Our aims are to:-

• provide a broad and balanced curriculum which inspires and motivates individuals to achieve their full potential.
• provide opportunities for physical, emotional, moral and social development to enhance the health and well being of each individual.
• foster self esteem and respect the needs and values of self and others.
• create a caring, welcoming and purposeful environment.
• nurture a sense of pride and belonging to the school "family" and its community.
• agree and develop standards of behaviour.
• recognise and support the needs of those who work with our children.
• treat all members of the school community with a sense of equality regardless of race, gender, ability or age.

School ethos and values
We aim to provide a caring and orderly environment where each person is valued. Good manners, mutual respect and the understanding that we are a team of pupils, staff, parents and governors all working co-operatively is paramount to life at Austin Farm.

The school encourages positive behaviour by creating classroom rules designed by the children and their teacher. Pupils have the opportunity to learn and develop personal effectiveness skills and the knowledge required to facilitate their pathway through life. Assemblies and gatherings plus reward systems encourage and allow for the celebration of achievement (see Behaviour Policy).

We all thrive on praise and a longing to achieve. Austin Farm Primary School holds this value dear to its heart but if rules and expected standards of conduct are broken then progressive sanctions are enforced. For more serious matters children will see the Headteacher and parents will be informed where necessary. Ultimately for extreme discipline problems a child may be suspended or excluded; this is uncommon. Please note the enclosed Behaviour Policy which has been adopted by the Governing Body.

The delivery of the National Curriculum is planned so that children receive a balanced and relevant programme which matches their needs. Children will receive an hour of Literacy and an hour of Numeracy each day in line with National guidelines. Furthermore, we have a recently installed computer network which enables the teaching of IT skills and supports the delivery of the curriculum areas such as science, technology, art, literacy and numeracy. We also strongly believe in maintaining a broad and balanced curriculum and the provision of subjects such as music, art and physical education is seen as crucial to a child’s all round development. We are involved in the Investors in Careers project and we encourage children to consider the world of work. To do this we believe that all children at the school are entitled to the following:-

• The opportinity to learn and develop personal effectiveness skills and the knowledge required to facilitate their pathway through life;
• To receive support to manage change effectively;
• To be treated in a professional way by staff who have the necessary skills;
• To be supported in all aspects of school life;
• Access to information about options for secondary school placements.

Pupils from various age groups have the opportunity to participate in a range of extra curricular activities. These may occur during the lunch break or after school and may involve matches with other schools.

Current activities include football, rugby, cross country, art, hockey, recorders and athletics. There is also a reading club.

As part of the council's community education programme ther is an Activities Club which meets on a Tuesday evening between 6.30 pm and 8.00 pm. KS2 children are welcome. Contact the group leader for details.

The school also has a breakfast club where children can enjoy a good breakfast from 8.15 a.m. Please contact the school for further details.