Welcome to Our School

Our aim is to deliver the best learning opportunities for children from four to eleven years. We provide an environment within the school and the larger community where clear expectations are set and children develop self-respect and respect for others, and where staff respond sensitively to the needs of each child. We will prepare them emotionally, spiritually and academically for transition to the secondary school best suited to each individual.

Our style of education promotes traditional and established methods, with a firm foundation of the basic skills of literacy and numeracy. We aim to provide first hand experiences and imaginative and stimulating contexts for learning.

High expectations are set to challenge the children in secure surroundings where no one area of success is deemed to be superior to another.

The whole learning process is aimed at developing children as individuals able to lead successful and satisfying lives both during and after their school days.

The school enjoys real interest and support from the local community and seeks to play a full role in the life of the village. The happy and friendly atmosphere is in the best tradition of village schools and results from the dedication and care invested in it, over many years, by parents, children, staff governors and friends.

The School

Chiddingstone School was founded in 1834 as a result of the offer of Government Education Grants, which were taken up by the local community. The original school building was opened in 1840 and the new extension in 1994. The Trust Deed set the school within the compass of the Church of England, and the school continues as a church school today, and is correctly known as 'Chiddingstone Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School'.

The school is situated in the village of Chiddingstone, much of which is protected by the National Trust, where it enjoys a quiet rural position among historic surroundings. It is located about 5 miles from Edenbridge, 8 miles from Tonbridge and East Grinstead and 10 miles from Tunbridge Wells.

Collective Worship

As a 'Controlled' Church of England school, Chiddingstone enjoys close links with the local church. The rector visits the school regularly to take acts of worship and to meet with the staff and the children. Other regular visitors include Rev. Jean Lorimer and 'The Children's Workshop' which enhance our worship.

The content of our worship is based on teaching children about the Christian faith and values as revealed in the Bible. Kindness and tolerance towards others are encouraged and healthy self-esteem, discipline and initiative are also fostered. There are opportunities to learn, sing and pray together as well as time for quiet contemplation.

The rights of parents to withdraw their children from acts of worship and religious education are respected.

The school worships every day and on Fridays in the church. Class assemblies, celebrations of the main Christian festivals and special services to mark the end of the school year all contribute to our community life.

The National Curriculum was established as part of the 1988 Education Reform Act and sets down key elements that must feature in the curriculum. The primary school covers Key Stage I (ages 5 - 7) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7 - II). Nationally an average Chiddingstone Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School achieve level 2, while an average child at the end of Key Stage 2 should achieve level 4.

Curriculum documents and policies are available on loan to parents from the school office, as are statutory instruments and schemes of work. Complaints about the Curriculum: details of the arrangements under Section 23 of the Education Reform Act 1988 for dealing with formal complaints about the curriculum or any related matter are available from the school office

The Curriculum for Children in the Reception Year

Children in the reception class currently follow the foundation stage curriculum which provides a smooth transition from pre-school settings. There are six areas of learning in the foundation stage curriculum which are generally taught together in topic-related activities, often inspired by the ideas and experiences of the children.

Where possible, children have school trips to broaden their experiences and encourage interest and enjoyment in learning.

Towards the end of the Reception Year, children begin to follow the literacy and numeracy strategies in a similar format to that taught in Year One; this is to encourage a smooth progression to Year One where the National Curriculum is taught.

At Chiddingstone School, the Reception Class integrates in the life of the school and also that of the nursery; children attend whole school collective worship twice a week, spend break and lunchtimes with the older children and enjoy ‘paired reading’ with the oldest children in the school. The children also spend time with the nursery children, sharing playtimes and activities, such as music time.

Girls

Tartan skirt or pinafore dress*, white revere collar blouse or white cotton polo neck top; red cardigan* or school sweater*.  Summer: red and white striped dress.  Conventional black school shoes; red sandals may be worn in the summer.  Trainers are not to be worn in school.  White socks, or red or grey tights.

Boys

Grey shorts or trousers, white shirt, school tie*, school sweater*, school white polo shirt* in summer.  Conventional black school shoes.  Trainers are not to be worn in school.  Grey socks.

Outer Wear

Grey School Fleece

PE Kit

School red t-shirt*, black or white shorts, black or white plimsolls, white socks.  Red School sweat shirt top* and mid-grey track suit bottoms.  PE bag clearly named on the outside.  Football boots.

Art and Craft Tabard

Art and craft tabards in the school colours are available from the School Office at a cost of £8.00.  A shirt type overall can be worn.

School Bag

Small school bags suitable for carrying a reading book and exercise books are available from the office at a cost of £2.50.

Suppliers

Items marked* are available from Horncastle in Sevenoaks (next door to Waitrose).

All other items apart from the tabard and bag are available either from Horncastles or any of the main chain stores – eg BHS, M & S.

Marking

All uniform should be clearly named either by name tape or indelible marking pen.

Jewellery

In the interests of health and safety and security, children should not wear any jewellery, with the exception of a wrist watch.