Welcome
Dear Parent; I am pleased that you are considering Yapton as a possible choice for your child’s education. I hope this Prospectus will give you some insight into the learning experiences which we provide for our children. I hope the photographs of the children will show you what a happy school we have. We are fortunate to have a very strong Governing Body who are committed to promoting Christian values. We have a highly skilled team of teachers, teaching assistants and office staff whose chief aim is to provide a safe, caring, happy environment for the children, where every child feels valued and can achieve success. Please feel welcome to visit our lovely friendly school and see our wonderful children for yourselves. Do not hesitate to telephone us with any questions you may have. I look forward to meeting you and your child in the near future. Best wishes
Mrs Mary Ramacciotti - Headteacher David Wells - Chair of Governors
“Senior staff and governors have high expectations for the school and a real commitment to ensuring continual improvement. The headteacher’s very positive leadership and vision have been instrumental in creating an ambitious staff team, united in driving school improvement.” Ofsted Report 2010 “The headteacher, management team and governors share a vision for the school, which is apparent through all aspects of its life. “ 2010 Diocese Inspection Report
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
Introduction
Introduction The school was founded in 1864. A new extension block was built in 1985 and other areas have been extensively modified. There are 9 classrooms in the main building, a library, hall, ICT suite, cloakrooms, toilets, staffroom and admin offices. The building improvement programme continues and we have replaced all the old toilets with lovely new ones. There is a very exciting programme going on to improve and develop the outside environment. This includes outdoor learning areas for the younger children and recreational areas for all pupils. We have two playgrounds, a playing field, and several gardens which the children take great delight in tending. We are in the process of building a beautiful new kitchen/dining facility which will enable us to provide hot lunches and a breakfast club.
“Pupils really enjoy school and their overall achievement is good. Lessons show that pupils continue to develop good learning habits and attitudes as they move through the school from Key Stage 1 to 2 and this helps them to make good progress.” Ofsted Report 2010
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
Parental Involvement
Parental Involvement
Parents are also encouraged to take an active involvement in FOYS (Friends of Yapton School). This is a fundraising group of parents/carers who do magnificent work for the school through organising many wonderful events throughout the year. They are ALWAYS looking for volunteers! We run family learning courses for parents/carers and grandparents. These include: Literacy, Numeracy, First Aid, Art, Music and ICT. These courses have been so popular with parents that we are extending the subjects on offer.
Pastoral Care The Headteacher has overall responsibility for the pastoral care of all the children and is ably supported by the commitment of the staff. The children’s happiness and safety are our prime concerns. The playgrounds are well supervised during break and lunch times. All classroom assistants and the Senior midday supervisor are qualified first aiders. We work together to ensure a safe, secure and supportive environment. In the case of an accident, a note is sent home detailing any first aid administered. If a child is injured and/or too unwell to continue at school, we contact their parents or carers. All staff are available if children want to sit quietly and talk through problems. There is a small quiet room where a member of the Senior Management Team is available each lunchtime to listen and support any children who wish to take ‘time out’ or talk through any problems they have. The school employs a full-time Learning Mentor whose role is to counsel and support children who may have emotional barriers to their learning.
“The vast majority of parents or carers were overwhelmingly positive about the school and its impact on their child’s learning and wellbeing. One typical example is ‘The school has done a marvellous job ... and our children are so happy.” Ofsted Report 2010 “The school works very closely with parents and carers, who are strongly engaged with their children’s learning and in the life of the school.” Ofsted Report 2010
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
Homework
Homework The school has a Homework policy and parents are asked to encourage their children to complete homework tasks. Details of homework are given at the parents’ year group meetings in September. The aim of Homework is to support the children to become independent learners and to keep the parents in touch with what they are learning in school.
