By now many of you will have met our new Headteacher, Andrew Markham, who joined us in September. Under his leadership, the school continues to do well – we currently have 77 pupils on roll and a very healthy waiting list. This appears to contradict the current government thinking on the long-term viability of rural schools!
As a governing body, we are determined to ensure the future of this unique village school in its historic buildings. To do this, we aim to provide excellent education and opportunities for all our children as well as meeting the statutory requirements of the 21st century curriculum.
We are conscious of the fact that over the last few years, all of our neighbouring schools have embraced the government initiatives surrounding 4-5 year olds and are now offering enhanced facilities for this age group. Consequently, with the support of the Ewelme Trust, we have been looking at various options that would enable us to provide additional accommodation and facilities for our youngest children.
After much consideration involving conversion, extension and new build options, we are now hoping to apply for Change of Use of the School House so that we can use some of the extra space for an additional classroom. You may be aware that the Headteacher has not lived in the School House for nearly 3 years now and that the staff have been using the kitchen as a much needed staff room. This extra accommodation does not mean that we are seeking to increase the number of pupils in school but will enable us to offer equivalent facilities for our younger children to those offered by our neighbouring schools. Obviously if parents of younger children were to start sending their children elsewhere, then the longer term viability of the school would be under threat.
We are very excited by the opportunities afforded by this proposal and are grateful for the support of the Ewelme Trust. We would also appreciate your support.
If you would like to discuss these proposals further, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01491 825292.
Sarah Maine, Chair of Governors, Ewelme C.E.(VA) Primary School