for the beliefs and opinions of others. Pupils feel listened to by leaders.

“Trustees and leaders have an accurate understanding of the strengths of the school. They know what actions are needed to make improvements.”

Charlotte Haylock, Headteacher of Ayresome Primary School, said: “Our school community are thrilled that Ayresome has now been recognised as a ‘good’ school by Ofsted to affirm what parents, staff and our children believed.

“We are delighted that our rapid improvements have shown some huge strides forward and that our quality of education offers all of our children a school that they are rightly proud of.”

Ayresome is one of eight primary schools across Teesside under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust. The others are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Rosebrook and Crooksbarn in Stockton-on-Tees and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “In the ten years prior to joining Ad Astra Academy Trust, Ayresome had three Ofsted inspections, and none were judged to be ‘good’.

“Ayresome has made significant progress in recent times, and this is testament to the leadership of the school and the staff that have committed themselves to this great community.

“The hard work of everyone associated with Ayresome Primary School is reflected in this report and I am immensely proud.”

Ayresome has 721 pupils on the school roll between the ages of two and 11.

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last eight years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and 525 employees in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool.

Charlotte Haylock, Headteacher of Ayresome Primary School celebrates the Ofsted report with pupils

Ad Astra’s 2023 Trust Dividend video which was launched at the Festival of Education on the 3^rd July 2023.

Five-times Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave CBE sailed into Teesside this week to help inspire teachers and education bosses.

The most successful British rower in Olympic history was Guest Speaker at Ad Astra Academy Trust’s Festival of Education 2023 Conference.

The eight primary schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra are Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool.

Over 250 teachers and school leaders attended the day-long event, held at Teesside University, Middlesbrough.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Sir Steve Redgrave has a proven track record of sustained success at the highest level and that can only be achieved through hard work, resilience, and determination.

“These are just some of the attributes which we want to instil in our teachers and staff and Sir Steve Redgrave is a fantastic role model to demonstrate how success can be achieved against a backdrop of the daily challenges we all face.”

The event was chaired by leading educationalist Maggie Farrar CBE and included a series of workshops and discussions throughout the day on key current issues and challenges for schools.

Sir Steve Redgrave spoke about how one of his teachers at school had given him the opportunity to have a go at rowing.

He said: “Teachers are so important to guiding young people and one of my teachers gave me the opportunity to be a rower. If you ask any Olympian who their inspiration was, most will say one of their schoolteachers.”

He added: “Work ethic is the key to success. Even if you have talent you have to work hard; the harder you work, the better you become.”

Former newspaper editor and children’s author Peter Barron MBE hosted the question-and-answer session with Sir Steve Redgrave and also spoke at the event along with Anthony Daulphin of the Standing Ovation Project – a multi award-winning national education body.

Pupils welcomed guests at the start of the event which included an address from 10-year-old Janna Oyedeji from Rosebrook Primary School and a music and dance display by Crooksbarn Primary School.

Pupils also produced a range of artwork depicting Sir Steve Redgrave’s hugely successful rowing career which he was really impressed with.

Chris Simmons, chair of the Ad Astra trustees gave a vote of thanks at the end. He said: “What a day it has been with excellent speakers and workshops. We have outstanding staff across all of our schools who provide inspiration and raise the hopes and aspirations of young children.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last eight years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and 525 employees in Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees.

Sir Steve Redgrave CBE with Ad Astra Academy Trust CEO Andy Brown OBE

Delegates at Festival of Education 2023

Click below to view videos of Festival of Education 2023

Video – Andy Brown- Festival of Education 2023

Video – Sir Steve Redgrave – Festival of Education 2023

Video – Sir Steve Redgrave praises artwork

Ayresome Primary School have been awarded IQM Centre of Excellence Award, click here to read our full report.

Ayresome Primary is being inspected by Ofsted on 17th and 18th May 2023.

A group of Teesside primary schools will come together this Friday (24 March) to play their part in tackling climate change.
The schools – which are all part of the Ad Astra Academy Trust – will meet up at the ARC in Stockton-on-Tees for Pupil Action Conference 2023.
The initiative is part of Let’s Go Zero – a national campaign uniting pupils, teachers and parents to enable schools to become zero carbon by 2030.
At the event, which is being supported by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, individual schools will set out ideas to reduce their carbon footprint as well as pledging a commitment to one sustainable initiative moving forward.
Helen Durnion, School Improvement Lead for Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “It is fantastic that our children are at the heart of the efforts for schools to become carbon zero by 2030.
“After all, it is the children of today and future generations that could be adversely affected the most if immediate action isn’t taken to protect the planet.”
There will also be speakers at the event representing Greenpeace and Hartlepool firm J & B Recycling.
Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, added: “This is an opportunity for all schools within our Trust to take positive action to reduce their carbon impact.
“The actions that our schools will be taking will reach far beyond the school gates, inspiring families and the wider community to tackle the climate crisis which is hugely important.”
The event gets underway at 9.30am and will conclude around lunchtime.
Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last seven years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,000 pupils and 500 employees in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool.
There are eight primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust. They are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.
Issued on behalf of Ad Astra Academy Trust by Alastair Rae. For further information, please call 07581239557.

