Page 56 - Phonebox Magazine July 2011

Olney Infant School becomes an Academy
FROM 1 JUNE 2011, Olney Infant School, judged by Ofsted to be “outstanding” in every respect, converted to Academy status (and has changed its name to Olney Infant Academy). This means it is independent of Local Authority control and can benefit from a wide range of freedoms.
The Principal, Steve Dunning, said “Being an academy means that we have freed ourselves from a huge layer of bureaucracy. The leadership of our school, which knows best the needs of the community we serve, can
now decide how to spend the money previously spent on our behalf by the Local Authority. Every year Ofsted tell us our standards of achievement
are significantly higher than national expectations but we always strive for
even better; academy status can only help us achieve even more.”
There will be no change to admissions policy and the school, whilst open to all children aged from 4 to 7, will continue to
give priority to children living in Olney and other villages within its reserved area.
The Academy was officially opened at a special assembly by Mark Lancaster TD MP, who presented Jeremy Rawlings, Chair of Governors, with a specially-engraved plaque. The children sang several songs (from the CD they’ve just recorded) and read out some of the reasons why they love their school. A gift was presented to thank Brian Auld, the school’s solicitor from Brethertons LLP, who led the school calmly through the complex legal process. A presentation was also made to Lesley Robinson, the school bursar; without her dedication, commitment and hard work the school would not have met the tight timescales involved.
The first improvements have already been made, with the help of FOOIS, the academy’s parent-teacher association. A brand new library has been opened, installed by InCube Limited, which has given the children a brighter, more spacious library – stocked by thousands of pounds worth of brand new books! In addition the same company has installed a bright and more welcoming school reception area. Further improvements planned include new toilets and cloakrooms, a new classroom, a new meeting room and improved staff facilities.
Visits to view Olney Infant Academy, by appointment, are always welcome.
Contact Olney Infant Academy, 01234 711388, admin@olneyinfant.org www.olneyinfantschool.co.uk
The official opening
COPY DEADLINE FOR THE AUGUST ISSUE OF PHONEBOX IS 15TH JULY
Reception
Library
Westbury Grange - Forthcoming Events
The Committee of the Friends of Westbury Grange would like to say a huge thankyou to all our lovely friends who came and supported our Coffee Morning on 15th June! We raised £128 for our Residents' Amenity Fund - and all had an excellent time chatting and enjoying the lovely cakes! Our next events will be:
Car Boot Sale on Wednesday 17th August 6.00 to 8.00 p.m - contact Roy on 616523 or Jan on 610905
Coffee Morning on Wednesday 5th October 10.00 to 12.00 noon
Pioneers' Film Evening on 19th November 7.30 to 10.30pm (Please note this date has changed from 12th to 19th).
Please come and support us - we need you all there!
Orchard Wills Ltd Member of the Society of Will Writers
ISN’T IT ABOUT TIME YOU MADE YOUR WILL?
Mirror Wills £80 Single Will £60
Let us visit you in your own home and take your instructions
01234 713938
56 Phonebox Magazine