Extended Schools Yapton is a member of the Villages Locality Group. This consists of the primary schools from the six villages of Yapton, Walberton, Barnham, Eastergate, Slindon and Aldingbourne. The Group also includes the two local secondary schools, Westergate Community School and St Phillip Howard Catholic Secondary School. We work very closely as a group, sharing resources and expertise. The staff and governors regularly have joint training events. “Pupils have an excellent understanding of how to stay safe, fit and healthy and make an exceptional contribution to both their school and wider community.” Ofsted Report 2010
“Pupils’ good behaviour and excellent relationships promote very positive attitudes to learning throughout the whole school community.” Ofsted Report 2010
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
The Curriculum
The Curriculum As parents and carers you play a vital role in the future education of your children. We aim to ensure that you understand what your children will learn in school in terms of knowledge and skills. We offer your children a dynamic curriculum that acknowledges the changing world. It is essential that children enjoy their learning, make good progress and achieve well. We also want to give them the confidence they need to live a safe, healthy, happy and fulfilling life and to make a positive contribution to society. Our curriculum develops the essential skills for learning and life. We shall teach your children the basic skills of Reading, Writing and Mathematics as well as learning and thinking skills, personal, social and emotional skills. We take a holistic approach to education which considers the needs of the whole child. In the changing world, we believe that ICT is an essential skill and through our creative curriculum, you children will be prepared to take their place in the complex modern world. Topic work forms a large part of our curriculum. This supports the children in understanding the real life context of their work in all areas of their life. Throughout their learning journey at Yapton, the children are actively involved in planning their learning and understanding their next steps. We are very fortunate to have highly trained teaching assistants to support your children in every class on a full time basis. Both teachers and teaching assistants use a wide range of resources and strategies to expand your child’s understanding of the new concepts being taught. “Senior staff and curriculum leaders have a clear drive and ambition to improve attainment and progress further.” Ofsted Report 2010
“The strong teamwork between teachers and teaching assistants ensures needs are met well and the provision for children’s welfare is exemplary. As a result, children make good and sometimes outstanding progress in their personal, social and emotional development.” Ofsted Report 2010
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
The Curriculum
“Good leadership and management and a very strong partnership with parents ensure that individual children’s needs are quickly identified and appropriate support provided to help children achieve their potential.” Ofsted Report 2010
Foundation Stage The Foundation Stage is the second phase of the curriculum which the children follow in their pre-school settings. It provides continuity in their development and ensures a seamless transition into school from their pre-school setting. We recognise play as the natural vehicle for children’s learning and the importance of both outdoor and indoor learning environments. The Foundation Curriculum is developmental, placing equal emphasis on Personal, Social, Emotional Development, Communication, Language and Literacy Development, Mathematical Development, Knowledge and Understanding of the World, Physical Development and Creative Development. The Foundation Stage prepares children for learning in Key Stage 1 and is consistent with the National Curriculum.
Key Stage 1 Key Stage 1 starts at the end of the Reception year and continues during Year 1 and Year 2. We follow the same principles of the Foundation Stage i.e. play based learning and whole child development.
Key Stage 2 Year 3 consolidates the work of Key Stage 1 and further develops the children in their first year of the Junior phase. It continues to Year 6. We build on the good foundation already established in order to further challenge the children in their learning as they grow and mature.
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
“Because of the welcoming and purposeful learning environment provided, children are happy and confident learners. A constant buzz of excitement generated as children explored and learned effectively through a good range of learning activities provided in Play Zones both indoors and outside.” Ofsted Report 2010
The Curriculum
Approaches to Curriculum Organisation In Yapton School we are committed to a High/Scope approach. This enables the children to develop as confident, independent learners. It empowers them to take some responsibility for, and control over their learning. It gives them opportunities to make choices and take decisions, stimulating their curiosity to explore ideas and create new knowledge. It is an approach which values the fun factor in learning and which gives the children many opportunities to think creatively. We recognise that children have different ways of learning and we adapt our methods and methodology to utilise children’s preferred learning styles. In this way we include every child and ensure that there are no barriers to full participation in the life and culture of the school. For many young children learning is a social activity and the High/Scope approach gives the children opportunities to interact collaboratively with each other as they engage in these experiences. These principles underpin the whole curriculum.
