Luton Primary School (LPS) has received formal approval to join Rivermead Inclusive Trust (RIT). The Academy Order has been issued and the alignment has happened today.

LPS and RIT share the same ethos of equality of opportunity for all learners, regardless of their abilities or behaviours and believe in giving children aspirations to create a passion for lifelong learning. This shared ethos will ensure a smooth transition into the Trust for both staff and pupils alike.

LPS and RIT have been in discussions for some time and been working in harmony which has led towards a successful union. LPS was a local authority-maintained school under Medway Council. Medway are fully supportive of LPS becoming an academy under the RIT umbrella as is the Regional Director for the Department of Education.

The Trust believes that each school within the Trust should retain its uniqueness and therefore, parents and children will see no difference in the day-to-day activities other than improved processes that can be provided by being part of a larger organisation. The Trust also encourages all staff to reach their full potential by giving opportunities to lead and develop their skills through an extensive CPD offer.

Tina Lovey, The Rivermead Inclusive Trust’s Chief Executive, said:

“We are very proud of the schools and provisions that are part of the Rivermead Inclusive Trust. We see Luton Primary School as joining our family and we are excited to enter this new stage to our alignment and partnership. This will be a ‘coming together’ with solidification of ethos, values and vision for the greater good of the children that we serve and our local community. This effective partnership will further enhance the ‘inclusive’ approach which will now reach more children and young people across our family of schools emphasizing a therapeutic and holistic learning community. We look forward to embracing new colleagues and celebrating every success both for young people, their families and staff.”

Karen Major, Headteacher of Luton Primary School, said:

‘Luton Primary are really excited to be joining the Rivermead Inclusive Trust. We feel we share the ethos, values and vision of the Trust and most importantly they, like us, put the children at the centre of all we do. We are all on a journey, joining the Rivermead family will ensure the Luton learning journey just keeps getting better and better. We have much to gain and much to offer and are very much looking forward to being 'Luton Primary, part of the Rivermead Inclusive Trust'.

For further information please contact Rivermead Inclusive Trust on 01634 961080.