Fernhurst Primary School

Welcome

The school is located in Fernhurst Village, West Sussex, and is close to the South Downs, in the beautiful countryside just to the south of the picturesque town of Haslemere.

The school caters for children from 4 years of age up to 10 years (Reception to Year 5). The children generally move on to the local Intermediate School at 10 years of age and then at 13 to the Grammer School, both based in nearby Midhurst.

Our school prides itself in having close links with the local community and is very much part of the village. We offer our children a broad and balanced education and the aim of all our staff is to create an environment in which each child is encouraged to reach their full potential.

We aim to provide all our children with a wide range of challenging situations and experiences that stimulate and motivate, making learning enjoyable and enriching. They are encouraged to become independent, self-motivated learners thus providing them with a firm foundation for the future.

The school has a warm and welcoming atmosphere in which children, parents and staff work together to develop a secure and happy environment, encouraging teamwork and mutual respect.

We hope you enjoy browsing through our website pages and that they will give you a good insight into our school.

However, should you wish to know even more about us, please feel free to e-mail or telephone us, when we will be delighted to answer any queries you may have, or provide you with more information.

If you would like to visit us, then please let us know. You will be made most welcome.

Kind regards

Lynn Rackham
Headteacher

Accommodation

We are fortunate in being able to offer a modern, spacious and well cared for pleasant environment in which the children can work and play.

We have five class bases, each with its own indoor toilet and cloakroom facilities. In addition, three classes share an area which is used for Art, Craft, Technology or general group work. There is a large, well-stocked library, a computer area, hall with music area and an administration area.

Outside, there are lawns and gardens, a large playing field with adventure playground and a hard- surfaced playing space. In addition we have a developing nature area including a pond and lawns which attract a variety of wildlife. We are presently in the process of re-developing this area to include a scientific area, sensory garden and hard-surfaced play area for quiet activities.

The Curriculum

The Curriculum is based on the National Curriculum

All children study the National Curriculum subjects which are: English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Technology, Information Technology, Music, Art and P.E., Religious Education and Personal, Social and Health Education are also taught. Much of this work is developed through cross-curricular themes, which are organised on a two year cycle. The Curriculum is designed to help children become literate and numerate and to develop skills and knowledge in each of the curriculum areas, to become independent and organised in their learning. To do this we employ teaching and learning techniques which by using enquiry and challenge, encourage the children to develop appetites to learn. By having high expectations we encourage the children to produce work of quality and to develop a sense of pride and care in the work they do. The Curriculum work is enhanced by visits to places of interest and by visiting speakers and experts.

Totem Pole sculpture by Year 5 children working with artist in residence

The School Community

The links between home and school are greatly valued.We believe the education of the child is a joint concern, which can best be achieved by parents and teachers working together. Parents are invited into the school at both the beginning and end of the day so that there is opportunity to talk to the staff and also for the children to share their work.

More formal parent-teacher meetings, at which the child's progress can be discussed in greater detail, are held on a regular basis. These more formal sessions provide an additional opportunity for parents and teachers to ensure the continued progress of the child. We also provide many informal opportunities for parents and members of our village community to visit the school. We enjoy and encourage the assistance of parents and other members of our village community in the school with reading, craft, cookery etc.

Governors

Fernhurst Primary School has an active and supportive governing body and there is an opportunity to meet them at the annual Parent and Governors' meeting, which is held each Autumn term to report on the previous academic year and to which all parents are formally invited.

PTA

Fernhurst School has an enthusiastic and very successful PTA., now known as Friends of Fernhurst School. It serves to enable parents to understand the aims of the school and to organise social, educational and fund raising events. It welcomes support from all parents, relatives and friends of the children.

Willow dome before growth

Willow dome spring 2000

School Community

The school community consists of a team of people who are active in the day-to-day running of the school. Working alongside the teaching staff are Learning Assistants, Clerical Staff, Midday Meals Supervisors, Cleaning Staff and a Caretaker who all play a valuable part in our school.

Homework

All the children are expected to do a small amount of homework each day. For the youngest children this may well involve reading and finding objects for their topic work. The older children will be involved in English and Maths activities as well as carrying out research for their topic work. The school's homework policy is given to all parents when children start school.

Behaviour

The school has a code of behaviour which is based on respect for other people and for the environment in which we all work and play. The behaviour policy is given to all parents when children start school.

The Outdoor Classroom for the Millennium Project

We are at present developing and improving the school site to provide a wider range of educational and play experiences for the children. We have almost completed the first phase which is an extension to the playground to provide a quiet, shady area. We are now hoping to improve the play area for the youngest children and to plant a sensory garden.

As part of this work we are also going to develop a sculpture trail and we have been fortunate to receive a Grant from the Millennium Festival Awards For All Programme to help us do this.

F.A.C.E.

F.A.C.E. (Fernhurst Action Campaign for Education) was established some years ago to maintain the pupil-teacher ratio. It now funds a teacher for five hours a week to work with children with special needs. It is funded partly by the Parish Council, the Friends of Fernhurst School and a 100 Club.

Oscar's Club

The school is in a fortunate position to be able to offer Before and After School care. This takes place in purpose built accommodation. The club operates from 7.45 am.-8.45 am. in the morning, and from 3.30 pm.-6.00 pm. in the evening and from 9.00am.-4.00pm. during holiday times. The children are involved in recreational play activities with Oscar's Club staff. The Club is open to children aged 4 - 12 years and is also open to children who do not attend the school.