Admissions Policy and Arrangements In common with our other local primary schools, all children may be admitted at the beginning of the school year in which they will be five years of age. For children with birthdays between 1st September and 31st December, this will be on a full time basis for the complete year. The younger children whose birthdays fall between 1st January and 31st August, will attend mornings only for the first term and full time from the beginning of the spring term in January. Parents wishing their children to join our school must contact: Pupil Admission Office South, Tel: 01903 270290 WSCC Contact Centre, 0845 0751007 The offices are open Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00pm including school holidays
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
“Well-established routines help children to feel really secure and cared for. As a result of good provision they settle quickly and happily into the day-to-day routines of school life.” Ofsted Report 2010
Class Organisation
Organisation of Classes Key Stage 1 and Early Years children are taught in two spacious learning units. Both units have been redecorated and organised to provide a bright, stimulating learning environment for the children. Our environment is very child focussed to enable children to develop as confident, independent, happy learners. There are also outdoor classrooms to further enrich their learning experiences. Key Stage 2 children are taught in cellular classrooms. All classrooms have been redecorated and are arranged to provide the flexibility which the children need in order to access the full range of the Curriculum. We also have a two-classroom mobile unit on site which we rent to Yapton PreSchool. This strengthens the links between School and Pre-School, ensuring a smooth transition for those children who join us from there.
“The good curriculum is enriched by an excellent range of activities and specialist teaching in French and music. Strengths of the curriculum, particularly in the arts curriculum, are reflected in the school’s high quality music and drama performances.” Ofsted Report 2010 “Teaching is good and sometimes outstanding. Because of the strengths in teaching, enhanced through a good curriculum and organisation, by the time children enter Year 1, most children meet and some exceed the expected levels for their age on entry to Year 1. “ Ofsted Report 2010
“Parents are very supportive of the school and express their appreciation of the openness of staff and their willingness to discuss all aspects of their child’s education. One parent said,’ We are always made to feel welcome,’ while another said, ‘I have never seen a child come into this school unwillingly’.” 2010 Diocese Inspection Report
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
Inclusive Education
Inclusion and Special Educational Needs We are totally committed to providing an inclusive education by identifying needs as early as possible and working closely with the children’s families to ensure the appropriate support is provided. The school’s SEN policy sets out how we make provision for children to have access to all areas of the curriculum and how we support their learning in areas where they may be experiencing difficulty. The school follows the guidelines set out in the Government’s Special Needs Code of Practice. There is a staged response starting with the area of concern being investigated. The child’s progress is closely monitored. If appropriate progress is not being made, the child is then placed on School Action and the needs are set out in an Individual Education Plan (IEP) with details of additional support given. If further assessment is required the child then moves to School Action Plus and receives additional support in or out of class. In some cases a child may need the involvement of an external agency which may lead to their being referred for a statutory assessment and may require the support of a Statement of Educational Needs. The school has excellent working partnerships with the Local Authority and with a wide range of outside agencies who work in collaboration with staff to provide advice and support. The Special Educational Needs Team is managed by the SENco (Special Needs Coordinator) and consists of two part time specialist teachers, four Learning Support Assistants and a Learning Mentor. “Intensive personalised support ensures that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities make equally good and sometimes outstanding progress. Overall good achievement and pupils’ very positive attitudes to learning all help to ensure that they are well prepared for their secondary education and later life.” Ofsted Report 2010
“Pupils’ good spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is seen in their friendships and sensitive support for each other. Behaviour is good and sometimes outstanding throughout the school, characterised by general helpfulness, courtesy and good manners.” Ofsted Report 2010 “Pastoral care is extremely strong. Exemplary induction and transition arrangements to and from the school ensure individual needs are addressed. Reception parents particularly appreciate the opportunities to ‘stay and play’ with their children, further strengthening the excellent home−school partnership.” Ofsted Report 2010 “Support staff and the school’s learning mentor provide welltailored support for pupils with very specific needs which all help pupils to make equally good and sometimes outstanding progress in their learning.” Ofsted Report 2010
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
Procedures
Safeguarding, Security and Health & Safety We take the safeguarding of children very seriously and do all we can to ensure their safety and to make sure that they feel safe. All adults who work with the children are CRB checked. We keep our school as safe and secure as possible for everyone. All visitors are asked to report to the school office and sign the visitors’ book. They then wear a badge, which is returned to the office when they sign out on leaving. In this way, they are identifiable to the children and staff as welcome visitors. Parents taking children out of school during the day are asked to sign them out too. All external doors are security locked and may only be opened from the inside. The perimeter of the school is kept as secure as is possible. In the interests of Health & Safety, the school and its grounds are smoking-free zones. To further ensure the children’s safety, dogs may not be brought on to the school site.
