A proud new name for a primary school in Rise Park!

‘Stanstead Flying High Academy reflects our collective pride in the transformational improvements to learning, the school environment and the strong link we have with Flying High Partnership’ Tanya Smith, Head Teacher

A primary school in Rise Park says it is changing its name to reflect pride in its achievements and improvements to learning and school environment.

Currently known as Stanstead Nursery and Primary school, the school will become Stanstead Flying High Academy from September 2023.

The name change, which includes a new logo, follows a Good Ofsted grading and reflects the link to The Flying High Partnership, the school’s multi-academy trust, who have completed environment and building works at the school totalling a whopping £402,000, including a new roof and a playground revamp.

All funding for the works, except for a £7,000 contribution from the school, was provided by The Flying High Partnership.

Head Teacher, Tanya Smith said, “Our new name of ‘Stanstead Flying High Academy’, reflects our collective pride in the transformational improvements to learning and the school environment which have taken place in recent times, and the strong link we have with Flying High Partnership. Our children are truly thriving, and everyone is feeling very positive about the future.”

Tanya says that building improvements have enhanced children’s experience. “It is very reassuring that our new roof and its energy saving benefits ensure that we are more cost efficient, reducing our impact on the environment and future proofing the school building.

“However, for children it’s the outdoor area that is the hit! Children are loving their new playground space, and the trim trail and climbing frame buzz with activity at break times. We are delighted with the improvements to our school building which will serve our children well for many years to come, and our new name truly reflects the energy and excitement we feel about our wonderful school’s continued progress and bright future.”

Tanya says that every child will receive a free jumper for the September 2023 term featuring the new logo, to help celebrate the new name.

David Morris is Estates Project and Development Manager at the Flying High Partnership, and he said that because much of the recent building work was carried out during school term time, it was crucial to find construction partners who could deliver on the scale and logistics required. “The largest undertaking at the school was the new roof and fascia throughout, including a new canopy above the Early Years outdoor play area. Due to the scale of the project, it could only be completed while the school was ‘live’. Trident Construction Services were appointed to complete the works and successfully worked with us to deliver the project with as little disruption to children’s learning as possible. The school is now fully insulated to keep the school warmer, -and more energy efficient going forwards. The school have already been able to turn their heating down!”

In addition to the roof, the children’s outdoor playground was renewed, said David. “The new outdoor area replaces an ageing Trim Trail and tired surfacing which we wanted to address. During scoping these areas out, we identified an opportunity to increase the size of the outdoor space to provide more room for children to play in all weathers. By moving the position of a fence line back, we were able to install a brand-new trim trail and climber, as well as double the size of play area the children could access. We also built a planting area

around the existing trees, and added new soakaways to ensure the new surfacing could be enjoyed all year round.”

Pupil Arnav, age 8 years, is making the most of the new outdoor spaces and said, “I use the Trim Trail every break time. I like to climb, and it looks really good now.” Freya age 9 said, “I really like the Trim Trail as well, it’s much bigger than the old one so we don’t have to wait in turns to use it anymore. I really like the wiggly balancing part; when you step on it, it moves, and you have to balance!”

Carter age 7 said, “I really like climbing so I like the big climbing frame best. I think it makes you stronger and helps you balance.” Ella age 8 agreed, “The climbing frame helps you to get stronger and my favourite part is also a part that helps with balance. It’s good because you can play on your own or with your friends.”