Eaton Bray Lower School is a small village school, situated between Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire. It is part of a thriving village community and is very well supported by staff, parents and governors, all of whom play an active role in the school. The number of new initiatives bears witness to the dedication of all those involved and their desire to provide the best possible education for all children who attend the school.
The school caters for children aged between four and nine years old (nursery to Year 4). We have four classes, known as Hedgehogs, Squirrels, Rabbits and Badgers. The mixed aged classes allow children to work in appropriately differentiated groups.
The staff work hard to ensure high expectations are set, both of children's learning and behaviour. A high proportion of our children regularly achieve Level 3 in their SATs at the end of year 2. Visitors to the school frequently comment on the quiet, calm atmosphere that encourages children to feel they can do their best and feel valued for every achievement, however small.
Homework is set and children are encouraged to develop the skills of independent learning. A homework club allows children to learn spellings, practise their reading and complete other homework tasks on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Members of the teaching staff supervise children during the lunch hour. On Fridays, the school has a nature club for the older children when children are encouraged to value their environment and take care of the wildlife that is found in the school grounds.
The school is housed in a welcoming, light and attractive building, which was built about 18 years ago. Although we are a small school, we are able to offer excellent facilities often only associated with larger primary schools. We have a new ICT lab, which is in daily use. Recently, the school substantially increased the number of computer programmes available for the children to use, improving all aspects of the curriculum.
Improvements to the playground have been made possible, as the school has secured additional funding from the various government initiatives aimed at school improvement.
A new after school club has started to provide a high quality after school care from 3.30-5.30 pm for children at the school.
The partnership, which has been developed with the local community, has enabled us to provide the children who attend the school with a well planned, stimulating curriculum set within a caring, well-resourced environment.
Sue Hounslow
Head teacher
Thank you for your interest in Eaton Bray Lower School. The governing body draws on staff, parents and representatives from the local community for its membership. All contribute their time freely and enthusiastically. All members of the governing body are firmly committed to state education and also the idea that education should be for children from the whole community.
A phrase often used to describe the role of the governing body is that of 'critical friend'. This indicates the support that is given to the school in its long term strategy and management. It also indicates the independence that can take a step back from the day-to-day running of the school, and offer ideas and help to the staff in school for ongoing improvement.
We feel justifiably proud to be associated with EBLS and are pleased to make whatever contribution we can to support staff, parents, and, most of all, the children. The school is blessed with high quality classroom teaching provided by a well established staff team. The positive atmosphere in the school and the excellent behaviour of the children are a credit to the team of adults (teachers, school secretary, site agent, teaching assistants, adult volunteer helpers) with whom the children pass their day. Not only do the children have a great opportunity to fulfil their potential in academic terms, but also to develop their social skills in a warm, friendly, supportive environment.
In 2004, an OfSTED inspection visit to the school reported on the excellent performance of the school, and led to it being named on OfSTED's 'Particularly Successful Schools' list. Not wishing to rest on its laurels, the school's staff and governing body continue to seek areas in which performance and facilities can be improved, and opportunities for the children can be broadened. We welcome you to the school to see success in action, and for you and your child(ren) to participate in a successful future for Eaton Bray Lower School.
Shaun Haydon
Chair of Governors