Complaints Procedure We actively encourage parents to come in and discuss any issues which may arise with the Headteacher. We want to be able to resolve them swiftly and to everyone’s satisfaction. However, if a matter is not resolved at this stage, then the school has an established complaints procedure, details of which can be obtained from the school office.
Charging Policy The school policy on charging is in line with that of West Sussex Education Authority. The basic principle, which the school operates, is that all education provided within school time should be free of charge. However, parents are asked to make a voluntary contribution towards outside visits and some visitors and workshops. Anyone experiencing financial difficulties should contact the Headteacher. Requests are dealt with in total confidence. “Pupils have an excellent understanding of healthy lifestyles.” Ofsted Report 2010
“The whole school atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, calm and orderly. The children are extremely courteous and friendly, displaying constant enthusiasm for their learning, affection and respect for all members of staff, and pleasure in welcoming visitors.” 2010 Diocese Inspection Report “The high quality provision in teaching about spirituality in worship, RE lessons and working with others are outstanding.” Ofsted Report 2010
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
Medical Needs
Medical Needs We have a team of First Aiders and Paediatric First Aiders, managed by a Medical Manager. We have a well equipped medical room which is staffed during every break time. Parents may seek permission for medicines to be administered to their children in school in accordance with the school policy. All medicines must be clearly marked with the child’s name. A form, obtained from the office listing the medicine and dosage, has to be signed giving parental consent for staff to administer medicines. Special arrangements are made for children who need medication for asthma, diabetes, nut allergy etc. We update our First Aid training , Epi Pen and Diabetes training on a regular basis. Our aim is to support both you and your children while they are at school.
Sex Education Children’s questions are always dealt with sensitively. Science lessons on Life Processes lay the groundwork for more explicit sex education in Year 6. The Year 6 pupils look more closely at reproduction and birth, the family and caring relationships. Parents are invited to view the resources before the lessons take place.
“Procedures for dealing with pupils’ medical needs are very thorough, and systems for safeguarding pupils are robust and well managed.” Ofsted Report
“Pupils say that bullying is rare because, as one said, ‘...we don’t have an annual anti-bullying week because every week is anti-bullying week’. Pupils say they feel extremely safe in school and know that teachers will help and support them with any worries they may have.” Ofsted Report 2010
“The Christian ethos in the school is very strong and permeates every aspect of the school’s life. This is the result of a total commitment by all staff to the development of each and every child within the school community.” 2010 Diocese Inspection Report
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
Religious Ethos
Assemblies In keeping with statutory requirements, we provide an act of worship every day which is broadly Christian in character. The children are taught Christian values and become familiar with the teachings in the Bible. There is a weekly hymn practice when the children are encouraged to enjoy sung worship. We are ably supported by regular visits from the clergy in our local churches. All the main Christian festivals are celebrated in St Mary’s Church.
Religious Education (R.E.) The children are taught about the main religions in the world –Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism – together with their religious festivals, customs and ways of worship. This is to encourage a respect for diversity and to strengthen understanding with members of other communities and cultures. Parents wishing to withdraw their child from RE or collective worship can do so by contacting the Headteacher.
Ethos The Governors and Staff promote a very strong Christian ethos. This has been recognised by the Diocese as one of the core strengths of the School and we have received The Bishop’s Award for Excellence. Christian values have a very positive impact on the curriculum as well as on the whole life of the school. There is a strong work ethic that underpins a culture of learning, responsibility, respect and care.
