Article and Photography by Matt Bigwood
Lucy Chandler is Hillesley Church of England Primary Schools new headteacher and tells of her plans for the school, including new, educational after-school clubs.
“I am delighted to be the new head teacher of Hillesley Church of England Primary School. The school has always held a special place in my heart; it was where I completed my first year as a newly qualified teacher so I really have come full circle!
Back in 2005, I couldnt have wished for a more idyllic setting for my first teaching post and on my return, I have found the village just as beautiful and the school community, as welcoming and supportive as ever. The school has an abundance of green spaces surrounding it, including a fabulous playing field which the children use for PE lessons; this terms whole-school event on the field is the TCS Mini London Marathon!
Hillesley School has a great atmosphere and, being a small, village school, children flourish both academically and in their emotional well-being. One example of this is the childrens community action project about reducing plastics use which gained them Archbishop of Yorks Youth Leadership Award last year. With small class sizes and very experienced staff, the children achieve above the county average in their SATs tests.
Weekly outdoor learning takes place in a beautiful Forest School site which sits on the hillside just behind the school, and sessions are also held on Monday mornings for younger children (0 – 5 years) during ‘Mini Moles which is run by ‘Wild Willows Forest School. This year, in addition to breakfast club, the school is now offering a range of daily, educational after-school clubs until 5.30pm, some of which will also be open to children who do not attend the school; our aim is to provide curriculum enrichment activities for children in local villages who have missed so much during the pandemic, and to support working parents by offering extra-curricular activities including sport, drama, art and music, all run by qualified professionals.
Parents and children are warmly welcome to visit our wonderful school for themselves during an Open Day on Tuesday 4th October between 9.30 and 11.30am, or by appointment if more convenient (Tel: 01453 843551).â€
Lucy Chandler at Hillesley C of E Primary School
Year One pupils with Mrs Chandler in the Friendship Garden at the school.
