Welcome to Burlescombe Primary School

Burlescombe School is a Church of England Voluntary Controlled school, situated approximately 10 miles from Tiverton and 5 miles from Wellington, beside the Grand Western Canal in a rural setting. The school serves the villages of Burlescombe and Westleigh and the surrounding area, however we do have pupils from both Tiverton and Wellington whose parents have chosen this school. The school occupies the original Victorian school building, opened over 140 years ago. In recent years, the accommodation has been extended by inclusion of the adjoining schoolhouse, an additional classroom, kitchen and hutted classroom. We have extensive grounds, with playground and grassed areas with mature trees. The area originally occupied by the swimming pool has now been developed into a garden/environmental area for the children complete with a summerhouse. The Valley Nursery is accommodated in the hutted classroom; the Mothers and Toddlers group also use this classroom. The school is currently organised into three classes, Acorns, Squirrels and Oaks. Children are admitted into Acorns class in September or January, depending on their date of birth. A significant number of children attend the nursery before entry to school. We operate an induction programme for pre-school pupils; they receive a home visit and have the opportunity to have weekly visits to Acorns class in the term preceding their entry to school. At the age of 11, most of the pupils go on to Uffculme School.

Primary education is a crucial time in the development of a child. Our philosophy is that we will provide a stimulating environment that will encompass values, hopes and ideals. The children will be provided with opportunities to foster tolerance, respect and motivation, while being encouraged to develop to their full potential. We will ensure that the children feel both emotionally and physically secure. As a Church of England School we aim to support a Christian ethos by creating a sense of family. We have an open door policy and actively encourage parental involvement. We also aim to serve the community, encourage an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and promote Christian values through experiences we offer to all the pupils. A great emphasis is placed upon encouraging children to become independent thinkers and learners. We place great importance on the development of children's self-esteem and confidence. It is important that children acquire skills and knowledge to form a firm foundation for their future. At Burlescombe School we provide the framework for all of the above through quality teaching and high expectations of everyone involved in the school.

Young children at Burlescombe School are offered a wide range of different experiences. They are provided with a well-planned and resourced curriculum designed to take their learning forward and to provide opportunities for all children to succeed within a secure and caring atmosphere. Our Early Years learning environment is bright and colourful. Children learn a great deal from their immediate environment and we place a great deal of emphasis on making the learning environment attractive and interesting.

We have an experienced Early Years staff and this enables us to provide all Reception pupils with a very good foundation to their future education. We recognise that large groups are not appropriate for these children and so our Reception pupils work in small groups. Our Foundation Stage Curriculum promotes the six areas of learning that are crucial for the development of young children.

• Personal, social and emotional well being.
• Language and Literacy Skills
• Mathematical Development
• Creative Development
• Knowledge and Understanding of the world.
• Physical Development