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Carlton le Willows: School to be taken over by new trust

Justin Doddy
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Carlton le Willows: School to be taken over by new trust

A Gedling secondary school which was rated as ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted earlier this year is changing academy trusts.

Parents / Carers of Carlton le Willows Academy students were advised on May 17 that the academy will be transferred to Delta Academies Trust.

Gedling Eye reported on February 22 that a Termination Warning Notice was issued to Carlton le Willows Academy on January 27, meaning the Government cash funding tap to the academy was at risk of being turned off by the Secretary of State.

At that time John Garibaldi, Chair of GNET wrote: “As has been reported, Carlton le Willows has now been issued with a Termination Warning Notice. This is usual after a negative Ofsted judgement and formally sets out the powers the Department for Education has to step in and withdraw funding if needed. However, no such withdrawal of funding takes place if the Department proceeds to transfer the Academy into a new trust.

Latest letter from the chair of GNET dated May 17

“The DfE is now working to find a suitable sponsor for the Academy.

“Once identified (expected to be around the end of April), we at GNET will be tasked with finalising the transfer. This new trust will then provide enhanced support to ensure Carlton le Willows returns to being an excellent school at the earliest opportunity.

“In the meantime, trustees and governors are working together with Academy teachers to address the changes that need to be made following the Ofsted report.”

Today’s notice from Mr. Garibaldi confirmed that the Regional Director has agreed in principle to transfer the academy to Delta Academies Trust on October 1.

Delta Academies Trust is made up of 53 academies, including 34 primaries, 16 secondaries, 1 all-though and 2 alternative provision schools predominantly based around Yorkshire and the Humber.

Further information regarding Delta Academies Trust can be found HERE.

We asked people in Arnold if the new £12 Nottingham Castle ticket price would lure them back

Gedling Eye Reporter
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We asked people in Arnold if the new £12 Nottingham Castle ticket price would lure them back

Arnold’s residents seem less than impressed by plans to reduce Nottingham Castle’s entry fee after it reopens on June 26.

Despite the Castle’s entry price dropping to £12 for an adult’s annual, some in the borough feel the charge is still “too much”, and are not eager to revisit the famous landmark.

The reopening and new pricing of the Castle was announced on Friday (May 19).

The new ticketing arrangement allows adults a year-round entry into the grounds for £12, while children under the age of 15 can enter for free.

This pricing includes access to the Brewhouse Yard Cottages, Robin Hood Adventures and Rebellion Galleries.

Lauren Baker, a snack vendor in Arnold, stated that while the pricing is not bad, it is not enough to get her to revisit the Castle.

Lauren Baker, a snack vendor in Arnold
Lauren Baker, a snack vendor in Arnold

“If this amount is for the year, then I can see people wanting to go visit it,” said Lauran.

“I personally would not want to go because I have already been.”

Another resident, Ashley Dawson, mirrored Lauran’s statement, calling the pricing fair but not peaking an interest to revisit the grounds.

He said: “It’s not too bad of an offer if it’s £12 a year.

“I’m not too interested in going but I can see why families may be interested to frequent the castle.”

Arnold resident Ashley Dawson
Arnold resident Ashley Dawson

Two others stated that the pricing was still too expensive for Nottingham families, questioning how a family of four, with children over the free entry age can afford £48, even if it was for a whole year.

They said: “Don’t you think it is expensive to see a castle?

“It’s not even a castle, it’s a museum.

“We don’t agree with the price.”

Two more residents recalled a time when the Castle gave free entry to those living in Nottingham and stated that it should be returned to the people.

A resident who wanted to remain anonymous stated: “I think it’s too much; I think it should be free like it was when I was a little girl, in 1944-1945.

“I don’t think the renovations justify the price.

“I think it belongs to the city and everyone in Nottingham.”

Peter Dawson in Arnold
Peter Dawson in Arnold

Peter Dawson, a retiree, stated that the castle used to be free for those with a proof of address within the city.

However, he stated that he might return following the release of the new pricing arrangement.

