INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

Urchfont C of E Voluntary Controlled Primary School Cuckoo Corner, , , SN10 4RA

Tel: 01380 840793 Fax: 01380 840793 email:[email protected]

Urchfont Urchfont School is set in a beautiful rural village nestling around a duck pond, within the Pewsey Vale, on the edge of Salisbury Plain, and approximately 5 miles from the market town of Devizes.

Devizes is on the Kennet and Avon Canal at the top of a flight of 29 locks serving the highest rise of any canal in Great Britain. This small town has an attractive market square and a good range of supermarkets, local shops, restaurants, take-aways and a cinema. There is a good range of secondary schools in the area.

The historic cities/towns of Bath, Salisbury and Swindon, with their theatres, shops etc., are all within 25 miles. Bristol is one hour by car and London 2 hours (or just over 1 hour by train from Pewsey station). The channel ports of Portsmouth, Southampton and the international airports of Gatwick, Heathrow, Bristol and Birmingham are all easily accessible due to the proximity of the motorway network.

The Local Community The village has a population of approximately 1100. There are about 450 houses in the parish with some new building planned. This is a popular village with many clubs and organisations catering for a variety of tastes and interests. The Lamb Inn is a busy village pub (packed on their excellent quiz night!) there is a busy Community Shop, Post Office and thriving Parish Church. The village hall is in great demand for many kinds of activities.

The Village Pre-School is accommodated on the school site and we both benefit from our close working relationships.

Our School Our school is a vibrant and creative place where learning is fun. The whole staff place great importance in developing young people who have high self-esteem, have an understanding of how to learn effectively, are sensitive to the needs and beliefs of others, and can work well independently or as part of a team. First hand experiences and problem solving are essential ingredients of our curriculum. In our recent Key Stage 2 SATS results we achieved 82% of children at expected or better for Reading, Writing and Mathematics.

We cater for pupils aged from 4 to 11 years and currently have 100 pupils who are taught in 4 classes. Each class has additional support from our very effective Teaching Assistants.

We endeavour to provide a wide range of ex curricular activities.

The School Buildings The School is in a beautiful setting facing the expansive playing field and backing on to Urchfont Manor, a William and Mary Manor House, once owned by Pitt the Elder. The buildings comprise 4 classrooms, a large library, ICT suite, music room/group room/kitchen and newly built outside classroom.

The Staff We are a caring, supportive and committed team who work effectively together to share our strengths and ideas. This is an exciting place to work and learn.

The present teaching staff consists of 2 full time teachers and 4 part time teacher. Our support staff consists of 4 teaching assistants, an apprentice, an administrative & finance officer, administrative assistant, 4 MDSA’s and 2 cleaners.

Ofsted Our very successful Ofsted inspection in January 2018 judged us to be a good school. Please read our Ofsted report to gain an understanding of our strengths and areas to be focussed upon.

Support Our active Parent Association and Governing Body are both fully involved in the life of the school. Our parents association, USSPA, successfully raises funds to help with the cost of trips and equipment, for example USSPA contributed to the refurbishment of the ICT suite and funded the provision of the reading scheme. Christian Values are at the heart of our school and we have close and supportive links with the Church and our local community. We are part of a very supportive cluster of schools locally and share expertise and events when we can.

Governing Body Our Instrument of Government currently stands at 13:

 1 Foundation  1 Local Authority  7 Co-opted Governors  2 Parent Governors  2 Staff Governors (2 staff + Headteacher)

The Governing Body takes a proactive part in supporting the Headteacher in running the school.

Requirements of the Post

Urchfont CE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be subject to full Disclosure and Barring Service checks before appointments is confirmed. Please be advised that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The appointment is also subject to a satisfactory medical check.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. Please make arrangements through the main office by emailing [email protected] or telephoning: 01380 840793.