Waltham Open Event

Prospective parents and interested residents attended a drop in which provided updates on the new school's progress and how to apply.

Senior leaders at Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, appointed by North East Lincolnshire Council to run the school, answered questions with council officers.

Groundworks have started on the site at Sunningdale with Waltham Gateway Academy opening next September.

The Open Event was the first of two at Waltham Library on village's High Street. The second will be held on Monday (23rd) between 5pm and 8pm.

Executive Principal Andrew Clark said the school would open with classes for reception through to Year 4.

"Parents will be able to apply via North East Lincolnshire's admissions process which opens on 7th November," he said.

"The events are an opportunity for parents and the local community to meet staff who will be working at the new school and give them an idea of what it will look and feel like."

In a similar drop in for its ‘sister' school being built at Scartho Top, questions were answered on enrichment and the curriculum plus practical issues such as breakfast and after school clubs. These will be provided.

Mr Clark said: "This is not just about opening a school for children in reception.

"Families who wish to transfer older children to the new school because it may be more convenient, for example, will have the chance to do so."

Parent Roseanne Turner lives near to the site and her three-year-old daughter will be the right age to start in reception when the school opens.

"My daughter's really excited about it, watching her school being built," she said. "We can't get much more local. I think it will take us 30 seconds to walk there!

"But we have lost the view of the field."

Rebecca Smith, a teacher on maternity leave from LGAT's Somercotes Academy, was also looking forward to the academy opening. Her three-year-old daughter Frances will attend.

"I like the fact it's going to be small," she said of the one-form entry academy. "She's at Ravendale Nursery at the moment, also with a small village community.

"She'll be able to attend school much closer to home.

"We went to look at the progress on site the other day. It's good to see the build starting."

The local authority's partner EQUANS has responsibility for the build with contractors Hobson and Porter.

Any questions residents may have about the builds should be sent to Schoolbuildinbox@nelincs.gov.uk

Assistant Principal Mel Portlock (right) with Roseanne Turner, whose daughter will be reception age when the school opens.

Answering questions at the event were Chair of the Board at Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust Philip Bond (second right), head of SEND and Inclusion at North East Lincolnshire Council Rebecca Taylor (right), the council’s Strategic Specialist Project Manager Helen Norris and the Trust’s Executive Principal (Primary) Andrew Clark.

Rebecca Smith with daughter Frances and Assistant Principal Mel Portlock.