A COUNTY Durham primary school is well on its way to turning things around under new leadership – despite the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

After an ‘inadequate’ rated judgement by Ofsted inspectors in September 2019, Trimdons’ Bluebell Meadow Primary officially became an Eden Academy Trust sponsored school in September after a period of successful joint working with Durham County Council.

Despite the difficulties caused by the ongoing pandemic, the school has

started its journey to outstanding and is already making giant strides towards this ultimate goal.

Neil Nottingham, the Executive Head of Bluebell and CEO of Eden Academy Trust, said: “Our key drive is to provide each and every child with the outstanding education they deserve.

“We want to make their learning environment so amazing they can’t wait to get into school, provide a curriculum that is going to prepare children for life and, importantly, make Bluebell Meadow a school all children, parents and community members are proud to be a part of.”

The Northern Echo:

Bluebell Meadow Primary's deputy head teacher Mrs Emma Allison with Year Five pupils Alethea May, Connor Wilkinson and Year Two pupils Finley Storey and Alice Musgrave

The relocation of the school onto one site, significant changes to the internal fabric of the building and a vastly improved curriculum and teaching and learning policy has started to have a positive impact on standards.

One significant development is the closer working between Bluebell Meadow and Trimdon Community College Association, who share the building.

Mr Nottingham said: “If there is one positive to come from Covid-19, it has strengthened the relationship between school, the parents, carers and the wider community.

“We have been there to offer unbelievable support throughout the pandemic, delivering hampers, providing meal vouchers, sourcing computer devices and data to allow children to work from home and, importantly, remained open throughout to allow vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers to attend school.

“When everyone talks about Bluebell it is nice to hear the positivity and compliments. In a recent survey, 99 per cent of parents would now recommend the school to others, having been just 36 per cent 12 months ago.

“Anyone associated with the Trimdons will know the problems the school has had. This is only the start of the journey. We may not be there yet but we are well on our way.”