KIND-HEARTED pupils from a Derbyshire school have been helping their community by gathering goods for a Harvest feast.
Youngsters from Horsley Woodhouse Primary School welcomed Salcare as they hosted an assembly for the visitors and presented them with food hampers and donations as part of an annual event. The donations will now be available to those who visit the “one-stop shop” charity, which is based in Heanor.
Headteacher Parmjit Atwal said: “Our school is in the heart of the community and even though we already have close links with them – the church is next door to the school and so we are planning to host Christmas events there – we feel that more can still be done.
“It was a privilege to welcome Salcare into school today, and to hear more about the fantastic work they do in Amber Valley and Erewash.”
The school – which has 100 pupils on roll – is more than 100 years’ old, and sits in the heart of the Derbyshire village. Part of the Embark Federation of schools – which also oversees Aldercar High School, Heath Primary School and Chaucer Infant School – Horsley Woodhouse is celebrating a year of growth and achievement that includes a ‘good’ report from Ofsted inspectors.
Children are encouraged and supported to achieve and develop and, particularly in mathematics, the school is excelling.
“This was a point recognised by Ofsted inspectors,” said Mrs Atwal, “we have a 92% attainment in maths and were praised for school leaders making sure that pupils’ mathematical understanding builds in small steps, right from Reception age.
“We want our pupils to be confident and competent mathematicians.”
There is much praise, too, for the variety of clubs available to the children – from jazz with local musicians from Hot House Music, to karate, gymnastics and gardening club.
Horsley Woodhouse Primary, being in the heart of the county, has views over Amber Valley from its playground and boasts an extensive Forest School area complete with a wooden shelter for when it rains and hut.
And it’s not only the youngsters who enjoy being outdoors.
“The Forest School area is hugely popular with members of staff, too,” added Mrs Atwal.
“We’re very conscious of a healthy work/life balance here at Horsley Woodhouse and staff are encouraged to get outdoors and take in the stunning views.”
Because Horsley Woodhouse is a small school, older pupils are encouraged to ‘buddy up’ with the younger ones. One of the most popular ways that this is done is via a befriending scheme at the start of the academic year.
It can, though, cause quite a few tears come the end of the academic year.
“Starting school is a big deal and as well as our Year 6 pupils being a friend for the new starters, it can help the older ones to develop a sense of responsibility and achievement,” added Mrs Atwal.
“We did have quite a moment earlier this year, though, when the Reception pupils sang a special song and made ‘thank you’ cards for those who were leaving to go to secondary school. A few happy tears were shed that day!”
Mrs Atwal says that she is proud of how inclusive her school is, with the Ofsted report stating that most parents of pupils with special educational needs were very positive about the support their children receive. The introduction of an early reading programme that meets the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND helps to deliver effective reading and the brand-new library – formerly a condemned kitchen – helps pupils to develop into accurate and confident readers.
The school values opportunities to learn about various cultures and religions, with the most recent topic being the study of Islam – a session being led by Derby Open Centre.
“We live in a wonderfully diverse world, and we want that to be reflected in what we teach. For a small, village school, preparing pupils for life in Modern Britain is important,” added Mrs Atwal.
“We have beautiful wall displays that share British Values, too, which have been created by a member of staff and which take pride of place in the school hall.
“We want our school environment to inspire our children to learn to the best of their potential and to be proud of their achievements.”
Applications open in November for those parents whose children are due to start school in September 2024 and Horsley Woodhouse Primary School is hosting an open evening for prospective parents on October 19. For further details, visit the school website or contact the office on 01332 880403.
Spaces are available in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 for this academic year – please call the school to enquire.
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