Introduction  

South Darley School is a Church of England Controlled Primary Day School for girls and boys and was first opened in 1862 as a small, one-roomed village school to serve the hamlets of Darley Bridge, Wensley, Oker and Snitterton. Over the years it has been enlarged and now has three fully equipped, fully carpeted classrooms, modern facilities, a disabled toilet, and ramps ensuring accessibility for all.  

The main aim of the school is to help and guide the children in our care to become confident, kind, helpful and caring members of the world community.  

This will partially be achieved by giving them all a firm grounding in Numeracy, a solid working knowledge of English language and grammar and a clear fluent handwriting style. All other National Curriculum subjects will be covered to give the best possible general education and a chance to develop their talents to the full.  

                  Numeracy Hour (Emily Y6)                                                               Literacy Hour (Harry Y3)

To this will be added a confidence in themselves and their abilities to achieve. They will be given the opportunity to feel proud of themselves and of the things they do.  

Within the school community they will be encouraged to help one another and to be tolerant of the views and feelings of others.  

It is our aim to encourage co-operation between the school, the home and the local community as a whole so that all feel welcome and a part of the education offered by the school.  

There are currently three vertically grouped classes: the Infants with 4-7 year olds, Lower Juniors 7-9 year olds and Upper Juniors 9-11 year olds. At the present time (2006/7) these classes hold 28, 19 and 23 pupils respectively. The children are often grouped according to ability and staff provide carefully differentiated work, always striving to set realistic challenges.  

                          Making a book (Kate Y3)                                             ICT work (Hannah Y4)

Discipline is an important part of our school life and we aim to enhance the opportunities for learning whilst at the same time promoting responsible behaviour. This creates a positive atmosphere, based on a sense of community where all are considerate individuals; respected by and respecting all other members of the school.  

Pastoral care is undertaken by all the adults working in the school. They help the children develop a positive attitude to learning and try to ensure that pupils achieve their full potential in all areas of life. Time is given to listening and talking over problems, offering advice and guidance.  

At the age of eleven the children usually transfer to Highfields School in Matlock.

We will: 

	help and guide our children to become confident, kind, helpful and caring members of the world community
	give our children a firm grounding in Numeracy and literacy
	encourage a holistic approach to education by recognising the intellectual, physical, social and spiritual needs of our children
	encourage an ethos of ‘can do’ promoting confidence and self-esteem
	encourage an ethos of tolerance and caring for others
	encourage parents’ influences and contributions meet the requirements of all our children’s needs
	make the most of links with the local community, the church, local industry, Play Group and The After School Club.

Whilst acknowledging the Anglican traditions of the school we welcome children from other faith backgrounds and encourage all our children in a personal faith (whichever faith that may be) to feel valued, to value others and to experience the mystery of the world in which they live.