The three borough nurseries recently graded “Good” by Ofsted

Gedling Eye Reporter
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The three borough nurseries recently graded “Good” by Ofsted

Three nurseries in Gedling have been recently rated ‘Good” by Ofsted.

These three schools all received updated overall grades from the government regulatory body following inspections that took place between late February and late March.

Some suggestions were also put forward on how the schools can further improve.

Busy Bees Day Nursery 

Busy Bees Day Nursery in Sir John Robinson Way, Daybrook (NG5 6BN) received “Good” ratings in all its segments following their Ofsted inspection on February 2.

The report stated: “Staff know children well and provide a varied and interesting curriculum that follows children’s interests and supports their developmental needs.

“For example, in the baby room, staff focus on activities that engage children’s natural curiosity and support their physical, social and communication skills.”

The report also commended the management on the support rendered to its staff, which encouraged them to share their views, helping them to feel valued at work.

The school was further complimented on the variety of opportunities they create for the children, by letting them take part in activities that support and develop their physical skills.

“They join in enthusiastically with yoga sessions, expressing themselves freely through movement, and practice their balancing skills,” it was said in the report.

However, the report does recommend that the school ensure that staff interactions are consistent throughout the nursery, to promote the best outcomes for all children.

Coteswood House Pre-School and Day Nursery (Google)

Coteswood House Pre-School and Day Nursery

Coteswood House in Woodthorpe (NG5 4HT) also had their inspection on February 28, when they received their “Good” grading.

The report praised the school’s management team on working closely with the local authorities to provide in-house support for staff, following recommendations from Coteswood’s previous Ofsted inspection.

The report said: “Staff have a secure understanding of what they are teaching and why. 

“They evaluate their practice and often identify where they can improve the implementation of activities.

“Children’s personal, social and emotional development is at the core of the curriculum. 

“And, the staff nurture and genuinely care for the children.”

The staff received further praise for providing opportunities for children to follow a healthy lifestyle. However, the report suggested that they strengthen interactions to develop the student’s communication skills further.

Lambley Day Nursery 

Lambley Day Nursery (Google)

Lambley Day Nursery in Church Street (NG4 4QB) was the latest pre-school to receive the “Good” grading, having only completed their inspection on March 16.

In the report, Ofsted inspectors praised the school’s curriculum as one that prepares children for the next stage of their education.

They stated: “Parents speak highly of the friendly and caring nursery. 

“They say the family-orientated team of staff ensure that they communicate well with the parents about what their child is learning and how to support their learning at home. 

“For example, children regularly borrow books from the nursery to help support their literacy development in their home environment.”

The report went on to call for improvements in how the staff speak and model words so that young children can hear the grammatically correct pronunciation to help develop their speaking skills. 

They also suggested the support staff ensure that transitions during routines are smooth and do not disrupt learning and engagement.

Lambley Lane site to benefit from funding boost for new and improved grassroots sports facilities

Justin Doddy
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Lambley Lane site to benefit from funding boost for new and improved grassroots sports facilities

As part of a government scheme to get more people active, a grant of £91,279 has been awarded to upgrade changing rooms and a grass pitch at Lambley Lane in Gedling.

The grant awarded is a share of £64 million covering 215 sites across the East Midlands.

Tom Randall MP has welcomed the £91,279 investment from the Government

He said: “The £91,279 to transform sports facilities in Gedling will get more people active and nurture future sporting talent.”

This site is one of over 2,200 across the UK to have benefited so far from the Government’s four-year £300 million capital investment into grassroots multi-sports facilities.

Between 2021 and 2025, £261 million of Government funding will be delivered in England, alongside funding from Football Foundation partners the Premier League and The FA. 

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “215 sites across the East Midlands are benefitting from a share of £64 million investment in new and improved grassroots sports facilities.

“From Boston to Chesterfield, Derby to Sherwood we’re levelling up grassroots sports facilities across the East Midlands to give more people better access to high quality pitches and changing rooms.

“Sport is vital to our physical and mental health and wellbeing and this work with our Football Foundation partners will help people across the East Midlands to get active.”