“Links with the local church community are very strong and are of mutual benefit to the school, the church and the community. Parents talk in glowing terms of the school’s Christian status. One parent commented, ‘The fact that Yapton is a church school makes it so special’.” 2010 Diocese Inspection Report “In discussion, pupils constantly express the view that they feel happy, safe and secure.” 2010 Diocese Inspection Report
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
Behaviour
Behaviour Discipline and The School has a calm controlled atmosphere where self-discipline is encouraged. We foster a caring culture based on mutual respect, co-operation and support. We find that early intervention prevents issues from becoming problems, and we take a proactive approach to behaviour management, believing that prevention is better than cure! Inappropriate behaviours are dealt with promptly and firmly. There are good support systems in place to encourage positive attitudes in all pupils. Bullying is not tolerated in Yapton School and the school has an Anti-Bullying Policy which is rigorously applied. Anti-Bullying posters are displayed prominently throughout the school to reassure the children that we treat this very seriously and to encourage them to have the confidence to tell us if they feel uncomfortable or threatened. The children are encouraged to have a high expectation of themselves. Where respect and kindness are fostered, we feel there is no need for rules. Instead, we have a “code of conduct” which is understood by everyone. This is called “Ways We Can Make Yapton School Even Better” and is on display in every classroom and around the school. The children have a “circle time” every week in class. This is their opportunity to raise issues and air views. Class councillors then bring their issues to School Council meetings. In this way, the pupils’ voice is heard and does influence how the school is run. Here is what the children have decided they want their school to be:
“The spirit of teamwork and strong leadership throughout the school provide a stimulating and challenging environment.” 2010 Diocese Inspection Report
“Teachers make lessons stimulating and motivating, often using information and communication technology well to support this.” Ofsted Report 2010 “The outstanding Christian ethos contributes significantly to the children flourishing in their learning.” 2010 Diocese Inspection Report
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
Behaviour
Ways we can make Yapton School ever better •
We always try to be polite and respect each other.
•
We always walk sensibly and quietly around school.
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Learning is very important to us, so we make sure our classrooms are places where no one is distracted from their work.
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We work quietly and co-operatively.
•
We try to be friends with everyone.
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If there are problems we stop and think before we act.
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We are proud of our school and we keep it clean and tidy.
Merit Awards An important element of our behaviour policy is reinforcing what is positive. We operate a house system to encourage both team and individual achievements. The children join one of four houses - St Andrew’s, St David’s, St George’s or St Patrick’s. Positive behaviours and achievements are rewarded with merits for the House to which each child belongs.
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
“Younger pupils readily approach older playground friends, for example, asking for help to peel fruit or sort out their games.” Ofsted Report
Church/School Links
Church/School Links Yapton School is a Church of England Voluntary Controlled school. This means that there are important links between the school and the Church. The Christian Foundation of the school is important. We place a special value on our corporate worship, Religious Education and developing the Christian ethos of the school. Recognising our Church Foundation, the school preserves and develops its religious character in accordance with the Church at both parish and diocesan levels. The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian beliefs and practice. The school promotes Christian values through the experiences it offers to all pupils. The Governing Body of the school includes four Foundation governors because we are a Church controlled school and the Foundation governors represent the Anglican Church. “Yapton’s purpose statement, which states that the school’s aim of providing ‘a stimulating and happy school, with a Christian ethos’ is well met. The pupils are happy and fully engaged in their work at all levels, within an attractive and caring environment. All children develop a love and enthusiasm for their learning, feeling both included and valued.” 2010 Diocese Inspection Report
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
School Uniform
School Uniform Girls: Boys: • • •
Winter-grey skirt, black/grey trousers, school sweatshirt, white polo shirt. Summer- green & white check dress, school cardigan. Winter – grey/black trousers, school sweatshirt, white polo shirt. Summer – grey/black trousers, white polo shirt.
All school uniform can be purchased from RICARA at 3 Arundel Road, Littlehampton. All items of clothing must be clearly named. Sun hats and book bags can be bought at the school office.
