Education news

Maintained schools in England outperform academies and free schools in national exams taken at the end of year 6, according to figures released by the Department of Education (DfE).

This data seemingly contradicts assurances given by government for several years that conversion of schools from council-maintained to academies and the opening of free schools would drive up education standards.

The DfE reports says 66% of pupils in local authoritymaintained schools reached the government’s expected standards in both maths and reading, whilst 65% did so in academies and free schools. In sponsored academies, only 58% of pupils reached the required national standards.

Free schools also compared poorly with maintained schools, with 62% of pupils reaching the expected standards. In maths alone, 77% of free school pupils reached the expected standard, compared with 80% in maintained primaries. More info: www.gov.uk/government

A nursery for 2½-4 year olds housed in a brand new, purpose built eco-style building blends perfectly into the woodland landscape. The nursery offers high quality provision where outdoor play and adventure combines with our beautiful setting in the South Downs.

Come and visit! Book a personal tour

Ditcham Park School, Ditcham Park, Petersfield, Hampshire GU31 5RN admissions@ditchampark.com|01730 825659|ditchamdragonflies.com

First Steps

At The Portsmouth Grammar Junior School, our Early Years classrooms provide stimulating, caring and vibrant environments where children from two and a half to five years of age learn important personal, emotional and social skills such as working together, cooperation and independence. Children in our Early Years department feel happy, secure and valued and gain a wealth of learning experiences through carefully planned play opportunities, combining a mixture of adult led and child initiated learning.

Children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum which supports them in building strong foundations in mathematics, reading, writing, science, design technology, art and humanities. Transition across the key stage is seamless and children in the Pre-School become familiar with the teachers and the Reception classes through carefully planned collaboration initiatives throughout the year.

See www.pgs.org.uk for details of forthcoming open events. Ditcham Dragonflies is no ordinary nursery

Nestled within Ditcham Park School’s 16 acres is a purposebuilt nursery, Ditcham Dragonflies, staffed by a professional and caring team ready to welcome your child and nurture their inquisitive minds. Ditcham Dragonflies is no ordinary nursery. Our youngest children are fully integrated in our school family where every child is known and valued from the age of 2 ½ through to 16. Dragonflies are taught music, PE and drama by specialist teachers and use the school’s facilities. Our 16 acres of beautiful grounds provide endless opportunities for outdoor play, learning and exploring and the fresh air builds healthy appetites for a freshly cooked lunch.

We accept EYE Childcare Funding for up to 15 hours free childcare per week for all sessions and we are open 42 weeks a year.

Come and visit! 01730 825659 or admissions@ditchampark.com

Participate in British Science Week

British Science Week is a 10 day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which takes place from 6 to 15 March.

The annual festival features fascinating, entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK, designed to appeal to families with children of all ages.

Your child can also enter the annual poster competition and/or download a series of FREE easy-to-use activity packs at www.britishscienceweek.org, filled with resources and ideas to try out at home or school.