Welcome to West Dean Primary School
All about our school
The very first thing you will learn about our school is that we are a small and friendly community. West Dean Primary is a co-educational Church of England Primary School and two of its Governors are appointed by the Diocese. The school originated in 1837 and close links with St Andrews Church have been maintained over the years.
Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the present building was built in 1897 by William James and then remodelled in 1965. The school was sold to the W.S.C.C. about 30 years ago. Further remodelling has provided two school offices and an entrance hall, improvements to the hall and ICT suite/group room, a first floor group room and most recently a much needed staffroom. Improvements have ensured that all ground floor accommodation is wheel chair accessible.
There has always been, and still is, a close link with the West Dean Estate and the Edward James Foundation. The school is fortunate to have access to the wonderful resource of the College and Gardens and to the support and expertise of the staff. The Principal of the College is a Governor of the school.
The Chairman of Governors is Mrs Rose Dannatt, who can be contacted via the school office.
In September 2007 there were 87 pupils on role between 4 and 11 years of age.
West Dean is in the area of the Local Education Authority's Southern Office.
Information may be obtained from: The Admissions Section, Education Office (South), Centenary House, Durrington Lane, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 2QB Telephone: 01903 839222
Visits to the school are always welcome, so please contact the school office to make an appointment with me
Liz Cook Headteacher
Accommodation : The school comprises three large classrooms, each with separate boys' and girls' cloakroom and toilet facilities, and a large fourth room used as an ICT suite and a first floor group room. All classrooms have wheelchair accessible external doors.
The central hall is used for whole school assemblies, indoor P.E. lessons, music lessons and as a dining room.
Outside there is a hard surfaced area used as a playground and a netball court, and a large field comprising a football pitch, all weather Imaginative Play Area, and grass play area. A ‘trim trail’ funded by the PTA is being planned by the School Council. Picnic tables provide opportunities for lessons outside. The pond area is being developed as an environmental area and outdoor classroom. With the help of West Dean Gardens an orchard and meadow area has been established. A school ‘allotment’ is maintained by Gardening Club, supported by staff and parents.
An outdoor learner pool provides swimming facilities during the Summer Term particularly for the younger children.
There is a secure outdoor play area attached to the Early Years classroom.
The West Dean Pre-School Nursery is an independent organisation accommodated on the school site, with sessions daily from 9.05am – 1.00pm. A lunch time club is available for our part-time reception children. The group regularly use the school hall and grounds, and joint staff meetings are held at least termly.
For further information/prospectus contact The Kinder Cabin on 01243 811423 or our school office
Staffing : For 2007 - 2008 the school is staffed as headteacher plus 3.5 f.t.e. teachers and 3.7 f.t.e. teaching assistants and is organised into three mixed-age classes. It is anticipated that, if numbers continue to rise, a fourth class will be established in 2008.
Lower School includes Reception and Year One, currently 28 children with 2 full-time teaching assistants
Middle School includes Year Two, Year Three and Year Four, currently 31 children with more than full-time teaching assistant support
Upper School includes Year Four, Year Five and Year Six, currently 28 children with part time teaching assistant support
The curriculum is carefully planned for each year group. Mixed-age classes provide great flexibility and allow teachers to provide appropriate learning opportunities for pupils of all abilities giving extra support or challenge where necessary. The teachers employ a range of teaching styles, groupings and techniques appropriate to the needs of the children. |