The funding will deliver upgrades, improvements and new pitches – making more high quality facilities available for people to play football, hockey and other grassroots sports. Projects support a range of facility types –  from the creation or upgrade of changing rooms, grass pitches and 3G football turf pitches and pavilions, to floodlights, fencing and improved disabled access.

Facilities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will benefit from £3.8 million being invested by the Government in partnership with the FAs in each home nation. 

A full list of the facilities to benefit in England can be found here.

40% per cent of the funding will be used to support multi-sport facilities, ensuring a wide range of sports are supported and helping to deliver benefits beyond football. The programme has a particular focus on increasing participation among underrepresented groups such as women and girls, and those with a disability. 

Robert Sullivan of the Football Foundation said: “Thanks to investment from the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation is directing more money than ever into supporting the grassroots game. Every one of the facilities we fund will provide equal access for women and girls. That means providing safe, accessible and inclusive environments for women and girls from their journey to the site right up to their first step onto the pitch.” 

Drink-driver arrested after head-on collision in Ravenshead

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Drink-driver arrested after head-on collision in Ravenshead

Nottinghamshire Police have arrested 54-year-old suspected drink-driver after a two car head-on collision in Ravenshead. A woman has been left with broken bones after the crash.

Officers from the Road Policing Unit were alerted to the incident at Main Road on Wednesday evening (17) around 6:10pm. There was significant damage to both vehicles and debris was scattered across the roads.

PC Pearce Riley of the Road Policing Unit said: “We’re still investigating exactly what happened here and the suspect remains on bail but thankfully the victim did not receive any life-threatening injures. She is now having to recover from multiple broken bones which will no doubt impact her physically but mentally too.

“Deciding to get behind the wheel after having a drink is not only placing yourself at huge risk but other road users and pedestrians too. Even if you drank the night before it can still be in your system, you can still be over the limit, and it could result in not just a collision but somebody dying.

“Please think before getting behind the wheel – don’t be the reason someone is left seeking hospital treatment or worse making us tell someone’s loved one they have died.”

The 54-year-old was arrested on suspsicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drink driving. Anyone who may have been driving in the area at the time or has any dash cam footage is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 642 of 17 May 2023, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Truly paw-some: Meet Arnold’s most eligible Catchelor – renowned for his stunning handlebar moustache

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Truly paw-some: Meet Arnold’s most eligible Catchelor – renowned for his stunning handlebar moustache

An Arnold cat is causing a storm on social media thanks to his unique handlebar moustache.

The cat, who has been named the town’s most eligible Catchelor, has become something of a meme, with locals even photoshopping a monocle and top hat onto it.

The feline, which has not been seen wearing a collar has been a frequent visitor in Arnold gardens, with many people remembering him.

The cat has been posted on social media, causing quite a storm, with one user joking that he was “definitely” a lady’s man”.

Jaime Mott, who shared the original post in the group expressed her concern for the cat’s welfare, saying: “it wanders in” to her aunt’s house if a window is open, and “his head felt a bit dirty”.

A cat with distinctive handle bar moustache marking photographed in Arnold.

Jaime has appealed to find the cat’s owner to no avail.

Some users reported that they have made animal welfare charities aware of the cat’s apparent lack of ownership, with nobody being able to figure out who the distinguished gentleman belongs to.

Is this your cat? Let us know news@gedlingeye.co.uk

REVEALED: Fly-tippers strike Gedling borough more than 25 times a week

Gedling Eye Reporter
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REVEALED: Fly-tippers strike Gedling borough more than 25 times a week

Shameless fly-tippers dumped rubbish in the borough more than 25 times a week, government data reveals.

They show council staff dealt with 1,403 reports of fly-tipping costing tens of thousands in just one year.

Gedling Bororough Council says it investigates every report and tried to deal with every incident within 10 days.

The majority of the fly-tips are described as “highway incidents” and “household waste”.

But council staff had to deal with 16 incidents of abandoned asbestos and 44 piles of tyres.

The most recent figures cover the 2021-22 financial year.

The reckless rubbish dumps have left the borough’s residents frustrated.

