We all know that realistically, table tennis consists of hitting the ball for around 10% of the time, and the other 90% is spent chasing said ball around the room, but that doesn’t mean to say it’s not great fun!
Learners at Sandhills were treated to a new table tennis set at the start of this term and it’s served up a treat so far.
Claire Colley, Learning Manager said: “The learners have really enjoyed it! We originally purchased it for their sports sessions, but they’ve been using it in break times too.
We hoped this would happen as for one, it means less screen time and two, it’s been encouraging them to interact with their peers.”
The set can be used for both standing and seated games and even staff have joined in too. Claire said: “Staff have found it fun too, there’s been several learners versus staff games!”

R.E.A.L Independent School Ilkeston has received its first ever Ofsted visit and achieved a brilliant overall rating of ‘Good’.
The visit took place in July this year and recognised the varied experiences the learners enjoy such as “celebrating Pride week, trips to the theatre, canoeing, and meeting Titus, the dinosaur.”
Nikki Purcell, Head of Schools said: “I’m delighted with the result we achieved. This was the third of our school inspections in just over a year and yet again our staff and learners showcased the work they do really well.”
It was noted that RIS Ilkeston “cares about each pupil as an individual” and the “relationships between staff and learners are extremely positive.”
Nikki said: “It was wonderful that the inspectors recognised how positive our relationships are with learners and their parents or carers.”
Ilkeston has helped “develop learners’ self-confidence and resilience, making them prepared for their next steps and gaining qualifications which will help them be successful in their lives.”
Nikki said: “I was lucky enough to hear parent and carer and learner feedback to inspectors during the inspection, which was at times overwhelming. Especially when one learner spoke about how his improved reading skills have impacted on his life.
I know that we make such a difference to our learners’ lives through creative re-engagement , which, as one of the parents reported, makes education a positive experience for them.”
The feedback from staff was also positive saying they’re proud to be part of the school and “leaders are supportive and considerate of their well-being and workload.”
Nikki said: “Reassuringly, the areas that inspectors identified for development were those we’d already identified and incorporated in our school improvement plan.
We’ll continue to work hard and further improve the quality of education we offer the learners who are in our care.”

R.E.A.L. staff and learners across all sites paid their respects to Queen Elizabeth II, as she sadly passed away this month.
RIS Blidworth learners visited Nottingham City Hall to lay flowers and sign the book of condolences. Andy Richmond, Learning Manager said: “The learners’ tributes were so heartfelt and touching. I’m so proud of all the learners who made the trip.”
RIS Mansfield, Woodhouse Road and more Blidworth learners also went to Mansfield Civic Centre to write in the book of condolences and lay flowers too.
At all of our sites, staff and students have taken time to remember, reflect and give thanks for the Queen’s life and dedicated service.
