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Posted on: 6/03/2025Croxley Danes School featured on BBC One's The One Show
Croxley Danes School was visited by presenter Angellica Bell and a camera crew from the BBC show to interview staff and students about their involvement in a Europe-wide study.
The study, called the BootStRaP project, is led by the University of Hertfordshire and aims to reduce the harmful impact of internet use on mental health.
The research intends to recruit up to 10,000 young people from across Europe over five years to explore internet use, identify harmful behaviours, and find ways to address these.
Andy Harris, headteacher of Croxley Danes School, said: "While we don’t have issues with phone and internet use at Croxley Danes due to us having very clear rules and systems in place, it is a significant issue outside of school that is impacting our young people’s mental health and peer relationships.
"We decided to get involved with the BootStRaP project because we think it’s a really fantastic opportunity to gather the data needed to better understand and address issues around problematic internet use, that will inform effective strategies for improving our students’ well-being, their online safety in and outside of school and ultimately their academic success."
The BootStRaP project stands for Boosting Societal Adaptation and Mental Health in a Rapidly Digitalising, Post-Pandemic Europe.
Read the full story in the Watford Observer
Posted on: 4/03/2025ESA stands out with 'outstanding' Ofsted report
Demonstrating its commitment to improvement and success, Elstree Screen Arts Academy (ESA) has been honoured with top rankings in a recently published report by The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). This recognition underscores ESA's unwavering dedication to providing an outstanding education that not only meets but exceeds national standards.
The recent report published in February 2025 lauded the quality of education at ESA, a part of Danes Educational Trust, celebrating the academy's innovative approach to teaching and learning. Students at ESA were commended for their exemplary behavior and positive attitudes, contributing to a vibrant and respectful learning environment. The academy's commitment to the personal growth and development of each student was a highlight of the report, showcasing the holistic approach to education that ESA champions.
The robust leadership and management at ESA were recognized as pivotal in driving the academy's success and fostering a culture based on a ‘character curriculum’.
"We have been proudly advocating for our unique approach to education and keenly telling all who will listen that we are up to something here," said Chris Mitchell, Principal of Elstree Screen Arts Academy. "We are seeing young people engage, connect and find their creative voice."
Special mention was made of the inclusive and supportive sixth-form provision, which plays a crucial role in preparing students for their future endeavors.
ESA Academy scored ‘Outstanding’ in all five categories of the report. This prestigious recognition from Ofsted is a reflection of the collective efforts of the dedicated staff, enthusiastic students, and supportive parents who together make Elstree Screen Arts Academy a paragon of educational excellence.
“Receiving Outstanding in all five categories of the report is a testament to the exceptional creativity, innovation , and dedication of the entire Elstree Screen Arts Academy community. Moving from ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’ is a remarkable achievement, especially in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape,” said Dr Josephine Valentine OBE, CEO Danes Educational Trust.
The report not only celebrates the academy's current achievements but also highlights its ongoing commitment to improvement and innovation in education. ESA continues to lead the way with outstanding outcomes for students in specialist training and creative courses for the film, TV and Theatre industries.
Posted on: 6/02/2025Learner Voice Council (LVC) Primary Induction Day
On 21 January, we held our third Learner Voice Council (LVC) Primary Induction Day, hosted at De Havilland Primary School. "We were delighted to welcome all six primary schools, including The Cranbourne Primary School and Roselands Primary School, which has recently established its own LVC. The day brought together students and staff from across Danes Educational Trust, fostering collaboration and leadership."
Attendees participated in a dynamic workshop carousel, featuring sessions on oracy (led by Nicola Spencer, DET English Lead) and self-confidence (led by Anna-Maria van Der Spoel, Assistant Headteacher at OSA), both outstanding practitioners.
A highlight of the day was two of the sessions that were led by secondary school students. Students from Chancellor’s School delivered a session on LVC Top Tips. Many of their members have been part of the LVC for years, and they shared their knowledge and experience with the primary school students. Onslow St Audrey’s Sixth Form Leadership Team delivered a session on teamwork. These sessions provided essential tools for young leaders as they embark on their LVC journey.
Now in its fourth year, the Learner Voice Council serves as a platform for students to influence teaching and learning across their schools. The LVC empowers students to make meaningful changes by conducting research through planning, auditing, implementing, and evaluating.
Miles Conway, Trust Learning Lead for Learner Leadership, shared:
"It was truly wonderful to see all of our primary schools come together in collaboration. The LVC students showed incredible dedication and enthusiasm, and I look forward to the meaningful impact they will have across all levels of the Trust. A second passion of mine is transition, so it was great to see the primary and secondary schools working together. Special thanks go to the dedicated workshop leaders, facilitators, and student leaders who made the day a resounding success. Thank you to the staff at De Havilland Primary School for being so accommodating and allowing me to host this event at their school."
The LVC would not run successfully without the support of our dedicated team of in-school facilitators: Alii Hewitt, Emma Smart, Henry Arkill, Liz Black, Liz Shipp, Matt Clarke, Steve Cove Juliet Ford, Mitchell Sanderson, Rachana Shah, Sarah Edwards, and Shannon Anthony.
Posted on: 31/01/2025Roselands Primary School Celebrates ‘Good’ Ofsted Rating
We are delighted to share that following our recent Ofsted inspection, His Majesty’s Inspectors have confirmed that Roselands Primary School continues to meet the standards of a ‘Good’ school. The report recognises our commitment to ensuring every pupil experiences a nurturing, supportive, and enriching education, benefiting them now and in the future.
