Scartho Open Event

Parents "excited" about a new primary school being built on Scartho Top heard about its progress and how to apply for a place.

Groundworks have started on the site of Scartho Gateway Primary Academy, behind the Aldi supermarket on Matthew Ford Way.

Prospective parents and staff spoke to senior leaders at Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, appointed by North East Lincolnshire Council to run the school when it opens in September next year.

The Open Event was one of two held at St Giles Church Small Hall.

Executive Principal Andrew Clark said the school would open with classes for reception through to Year 4.

"Parents will be able to apply via North East Lincolnshire's admissions process which opens on 7th November," he said.

He was pleased with the turnout to the events.

"They are an opportunity for parents and the local community to meet staff who will be working at the new school and give them an idea of what it will look and feel like," he said.

"We've answered questions about enrichment and the curriculum and practical issues such as breakfast and after school clubs. These will be provided.

"This is not just about opening a school for children in reception. We have heard today from a lot of parents keen to move their older children to the school because its convenience will help their family routine.

"They want them to attend a more local school than they can at the moment."

One such parent was Rachel Campbell, who brought children Emmie (4) and Bella (6) to the event.

"The main thing will be how much easier it will be to take and pick up the children from school," she said.

"We live on Scartho Top and the new school will be around the corner. Bella's excited that she will be able to go to it on her scooter."

Kelly and Daniel Payne are looking to transfer Piper (6) to the school.

"Our son Oliver is 10 so will miss out but this will be so much more convenient than at the moment," she said. "There'll be less driving because we will be able to walk."

Fraya and Ben Grocott are also hoping to move their seven-year-old daughter to Scartho Gateway.

"Our youngest is two so it will be great for her in time," Fraya said.

"At the moment, we drive to school on Laceby Acres so we will be able to walk to school.

"We think it's going to be very popular and we just want to ensure we can get them in."

Emma and Jamie Burnett were already looking at schools for their six-month-old daughter.

"It just makes perfect sense for us, living on Scartho Top," she said.

The local authority's partner EQUANS has responsibility for the build with contractors Hobson and Porter.

Any questions residents may have about the builds should be sent to Schoolbuildinbox@nelincs.gov.uk

Vice Principal Mel Portlock (right) with Rachel Campbell and daughters Emmie and Bella.

Kelly and Daniel Payne, with Piper and Oliver.

Parents Jamie and Emma Burnett (third and fourth from left) with (left to right) Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust's Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown, Chair of its Board Philip Bond, the council's Strategic Specialist Project Manager Helen Norris and the Trust's Executive Principal (Primary) Andrew Clark.

Three-year-old Ronnie-James Dodd with parents Elle-Claudine Rice and Josh Dodd with the new Scartho Gateway Academy uniform.

Fraya and Ben Grocott, hoping their daily commute to Laceby Acres will end with the opening of the new school.

An aerial of the site at Scartho Top, with groundworks starting.