Westdene School is a co-educational primary school for children aged three plus to eleven.

The school is pleasantly situated on the northern outskirts of Brighton and is located in the central valley of Westdene, serving the local community and other surrounding areas.

Westdene is a popular school with over 460 infant and junior aged pupils on roll. The school has a fifty place nursery, with a newly developed outdoor play area, offering both morning and afternoon sessions.

First opened in the 1960's, the school building has been considerably extended to accomodate the increase in pupil numbers. The school itself enjoys an open, southerly aspect and is set in extensive grounds. There are currently 16 classrooms, two halls, library and ICT Suite, music room, drama room, two additional teaching areas to support special needs, three study rooms, medical room and office block.

We have our own kitchen and meals are cooked on the school premises. In addition to this the school has its own conservation area with pond, seperate infant and junior playgrounds and a very large playing field.

The school grounds are enclosed within an outer perimeter fence which is secured at certain times of the day. CCTV and enhanced security measures ensure that children are kept safe.

At Westdene we offer a broad and balanced curriculum. All children are given a wide range of opportunities and experiences and are encouraged to develop the desire to learn.

High standards of teaching and generous ancillary staffing ensure that children make good progress within a caring and supportive environment.

We are concerned with the development of the whole child, not only intellectually, but also physically, aesthetically, socially and emotionally. We want our children to be recognised as individuals, with their own unique insights and strengths.

Westdene offers a number of extra-curricular clubs and activities, dependent upon staff availability and time of year.

Participation in activities such as these can do so much to build children's confidence and raise self-esteem, as well as being both enjoyable and rewarding.

We would be grateful if parents could encourage their children to consider what's available, and if they would like to know more or wish to join in an activity, they must go to the named member of staff and take home a letter. This will contain a permission slip which must be completed and signed by a parent.

The children have been reminded that signing up for an activity is a commitment and if for any reason they cannot attend they must notify the member of staff concerned as a matter of courtesy.

The clubs offered in each half-term vary according to staff availability and the season!

Come back soon for details of clubs running in the spring term!

There are also other clubs offered in school run by other organisations, some of which may incur a small charge:

Focus
Wednesday 12.30 - 1.00
Open to pupils in Year 4, 5 and 6.
For further information contact Mrs Christine Blanden via the school

Zoom
Thursday 12.30 - 1.00
Open to pupils in Year 2 and 3 (mini focus club).
For further information contact Mrs Christine Blanden via the school

Le Club Français
Monday 3:15 - 4:15
Contact Mrs Ulla Pascoe 01444 410255

Buenos Dias Spanish Club
Monday 3:15 - 4:15
Contact Meritxell Franco 01273 323431

All pupils are expected to wear school uniform. We believe that it gives the school an identity and encourages the children to take pride in both their appearance and their school.

The school colours are red and navy.

Boys	Shirts, polo shirts or T-shirts in white or school colours. *Sweatshirts or track suit bottoms in grey, navy or black.
Girls	Blouses, polo shirts or T-shirts in white or school colours. *Sweatshirts, jumpers or cardigans in school colours. Dresses in school colours. Skirts, trousers or track suit bottoms in grey, navy or black.

Items marked with an * can be ordered from the school office and are printed with the school name and windmill emblem.