Education
South Devon primary celebrates 2nd birthday with two major presents
Posted on: 6 February 2012
Pupils and staff at Dartington Primary and Nursery are celebrating the second birthday of the new school building on Friday with two welcome accolades.
The school moved to its new £7 million home in February 2010 and will be celebrating on Friday (February 10) with a number of activities organised by the pupils in their Forest Family groups.
Meanwhile the Chairman of Devon County Council, Jeremy Yabsley, will be visiting to present the school with official recognition for the work of its Early Years Foundation Unit.
Devon County Council is presenting the official badge after a thorough review of the quality of the work of the EYFS, which brings nursery and reception children together to provide high-quality, effective provision for pupils aged between three and five.
In addition, a separate report by the Diocese of Exeter into the Church of England school has rated it as outstanding at meeting the needs of all learners.
Diocesan inspector Wendy Simmons visited Dartington last month and her report praises the leadership of headteacher Jill Mahon.
“The visionary headteacher has identified a clear strategy for the continuing development of the school,” says Ms Simmons.
“Children are proud of their school and speak highly of the good range of activities they enjoy.”
She says the key strengths of the school are:
• The inclusive Christian care for everyone in the school and the community
• The positive relationships within the school, the church, and wider local community
• The outstanding school environment and its opportunities for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
The Diocesan report comes on top of an Ofsted report last year which concluded: “Attainment is rising because pupils’ learning and progress are improving securely and quickly.
“The head is ambitious for the school and has ensured staff, pupils and parents support her drive for raised achievement.”
The badging and birthday celebrations will start at 1.30pm on Friday as visitors, parents and governors inspect the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The children will perform a song, ‘The Seed’, which represents both a love of nature as well as the potential they all have to grow.
The actual EYFS award will then be presented in the school hall and then parents will be invited to join their children in the Foundation Stage to see the children sing and enjoy a tea party.
The Rev Debbie Parsons, who is the school’s new link with the Totnes Ministry, will be attending and will visit each of the Forest Family groups to introduce herself.
The family groups each have pupils from every year group in the school. They have worked together to plan their special party and have each made a leaf with a welcome message for Rev Parsons which they will present to her.
Headteacher Jill Mahon said: “We are delighted to be celebrating our second birthday in our stunning new building and learning environment.
“We are especially proud to have received two such excellent pieces of news as we celebrate our second birthday.”