Chris Cann, a retired library worker from Gedling Village, said: “It’s an issue, I do a lot of litter picking on a voluntary basis, mainly small bits of litter, but occasionally we do come across fly-tips that we can’t deal with.

“They are often in inaccessible places, which is really annoying.

“When it happens, it is just really horrible, it’s ugly and attracts rats and goodness knows what.

“Gedling Borough Council are normally very good, as much as they can do, obviously their hands are tied in what resources they have.

“These people that do it are just awful, because they may think that it’s a victimless crime, but we all suffer from it.

“We pay for it and the state of our countryside pays for it.”

Fly-tipping in Gedling borough. PHOTO: Jenny Hollingsworth.
Fly-tipping in Gedling borough. PHOTO: Jenny Hollingsworth.

The exact clean-up costs have not been included in the stats since 2016-17.

Based on the amount spent on cleaning incidents in those figures the 2021-22 cost would have been around £70,000.

It is likely with inflation and the recent increases in the cost of energy and materials the true figure is higher.

One local resident suggested more cameras in the borough might deter the dumpers.

Marie Green, 46, from Daisy Dogs and Kitty Cats in Mapperley, said: “I use a lot of Gedling parks and fields.

“As I’m on my little travels around, I’m picking dogs up and taking them to parks, I come across these fly-tips.

“The other week, I came onto a field and thought, what’s that awful smell, it’s like someone had been growing marijuana and dumped all their bags of soil and plants.

“Gedling has some nice little secret fields, little roads and dead ends.

“They know there are no cameras, so they are using them for dumping.”

Marie also feels council staff are quick to respond to new incidents,

She added: “The council comes, clears it away and a couple of days later, they have filled up the space again.

“People that do fly-tip, it would be nicer if got prosecuted a bit more.

“But then again, are we helping people, are there enough tips around?

“We’ve got Calverton tip, but if you go to Calverton, sometimes the road that leads to the actual tip, people dump rubbish on it.

“It is mind-boggling.”

Gedling Borough Council leader councillor John Clarke

Gedling Borough Council leader Councillor John Clarke explained the council’s approach to fly-tipping saying they investigate every reported incident.

He said: “Fly-tipping is a scourge on our society and a huge cost to taxpayers because of a small minority of people who dispose of their waste illegally.

“We investigate all reports of fly-tipping and will always take enforcement action where we can.

“We have increased the number of fixed penalty notices we have issued year on year and we clear 99 per cent of all incidents within 10 days of reporting.

“We rely on residents to report fly-tipping if they see it happening, so we urge them to contact us and we can investigate and catch the perpetrators.” 

The council issued 31 fines over the incidents and took one case to court for prosecution.

Arnold: Police want to speak to these two men in connection with late-night attack in town centre

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Arnold: Police want to speak to these two men in connection with late-night attack in town centre

Police are searching for two men after a victim was attacked and suffered fractures to his face in Arnold.

A man in his 30s was found unconscious on the ground in Front Street at 11.55pm on Sunday, April 16 with multiple injuries to his face.

The victim is recovering and did not receive any life-altering injuries but has been left shaken by the incident.

Nottinghamshire Police are now looking to speak with two men whose images have been released.

PC Emma White, leading the investigation for Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We’re now asking the public to come forward if they recognise these two people or were in the area at the time.

“This was a vicious attack that left the victim needing to be rushed to hospital and treated for a broken nose, bruises, and swelling to his face.

“We are continuing to carry out our investigations but need your help now – if you think you recognise the two people in these images please get in contact.

“We say it time and time again but violence like this will never be acceptable on our streets and we will always do everything in our power to understand who is responsible.”

Anyone who has any dashcam footage or information is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 33 of 17 April 2023, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Here’s how many people were refused a vote at Gedling’s local elections over new ID rules

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Here’s how many people were refused a vote at Gedling’s local elections over new ID rules

Eighteen people lost their vote at the recent local elections in Gedling borough after the introduction of voter ID, new figures reveal.

