FANCY a bit of Samba dancing and a ukulele lesson? Or perhaps a spot of snail racing or a visit to the bug hotel?

Sounds like a day out at a theme park but the theme behind these activities at Parley First School is more serious than that – learning.

Pupils there are treated to imaginative lessons which bring literacy, numeracy and science to life.

And a beautifully-designed outdoor learning area means they get plenty of fresh air at the same time.

Headteacher John Bagwell has been at the Glenmoor Road, Ferndown school for just over two years and is making changes certain to remove its current Ofsted status of “requires improvement.”

There are 280 pupils aged between four and nine and the school is over-subscribed. Places are allocated on distance with some pupils travelling from Bournemouth.

The school forms part of a learning pyramid with most pupils moving on to Ferndown Middle, then to Ferndown Upper.

“Children are assured of continuity when they leave here” said Mr Bagwell.

“Staff from the middle and upper schools visit so they feel at home when they go there.”

Mr Bagwell said recent refurbishment has improved the learning environment and the school is lucky to have a music and drama studio.

“The benefits of music for children are enormous” he added. “It is used in many different ways to enhance learning.”

Children are taught life-long lessons through many aspects, including the school’s Rights Respecting School and Eco Green Flag School status.

They are encouraged to recycle and to use cycles or scooters to get to school.

And parents are heavily involved in the running of the school, with many helping in the classrooms. Sport is also encouraged with a wide range offered including cricket, golf, rugby, football, dodgeball, karate, tennis and swimming. Older pupils also enjoy residential trips to Osmington Bay “My main aim is that children are happy when they come to school. If we care for them well they will learn well and that’s what we intend,” said Mr Bagwell.

Factfile

Parley First School, Glenmoor Road, Ferndown BH22 8QE

Telephone: 01202 874400

Email: office@parley.dorset.sch.uk

Head teacher: John Bagwell

Age range: 5-9

Number of pupils: 280

Latest Ofsted report

Overall rating: Requires improvement At last full inspection, inspectors said: “Teaching, over time, has not been of sufficiently high quality to make sure that all pupils make good progress.”

A more recent monitoring report concluded: “Senior leaders and governors are taking effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement identified at the recent inspection.”

Why we love our school

Parent Mel Cross has a son in Year 3.  She said: “Jake’s education has been really good. He gets a lot of help to build up his confidence and it is a really happy environment. He loves coming to school and even wants to come in the holidays.”

Amanda Main has twin boys in Year 4.  She said: “It is a very friendly, caring and happy environment. 
“Children are looked after well with all their learning and emotional needs met. There are some great teaching staff here.”

Year 1 teacher Kate Hawker said: “This school is a very happy, secure learning environment.  It has a broad and balanced curriculum and a strong emphasis on music which helps to develop the curriculum.”

Joe Piper, eight, is in Year 4.  He said: “My favourite subject is maths and I am challenged in it.  
“We are doing a topic on the Egyptians at the moment and looking at persuasive texts.  I like cricket with my school friends.”

Eight-year-old Lily Mhlanga, the second oldest pupil in the school, said: “The topics are fun because I like learning different things. I like music at school and I have played the recorder and the guitar. I’m learning to play the flute now.”

Varsha Roche, a Year 4 tea-cher, has been at the school for 10 years.  She said: “It is a lovely school and the new headteacher has made a huge change. He keeps children, parents and staff happy and his door is always open. We love coming to school and love our jobs.”