ABOUT US

Arnside National School is a Voluntary Aided Church of England Primary School. This means that although the school is part of the maintained system of education, the Church of England still retains an interest in the buildings, the appointment of staff and the maintenance of a suitable curriculum through the school's Board of Governors.

The school currently has 130 pupils on roll. There are five classes, accommodated in the main school building. Although established in 1886, the present school building occupies a spacious site on Church Hill and was opened in 1971. The Headteacher of the school is Mr. Alan Cook.

This school can accommodate a maximum of 168 children and 24 children can be admitted to the reception class each year. Legally a child does not have to attend school until the term after his/her fifth birthday. This school, however, has a policy of admitting children at the beginning of the school year during which they will reach the age of five. This means that children reaching the age of five between the 1st September and the last day of the following August, (inclusive), can be admitted during the early part of the Autumn Term, (September), at the age of 4+.

In the reception class, therefore, some children will be almost five, and some will only just have had their fourth birthday. The range of maturity is very great. You can be assured, however, that our curriculum is very carefully designed around the needs of each, individual child in the reception class as in the school as a whole. Our booklet, "WELCOME TO ARNSIDE" complements this brochure and is intended to give special information and help to all parents of those children who will enter the reception class. Parents are very welcome to visit the school at any time but a phone call to make a specific appointment will mean that a member of staff will be available to show you round and answer your questions.

• To provide a caring, sharing understanding, and happy atmosphere in which children and staff are confident and will develop to their full potential.
• To provide a programme that encourages learning, self-motivation, self-discipline and self-sufficiency in both thought and action and promotes a sense of personal well being.
• To encourage the recognition of people's differences and develop tolerance and respect for the individual in school and society.
• To develop the knowledge and skills that will enable children to cope with the demands of an ever-changing world, to understand and respect the environment and contribute to the society in which they live.
• To promote aesthetic awareness and participation in creative arts.
• Develop a wide range of physical skills and an understanding of the need for a healthy life style.
• To develop Christian morals and uphold Christian traditions, whilst appreciating other faiths and culture that exist in this country and the rest of the world. To encourage children to develop a reasoned set of attitudes, values and beliefs.

Mrs Charnley and Miss Morris run a Gymnastic Club in school on Thursdays from 3.30 - 4.30 pm. Mrs Foulerton takes a recorder group at lunchtimes. The School also enjoys sports fixtures on a regular basis with other schools.