Sylvan Infants School: family environment at school proud of its diversity

The youngsters’ faces light up when they are asked about their favourite lessons and the teachers are keen to encourage a family environment.

Head teacher Darryl Walsh said this atmosphere has its roots in a bespoke community curriculum and the treatment of each pupil as an individual rather than a number.

At the heart of this is a core set of values – the five R’s, which are displayed prominently as you walk through the main entrance: reciprocal, resilient, responsible, reflective and resourceful.

“For us it is about giving the children a purpose to their learning,” he added. “Knowledge is important but this helps them to become lifelong learners.

“We have children in year one using words like reciprocal and understanding what that means.

“It is something they respond really well to.”

The use of incentives to encourage children to behave well are an important element of day-to-day activities, with the students identifying what they would most like to do during their “golden time” on Fridays.

This sees them looking forward to a wealth of activities such as discos, extra football, knitting or whatever it is they might enjoy which takes advantage of their different teachers’ specialist skills.

The theme that keeps coming up is the school’s involvement in the community, particularly with shops in nearby Ashley Road.

Children have helped charities, held cake sales and been encouraged to get hands-on during trips to nearby businesses.

Mr Walsh is also proud of the school’s diversity which he thinks gives the school an added dimension.

He said: “We have got a really good community. We have got quite a lot of different languages and cultures represented which is not something you generally get so much of in Poole.”

With its bubbly staff and brightly decorated walls it can too easily be forgotten that some serious learning goes on here too.

The latest Ofsted report notes that most pupils entering reception are below the expected standard but their “outstanding progress ensures most reach average levels by the end of the year, with an increasing proportion exceeding them.”

Thinking ahead for these youngsters is at the forefront of the teachers mind.

Mr Walsh added: “We work hard to get them to a good stage so they are ready to move onto the next level.”

What do you think of your school?

Emma Leddin, who has a child in year two, said: “It is brilliant here. It is a really friendly environment and the teachers always go that extra mile.”

Diane Annear, who has a son in reception, said: “I am really pleased with the progress my son has made. It is a lovely school and you feel like they have really made the effort to get to know your child.”

Early years leader Carly Butcher said: “I joined five years ago and the school has adapted so well to the changes that have been made. We do a lot of work with the community in mind which the children take a lot from.”

Heather Bailey, year two leader, said: “We have a very supportive staff which helps a lot. It is such a creative environment and you can really see the children blossoming here.”

Year two pupil Dexter Johnson, six, said: “I really like it here, everybody is friendly and it feels a bit like a family.”

Millie Hawkins, seven, said: “I look forward to coming into school – my favourite part of the week is definitely golden time and I have to say my favourite subject is literacy.”

Factfile 

Telephone: 01202 743064 Email: office@sylvan.poole.sch.uk

Head teacher: Darryl Walsh (interim)

Age range: 4-7, mixed

Number of pupils: 342

Ofsted report

Overall rating: Good

“Behaviour is good and pupils work and play well together and feel safe at school. In lessons these strengths effectively support their learning,” said inspectors.

“The analysis of pupils’ progress is very good and, together with comprehensive monitoring of teaching, ensures weaker areas are speedily and successfully addressed. The school is well placed to improve further.”