On 1st July 2017, Chambersbury Primary School became part of the East Dacorum Co-operative Learning Trust. The East Dacorum Co-operative Learning Trust

The East Dacorum Co-operative Learning Trust was established by Adeyfield School, The Astley Cooper School and Longdean School. Since coming into existence in July 2014, the Trust has already begun to develop a number of projects that will support the schools and the communities they serve. The Trust board is made up of representatives from Roundwood Park School, BP, Rotary Club, The University of Hertfordshire, Lloyds Banking Group, The Co-operative Society and Herts for Learning.

Aims of the Trust

The East Dacorum Co-operative Learning Trust will reinforce the Cooperative values of

Self Help,

Self Reliance,

Equity, Equality,

Democracy and

Solidarity by:

• Developing outstanding teaching for all our students
• Developing our partnership with parents and the wider community to raise aspirations & achievement for all
• Developing partnerships with higher education providers and employers to provide opportunities for all young people
• Developing smooth educational transitions for children and young people from birth to 24 years of age
• Using the co-operative values and framework to structure collaboration between the schools and wider community for the benefit of all whilst holding all parties to account

Within its first year of existence the Trust has already undertaken a number of exciting projects.  For example students in Year 11 from the three schools are benefitting from close collaboration to deliver the IGCSE in English.  Adeyfield and Longdean are also collaborating closely on the delivery of Geography for all students.  Students have also been invited to attend an event hosted by The University of Hertfordshire where they will determine what the trust can do to support them and their communities during their time at school

Parents and the wider communities will be given the opportunity to sharpen their ICT skills with Astley Cooper hosting an adult learning ICT course delivered by staff from all three partner schools.  Staying with the ICT theme, the Trust has run an internet safety event for parents from all three schools at Longdean.  Finally, the three schools are using the East Dacorum Co-operative Trust to support and develop each other’s practice.  The Deputy Headteachers from the three schools have spent time in one another’s schools to monitor aspects of the school and to feedback to the Headteacher and Governors.

These projects clearly show that the trust and all its members are committed to delivering on its aims and demonstrating the Cooperative Values in all that they do.  We, at Chambersbury, are looking forward to the benefits that this collaboration will bring to the children, staff, stakeholders and parents.