20 March 2023.

PRESS RELEASE

School award in memory of leading businessman

A group of schools across Teesside has launched an annual award in memory of a leading local businessman.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which runs eight primary schools in Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, and Stockton-on-Tees, recently unveiled the Alby Pattison Award which will be awarded every year to the school within the Trust that has gone above and beyond in the arts or sport or both.

Alby Pattison, a former trustee of Ad Astra Academy Trust and the founder of the hugely successful Hart Biologicals in Hartlepool, died recently (October 30) from a rare heart condition.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Alby made a significant contribution to the business, education and sporting community across Teesside and the annual award is a great way to remember him.

“The arts and sport are two things that Alby cared about deeply so it is very fitting that the award reflects these key areas of the curriculum.”

The inaugural award was presented recently to Ayresome Primary School during the Trust’s Christmas Concert at Billingham Synthonia Social Club.

Andy Brown added: “During the calendar year, all our schools have excelled in the arts and sport, but the judging panel felt that the music initiatives undertaken at Ayresome outside of the curriculum were worthy of the Alby Pattison Award.”

Charlotte Haylock, Headteacher of Ayresome Primary School said: “We are absolutely delighted to be presented with the award. Children are overjoyed, as are staff, to have their efforts within the Arts recognised.

“Music has been a strength of the school and prior to the pandemic, children from Ayresome took part in many concerts and competitions. With the pandemic hopefully behind us, we aim to enable all children who wish to play an instrument and develop their music talent to have the opportunity to do so once again.”

Speaking on behalf of the Pattison family, Alby’s daughter Lizzie, said: “‘We are incredibly honoured and proud that Alby is being remembered in this way. He was always incredibly passionate about both the arts and sports and was involved in both from being at school himself.

“From his own passion stemmed a belief that all children should have the opportunity to experience or be involved in the arts or sports themselves.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last seven years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,000 pupils and 500 employees in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool.

Alby Pattison grew Hart Biologicals from a small business start-up in 2002 to an award-winning medical diagnostics company.

Among his many achievements, Alby was Hartlepool’s Business Leader of the Year in 2016. He was also awarded the MBE for services to international trade, the economy and charity in 2018.

He was granted the Freedom of the Borough by Hartlepool Council and last month (November) he was posthumously named Hartlepool Sports Council’s ‘Personality of the Year’ in recognition of his significant contribution to sport in the town.

The other primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

Issued by Alastair Rae on behalf of Ad Astra Academy Trust. For further information, contact Alastair on 0758 1239557.

Picture Caption – Headteacher Charlotte Haylock, Max Wilkins and Nayab Kousar with the Alby Pattison Award

Picture Caption – Among his many attributes, Alby Pattison had a passion for music.

Issued 16 December 2022

A primary school in Middlesbrough is opening its doors to parents to help them cope with rising living costs.

Ayresome Primary School, in the heart of Middlesbrough, is set to launch its Warm Hub Scheme which will enable parents to come together with their children after school three days a week.

A wide range of activities will be available in school from 7 November for both children and parents, as well as the opportunity to eat, saving families money on food and energy costs.

Charlotte Haylock, Headteacher of Ayresome Primary School, said: “We are well aware of the financial pressures facing many of our families due to the rising living costs and as a school we have a duty to support our children and their families as much as we can.

“Activities will include arts and crafts, board games, sports and it will provide an opportunity for parents to build friendships.

“At the end of the school day we already operate after school clubs for children so the Warm Hub Scheme is, in essence, an extension of this which will enable parents to benefit too.

“There is no additional cost to the school because the heating and lighting is on anyway and we have staff in the school.

“The school is also liaising with charitable organisations to see if they can help with costs towards food and it’s fantastic that The Teesside Charity has already contributed £350.”

Just days after the scheme was announced, over fifty families have already signed up to the scheme.

It also has the backing of Middlesbrough Council and its directly elected mayor, Andy Preston.

Ayresome is one of eight primary schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Andy Brown OBE, added: “All of our schools within the Trust offer a variety of initiatives to help meet the needs of all of our children and their families.

“The Warm Hub Scheme at Ayresome is a great idea and will provide much-needed support to families at a very difficult time.”

Several Middlesbrough Council buildings are also doubling up as Warm Spaces. The venues will offer a range of services and advice at different times. For further information, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/warm-spaces

The other seven primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

BBC Radio Tees visited the school to find out more about the Warm Hubs scheme. Click the link below to listen.

BBC Radio Tees – Ayresome – Warm Hubs