Supporters of the move, such as Tom Randall MP, feel the change creates confidence in the electoral system but others argue it will deprive voters.

The local elections on May 4 were the first that required voters to show a form of photographic identification before being issued with a ballot paper.

The requirement was introduced to solve personation- the electoral crime of pretending to be someone else to use their vote – however, critics have argued that this is very rare.

Gedling’s MP, Tom Randall, said: “Prior to the new voter ID rules, electoral fraud was the easiest fraud to commit.

“You could just walk into any polling station, give someone’s name and address and then cast their vote.

“In a democracy, voters must have confidence in the electoral system.”

Tom Randall
PICTURED: Gedling MP Tom Randall

The MP added that in the run-up to the elections in the borough, a large majority were aware of this demand.

Ernehale Labour councillor, David Ellis said: “One resident I spoke to had never been abroad, doesn’t drive and is not old enough for a bus pass.

“She didn’t get around to get voter ID or apply for a postal vote and was really annoyed that she lost her chance to vote.

“The numbers may be correct but I suspect a whole lot more didn’t turn up.”

Polling by Omnisis found that 27 percent of the 1216 participants asked felt the need to present photographic ID to vote was unfair.

Based on a combination of turnout from the 2019 elections and data from the local elections they estimate that two million people will be disenfranchised at the next general election.

In Gedling borough 80 residents attempted to vote with ID, of which 62 then return with the correct documents.

Based on turnout figures in the Gedling constituency from the 2019 general election around 200 people would be turned away from polling stations in 2025 if the figures were similar.

Trent Valley Conservative councillor Mike Adams said: “I didn’t speak to anybody who couldn’t vote because of identification.

“The thing that I got asked about the most was that it was so advertised.

“I think it’s like with anything important, you need ID.

“It’s the right move giving more validity to votes and hopefully more people will vote as they know that it is completely their own.”

These figures come after Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mog said earlier this week: “Parties that try and gerrymander end up finding their clever scheme comes back to bite them, as dare I say we found by insisting on voter ID for elections.”

We tried Cleo’s deli at Arnold’s AMP to see if it was ‘worth the hype’

Gedling Eye Reporter
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We tried Cleo’s deli at Arnold’s AMP to see if it was ‘worth the hype’

Six months ago Cleo’s delicatessen, owned by couple Theo Solomon and Chloe Cross, opened in the AMP and since then it has received many great reviews.

Salad boxes are their top sellers, with them offering a variety of fresh meats, veg, pastas and sauces.

The deli bars are all prepped daily and salads can be purchased in small, medium or large.

Even though they may be a favourite, the healthy lunches are not all they do.

Cleo’s also sells sandwiches, which can be made to order as well as sweet treats and an array of cupboard essentials to take home to recreate their delights yourself.

And you can also get your hands on fresh homemade meals including lasagne, curries and cottage pies.

Even though we visited after the lunch rush the store was still busy.

The regular salad was very filling and you definitely get what you pay for, with the box being filled to the top and only £5.95.

A salad from Cleo's in Arnold
A salad from Cleo’s in Arnold

As a slightly fussy eater when it comes to vegetables there was still a great variety of options to choose from and the customisation means you can walk away with exactly what you want.

The pesto pasta in the salad was a personal favourite of mine.

Co-owner Theo Soloman said: “Opening was a risk, but it seems to be paying off at the moment.”

The lunch spot seems to attract lots of regulars with many customers sharing their love for the deli on social media.

One said: “We have been reading about the new deli at AMP so decided to give it a try today.

“Wow, the salads are amazing.

“Worth the hype we thought.”

Cleo's in Arnold
Cleo’s in Arnold

Another commented: “Cleo’s delicatessen at AMP did it again.

“We had meal deals from Cleo’s a few times but this was the first time with desert, omg it’s lush.

“If you haven’t tried it yet you are missing out.”

The shop is in Unit 5, The AMP, 9 market place, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 6ND.

They work closely with Taste First next door and provide tapas boards for their wine tastings.

It is open Tuesday to Friday 9 to 5pm and Saturday 9 to 4pm.

You can find their social media here.

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