WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL!

The school lies in the heart of the village of Cranborne on the edge of Cranborne Chase, which is famous for its beautiful countryside. The area is noted for its history, evidence of which can be found at first hand. The village, with its 12th Century Church and Tudor Manor House, is situated 10 miles north of Wimborne. The catchment area for the school includes Cranborne, Edmondsham, Woodlands, Boveridge and Crendell.

• To encourage all children to acquire a set of moral values based on Christian foundations upholding the Anglican tradition.
• To foster in staff and pupils a caring and responsible attitude developing self esteem, self-discipline and a respect for others and the world in which we live.
• To provide a broad and balanced curriculum through which each child can achieve his or her full potential.
• To encourage children to work autonomously, think independently, but also to develop the skills of working co-operatively.
• To provide equal opportunities for pupils.
• To meet any special education needs the pupils may have. including the very able and gifted, as stated in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice and the school's policy for Inclusion.
• To create an attractive learning environment and the opportunity for all pupils to achieve excellence in those areas in which they have particular ability.
• To provide a common approach to the curriculum, ensuring continuity and progression throughout the school.
• To involve the parents and the community in the life of the school, for the benefit of the pupils.

An attractive, colourful and stimulating environment is provided for pupils in the Lower School classes of Lowry (Foundation) and O'Keeffe (Year 1).

In order to ease the transition from home to the Foundation class, pupils are invited to at least three school sessions prior to starting school in September. During the first term, pupils attend for mornings only. Home visits are made and these help to develop a positive link between home and school. Parents' Workshops, led by the Foundation Stage teacher and Literacy Co-ordinator, enable parents to learn how best to support their children in their learning. After Christmas, Foundation pupils attend full-time.

In the Year 1 class, pupils are taught Literacy, Numeracy, Music, ICT and PE in the mornings. Both classes are smaller than average, with under 25 pupils, and a high level of staffing is provided. This enables intensive programmes of work for Literacy and Numeracy to be implemented. Both able and gifted pupils as well as those with delayed learning are catered for.

In the Spring and Summer terms, both classes combine on four afternoons a week for Science, RE, Art & Design, Geography, History and Role-play. Differentiated learning experiences are planned to meet the age and ability range of all pupils.

Our aims are to inculcate a love of learning, for pupils to acquire enthusiasm and confidence and to learn to care for others. These attributes will be built upon throughout their schooling. All the staff work closely together to make the very best provision for the children so as to ensure a productive and happy time at Cranborne CE VA First School.