As many of you are aware, last Friday there was a tragic incident where a child lost their life in a derelict building in Derby City.

The child in question was a former pupil at the school and the family remain part of our current school community. He was a dear friend to several pupils at Ashgate and remains close to all our hearts. Our thought and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time. On behalf of the whole school community, I have personally passed on our condolences and an offer of support.

Adam was a young man with a vibrant and enthusiastic personality. He had a loving and caring soul and brightened every day he attended the school. All who knew him at Ashgate and beyond will miss him dearly. Whilst we are sadenned by his loss, we can look back with great fondness and happiness at our memories of him and all he gave to others, through his delightful character and positive approach to life.

As a school we have an extremely tight network of pastoral care and we do pride ourselves on the way we support children and families at difficult times. Today I have been working closely with the wider support network to ensure that we are doing all we can as a school. Earlier today I met with the junior children about the incident and have met with a small group of children for whom this will have a wider impact. The purpose of the assembly was to make them aware that if they felt they needed support at any time, or wanted to talk about any aspect of what happened, we would be there for them.

Once again, I pass on our condolences to the family on their loss, and do so on behalf of all the school community, past and present.