The inspectors noted that pupils at Roselands “...grow in confidence at this happy school. They feel part of a kind community. Pupils and adults care about, and look out for, each other. Pupils know there is a listening ear for any troubles they may have. They know and trust the adults who keep them safe.”
The report also highlights the strength of our curriculum, stating, “Teachers help pupils to make links in their learning across subjects. For example, pupils learn about the artwork of William Morris in their history study about the Victorians.” Additionally, inspectors recognised the value of our enriching educational experiences, noting, “Practical activities in lessons, along with an ambitious range of trips and visits, help to make learning memorable for pupils.”
This recognition reflects the values we hold dear at Roselands, fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment where every child feels valued, cared for, and empowered to thrive.
We also welcome Ofsted’s feedback on areas to strengthen further and remain committed to ensuring that teaching activities consistently build knowledge and skills across the curriculum.
Together, we are creating a positive, enriching environment at Roselands where every child can flourish.
Posted on: 17/01/2025Lanchester Primary School maintains ‘Good’ rating in latest Ofsted report
Lanchester Primary School is proud to announce that following a recent inspection, His Majesty’s Inspectors have confirmed the school continues to be a ‘Good’ school. This recognition highlights the dedication of our staff, learners, and families in fostering a nurturing, supportive, and enriching educational environment.
The Ofsted report commends the school’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every pupil feels valued and supported. Inspectors noted that learners at Lanchester Primary School “embrace the school values of ‘ready, respectful, resilient.’ They show high levels of respect to staff and to each other.” This acknowledgement underscores the positive atmosphere we have cultivated and the strong sense of community pride among our pupils.
Commenting on the report, Matthew Morey, Headteacher at Lanchester Primary School, said: “We are delighted with this outcome, which reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire school community. It is incredibly rewarding to see our values of readiness, respect, and resilience recognised, and we will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.”
The school’s ongoing focus on providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all pupils remains a top priority. The recognition from Ofsted reaffirms the school’s commitment to nurturing a sense of belonging and inspiring a lifelong love of learning in every child.
Lanchester Primary School would like to extend its gratitude to all staff, pupils, and parents for their contributions to this success. Together, we look forward to building on this achievement and continuing to provide an inspirational educational experience.
You can read the coverage in the Watford Observer here.
Posted on: 24/11/2024Jupiter Primary School scoops pioneering mental health award
Jupiter Primary School has achieved the School Mental Health Award which is delivered by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools. The Bronze standard School Mental Health Award reflects Jupiter's outstanding mental health and wellbeing provision. A wide range of activities are provided by the school to boost the wellbeing of pupils and staff, including mindfulness sessions for whole classes, groups or 1:1, mindful cuppa sessions for parents, wellbeing pupil ambassadors, a staff wellbeing committee and working closely with professionals to signpost families. Work has included redesigning the whole school curriculum with regards to the intent and implementation to include our vision and values. Threaded throughout our curriculum the following elements are key: the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum; raising aspirations and inspirations; fostering positive growth mindsets and character strengths; devising a referral system, and reducing stigma associated with mental health. The school also works with staff to reduce workload and staff voice is used effectively to assess staff wellbeing and workload, using the results to inform action plans and support initiatives. A range of support mechanisms are in place for staff, and by prioritising mental health and wellbeing within its staffing culture, Jupiter Primary creates an environment where staff members feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Jupiter Primary School headteacher Karen Armstrong said: “Mental health and wellbeing has never been more important and as a school we made it a priority in recent years to prioritise our mental health and wellbeing provision. I am extremely proud of this accreditation and this will stand as a constant reminder and motivation in ensuring we continue to have a positive impact and promote good mental health and wellbeing throughout our school community”. Read the full story here in Hemel Today
Posted on: 12/11/2024Learner Voice Council Induction Day: Secondary
Danes Educational Trust proudly hosted its fourth annual Learner Voice Council (LVC) Induction Day, bringing together secondary school students and staff from across the Trust in a vibrant celebration of leadership, collaboration, and skill-building. The day served as an inspiring launchpad for young leaders embarking on their LVC journey.
Held at Onslow St Audrey’s School, the event featured a dynamic workshop carousel designed to equip students with essential skills through engaging sessions, each offering a unique perspective on leadership development:
Oracy Workshop led by Nicola Spencer, Danes Educationaly Trust English Lead
Teaching & Learning Workshop with Amy Ring, Assistant Headteacher at Onslow St Audrey's School
Teamwork Workshop run by Elstree Screen Arts Academy’s Prefect Team
Research Workshop delivered by Onslow St Audrey’s Sixth Form Team
The sessions, led with energy and expertise, encouraged students to enhance their public speaking and active listening skills, emphasised practical tools and strategies for negotiation, communication, and research – foundational skills for the young leaders poised to make a difference in their schools and communities.
Miles Conway, Trust Learning Lead for Learner Leadership, shared:
"It was an absolute pleasure to see all of our schools collaboratively come together. The LVC students were so dedicated and engaged, and I look forward to the meaningful changes the students make at all levels of the Trust. Special thanks go to the dedicated workshop leaders, facilitators and student leaders who made the day a resounding success."
The Learner Voice Council continues to grow in impact and ambition, underscoring Danes Educational Trust’s commitment to fostering student leadership and voice across its schools - ‘making the difference together’.
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