P.E. Clothing It is necessary to have a change of clothing for P.E. lessons. • • • •
White T-shirt, navy shorts, plimsolls. A small bag is required to store P.E. kit which should be brought into school on Monday and taken home for laundering on Friday. For safety reasons, jewellery must not be worn during P.E. lessons. In the colder months, the children should wear long track trousers for outdoor games.
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
Field Trips
Field Trips The school curriculum is well supported by regular educational outings to provide the broadest possible education. These include a residential experience for Year 6 pupils, visits to museums, art galleries and places of historical interest, using the local environment to study coastal erosion and river studies. We also arrange for experts to talk to and work with the children in school. These include artists, actors, dancers, historians, public service workers and archaeologists.
International Links The School offers lessons in French and has developed a partnership link with a school in France as part of bilingual schools projects. Our School also sponsors the education of a child in Nepal. These links provide a direct insight into the life and culture of those communities and are incorporated into many areas of the curriculum, extending the children’s cultural awareness through first hand exchange of authentic information and communication. The School also provides opportunities for teachers from other countries to gain experience in an English educational setting, which enriches the children’s global outlook. We regularly host teachers from the USA and Japan, the Netherlands and other European countries. The school has achieved full International Schools Status.
Charity Fund Raising The school supports a number of childrens’ charities including ‘Children in Need.’ Each year on ‘Children in Need Day’, the School devotes the whole day to sponsored PE activities linked to our Fitness and Healthy Living programme. The children regularly organise their own events to support charitable causes. Recently, this has included supporting relief for Haiti, Mission Nutrition and Fresh Water projects. The children are also very generous in donating to a local children’s hospice.
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
“The wide range of activities as an ‘international school’, for example, having visiting teachers from other countries for extended periods of time, makes a valuable contribution to pupils’ good cultural awareness.” Ofsted Report
Activities
Extra Curricular Activities The school offers a wide range of after school activities. These include: • • • • • • • • •
Dance (modern and maypole dancing) Choir Football Netball Cricket Gymnastics Karate Art club ICT club
Peripatetic Music teachers provide lessons in brass, woodwind, strings and drums.
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
Sporting aims
Sporting Aims and Provision This is linked to Health and Fitness. The children learn to be aware of their own bodies and understand the need for warming up and stretching. Sport plays a very important role in the life of our school. All children are given the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of competitive and non-competitive sporting activities, both within the curriculum and through extra curricular activities. As well as enjoying themselves and having fun, pupils are encouraged to develop individual skills, team spirit, leadership, co-operation and a sense of fair play. The netball and football teams do very well in the Inter-School League, playing matches against schools from all around the local area. During the summer months there are many other events in which the children are encouraged to participate. These include the annual dance festival and sports day. The school has a tradition of excellent maypole dancing.
“Pupils have a good understanding of how to lead a healthy lifestyle. They are very keen on physical exercise, and are enthusiastic about the many sports clubs organised by the school.� Ofsted Report
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
PSHE
Personal, Social and Health Education Citizenship (PSHE) This involves raising each child’s awareness of themselves as individuals, and clearly defining their role as a member of the wider community, and as a citizen of the world. The personal skills teach them to be confident and independent, and to accept responsibility. The social skills teach them how to relate successfully with other people. Each class elects two representatives to serve on the School Council. The councillors meet with a senior member of staff to discuss children’s issues. We place great emphasis on the children’s views and through the School Council we can ensure that the the “pupil voice” is heard.
“PSHE is not taught as a separate subject, but is an integral part of the whole life of the school. The children have ‘circle time’ in their classrooms, which give them opportunities to raise and discuss issues in order to help them to develop as mature, considerate, tolerant and caring members of the community.” Ofsted Report
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning
The Log Cabin
We have a lovely log cabin which has been custom built as a kitchen and dining room facility which seats up to 60 children at a time. Hot lunches are provided every day by Chartwells. Parents can order meals online or over the telephone. All meals must be pre-paid and payments can be made by credit or debit card. Full details and menus can be found on www.mealselector.co.uk and also information packs can be obtained from the School Office.
Yapton C. of E. Primary School An open door to learning