Aberford Primary School

The School, which greatly values its village and family ethos, caters presently for around one hundred children in four classes. Two of these are in the main building and two in new 'temporary' accommodation.

The children are taught in mixed year classes:
Class 1	Reception/Year 1
Class 2	Years 1 and 2
Class 3	Years 3 and 4
Class 4	Years 5 and 6

Each year the make-up of the classes has to be reconsidered as the numbers of each cohort vary so much. The school roll has gradually risen from seventy-nine, in 1996, to around one hundred at present.

In September 1998 we increased the number of classes from three to four converting what was a resources room into a small classroom. Space in school is now at a premium, but we are able to accommodate new pupils throughout the school.

As with many small schools the teaching staff, who number five including Headteacher, have various curriculum responsibilities. The staff is an extremely hard working team, who endeavour to do their utmost for the children of Aberford CE Primary School. Staff changes, in recent years, have brought new expertise and enthusiasm to add to the wealth of experience. We also value our four teaching assistants, Primary Learning Mentor, voluntary music support staff and a dedicated administrative assistant.

Background Information
Aberford is an old village in a rural setting, yet close to the A1, recently linked to the M1. Until it was by-passed some thirty years ago, it was a stopping off place on the journey from London to Edinburgh. Many of the houses in the village were former coaching Inns and these along with other historical buildings form a valuable and well used teaching resource.

Community Links
Aberford CE Primary School is church controlled thereby being LEA administered while maintaining its traditional links with nearby St. Ricarius Church. The vicar takes a weekly assembly and is a member of the Governing Body. The church is used both as a learning resource and by the whole school on special occasions.

Other community links involve the use of the school by Parish Councils, Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and local Yorkshire Country Women's Association. Like many small village schools the gathering of parents at the start and end of each school day represents a focus for the community.

We are supported by parents in many ways. The Parents and Friends Association organise events for parents, children and staff, for both social and financial reasons. Their financial contribution is greatly valued and has enabled us to provide many extras such as PE/playtime equipment, computers and a fiction library, which have greatly enhanced the children's learning environment. Ex-parents also continue to support the school.

Parental Involvement
We also value parental help within the classroom. Presently they hear readers, help with craft groups and organise the lending library.

A major survey of parents in January 2006 (organised by Mrs Toone, the Chair of Governors, and the Headteacher) found that the Ethos/atmosphere of the school was a major strength, and that parents were pleased that their children were happy at school. In response to the survey communications have been improved by the introduction of a weekly newsletter that goes out on Mondays. The school has invested in a gate entry system with CCTV to improve security, also as a response to the survey.

In May 2005 a similiar survey went out to the parents of the Reception children. The results again were used to move the school forward.

The school does not have a nursery, the nearest being in a neighbouring village. However, a local toddlers club exists in Aberford and the school maintains regular contact with them.