Homelessness project leaders wow visitors after transforming former Ilkeston curtain tape factory into a “beautiful oasis”

Visitors have been wowed after seeing an old curtain tape factory transformed into a beautiful garden and thriving day centre by homelessness organisation Derventio Housing Trust. Homeless residents along with drug and alcohol recovery service users and Derventio Housing Trust staff have worked hard to create a stunning garden at the Growing Lives day centre […]
Gifted Derby Cathedral School pupil, 12, shortlisted out of 100,000 global entries in one of the world’s most prestigious essay competitions

A Derby Cathedral School pupil has been shortlisted in one of the world’s most prestigious essay writing competitions after penning a top entry aged just 12. Haleema Rifki, who is in year 8 at the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust secondary on Great Northern Road, was one of 100,000 entrants from 180 countries all over the […]
Careers excellence across Esteem MAT recognised at regional awards

Outstanding careers education across Esteem Multi-Academy Trust has been recognised at the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s ‘From Skills to Careers: A Regional Celebration’ Awards Ceremony, with colleagues from across the Trust receiving awards and nominations for their work in preparing young people for the future. Leading the celebrations was Michaela Gregory, Careers Lead at […]
Bemrose pupils prove teamwork is the key to success

Once on the receiving end of 13-0 scores, a Derby primary school football team is now finding the back of the net – and the top of the table – after learning that success comes from working together. Just two seasons after suffering heavy defeats and finishing bottom of the league without a single win, […]
Murray Park students celebrated for outstanding achievements at annual Pride Awards

Two hundred students from Murray Park Community School in Mickleover were celebrated for their outstanding achievements, personal growth and contributions to the school community at the fourth annual Pride Awards. The special event recognised pupils who have gone above and beyond throughout the academic year, celebrating everything from academic success and leadership to volunteering, peer […]
Beaufort Primary School puts diabetes on the timetable after pupil’s diagnosis

A lesson in highs and lows has helped a Derby primary school better understand Type 1 diabetes. Eight-year-old Gracie Clarence, a pupil at Beaufort Primary School, part of Odyssey Collaborative Trust, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes shortly after last Halloween when her parents realised something wasn’t quite right. Like many children, Gracie had been […]
St Chad’s wins regional award for transforming children’s lives

A Derby school is celebrating after winning a prestigious award in recognition of its work to support children affected by trauma and difficult experiences. St Chad’s CofE Nursery and Infant School, part of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT), has been named the East Midlands Primary Winner in the ARC Alex Timpson Attachment and Trauma Awards. […]
Former Government minister Amanda Solloway inspires Derbyshire students to believe anything is possible

Former Government minister and Derby North MP Amanda Solloway has shared the deeply personal story of her troubled childhood with dozens of Derbyshire schoolchildren, urging them never to let their circumstances define their future. Delivering the keynote speech at The Two Counties Trust Student Conference, at the University of Derby, Amanda addressed more than 120 […]
YMCA Derbyshire’s new CEO pledges to put young people’s needs on the agenda

The incoming CEO of YMCA Derbyshire has promised to continue to put the charity at the heart of civic life and represent the needs of local young people when he steps into his new role later this year. Matt Jones, who is the group chief executive of YMCA Thames Gateway Group, will take over the […]
Generous Toyota funding helps Derbyshire homelessness project participants go green

A funding boost from the Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust is helping participants in a highly valued homelessness project grow vegetables. The funding has paid for smart new raised vegetable beds at Derventio Housing Trust’s Growing Lives day centre in Ilkeston. Project participants have used the funds to build the new wooden structures which will […]