Aims of the school
At Vernon Park our aim is for each child to achieve excellence in all areas and create for each child a positive self image within a caring atmosphere.
Brief History and Description of the School and its Context
The school was opened in 1909 as an all age school, housed in two buildings. The Infant building was demolished in 1958 and the present building was adapted for use as a primary school. The school was used as a military convalescent hospital during the First World War. Please see pictures on History Section.
The school has seen many changes over the years including the establishment of a speech and language unit, kitchens, gardens and car parks and a large environmental study area. A Nursery was opened in 1992 and is now a flourishing part of the school.
Due to the closure of Parish Church School in 1988 the school experienced a large increase in the pupil population. This was coupled with an increased need for special needs provision. The school kitchen has been completely re-furbished and now caters on site, providing school meals through an outside contractor.
The more traditional PE equipment has been removed and new apparatus has been bought.
The administrative offices, reception areas and staff toilets have been re-sited and re-furbished.
The school has undergone an intensive classroom refurbishment programme. All classrooms are well equipped with computers, televisions, listening stations etc.
The school has had two major building projects since 1995, the first involved the relocation of our Early Years Speech and Language Unit next to the Nursery. The project included the refurbishment of both the Speech and Language Unit and the Nursery. The Speech and Language Unit is highly successful in reintegrating children into their mainstream schools, usually before the end of their reception year. The school has successfully drawn upon the expertise and experience developed from early years speech and language therapy and this is well established as being a strength of the school. During the summer of 2002 an ICT Suite was built in the old cellar; a Head Teacher’s conference room was established and new administration suite built.
Vernon Park Primary School has a large catchment area, which covers most of the very centre of Stockport. The main shopping centre, banks and the main library are all within walking distance. We are close to the market, St. Mary's Church, Vernon Park, the River Goyt and Vernon Park Museum. The school's situation therefore provides a rich and varied environment that can be utilised easily.
Although most pupils live in the immediate suburban environment, some pupils come from the inner urban area where there is a small, council owned housing estate. The housing is varied, consisting of semi-detached, traditional Victorian terraced and housing association tenancy.
We are a medium sized primary school in Stockport, with 9 classes, a 40 place Nursery and a 10 place Speech and Language Unit for Early Years Children. The hall has a splendid oak 'hammer-beam' roof, and oak block floors. The classroom doors are all oak grained with handsome brass handles. The hall is at the heart of the school and is host to many creative activities. There is a planned, whole school approach to themed displays in the school. The school puts great emphasis on display and the environment, this is a strength of the school.
We have an environmental study area, which has been extended with over an acre of woodland at the rear of the school. There are two large playgrounds with two covered shelters. There is also a playing field approximately 500m from the school. There is a playground for each Key Stage, and the pre-school children have their own separate playground and garden area.
We are very proud of our Key Stage 1 and 2 libraries, which are very well stocked. There is daily, comprehensive use of reading records and home diaries, and the school puts great emphasis on reading and language development. This is a strength of the school. Our next projects centre around the playgrounds and security. In 2004 the school started a 5 year project on the development of the school field into a community sports arts complex.
The school runs a Breakfast Club for up to 30 children, which runs from 8.15am - 8.55am. A nominal fee is charged for each session. In 2005 the school opened an ‘After School Club’ on the premises, which provides a healthy snack and a wide range of activities for the children. The club is open from 3.15pm - 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 5.20pm Friday.
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