Loders School is a Voluntary Controlled Church of England Primary School for children of 4 to 11 years of age.
The school was founded in 1871. It is located 2 miles NE of Bridport in the centre of Loders village. The original building underwent major improvements in 2004, and now contains the Years 5 & 6 classroom, an ICT/Resource room, school office, head's office, staffroom, cloakroom and toilets. New buildings - a double classroom block for the younger children and a multi-purpose room with a sedum roof - transformed the school. The premises also include a playground and small playing field. We are well-equipped with information technology, audio-visual, science, music and sports apparatus, and have use of the village hall and playing field some five minutes walking distance away.
There are around 70 children on roll at present. At the end of Year 6 when they reach 11, children usually transfer to the Sir John Colfox School (secondary comprehensive) in Bridport. ADMISSIONS
Our Admissions Number for 4 year-olds is 10. The admissions policy gives priority to:
(1) Children living within the catchment area - the parishes of Loders and Askerswell.
(2) Children living outside the catchment area who have brothers or sisters at Loders School.
(3) Other children living outside the catchment area.
The admissions authority for Voluntary Controlled schools is Dorset County Council. Where the number of applicants exceeds places available, the allocation of those places is made according to the criteria set out in Dorset LEA Admissions Policy.
An initial approach concerning admission should be made to the school. All applications are handled by the School Admissions Officer, Access and Premises Team, Education Directorate, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset. Tel 01305 224645.
Children are normally admitted at the start of the Autumn Term in September. This applies to all 'rising-fives' whose 5th birthday falls between 1 September of that calendar year and 31 August of the following year. Rising-fives are admitted on a part-time basis, attending mornings only during their first term. They usually begin full-time at the start of the Spring Term and in any case become full-time not later than the start of the term following their 5th birthday.
Parents are invited to arrange a preliminary visit to the school with or without their children. We like new entrants to visit the school for a few half-days before they officially start, to get to know and enjoy their future surroundings.
SCHOOL HOURS
The school premises are open at 8.40am.
Key Stage 1 sessions are from 8.55am to 12.00pm and 1.00 to 3.15pm.
Key Stage 2 sessions are from 8.55am to 12.15pm and 1.00 to 3.15pm.
Children should be off the premises by 3.30pm unless taking part in an after-school activity or club.
Midday meals are not provided in Dorset schools and children usually bring a suitable packed lunch from home. Please ask for further details of lunch arrangements. Free school meals are available for entitled children.
SCHOOL TRANSPORT
Children living within the catchment area of the school but beyond regulation walking distance are entitled to free school transport. The distances are 2 miles by the shortest practicable route for 5 to 7 year-olds and 3 miles for older children.
Children who are not otherwise entitled may be granted concessionary seats on school buses if available. A charge is made for such places. Enquiries and applications for transport should be made to the Passenger Transport Manager, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset. |