About Us
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL
The school was built in 1880 and since that time has been the only school in Holme.
Extensions have been added, giving an upper level with an additional classroom, computer suite and a space that has been used for different purposes over time. Today the computer suite is now a classroom and the additional room is now a library, meeting room and intervention space. Over time class splits have developed into what we have today, which is Class 1 for children in Reception to Year 2 and Class 2 for children from Years 3 to 6. We are lucky to have Years 3 and 4 separately taught to Years 5 and 6 currently each morning for core subjects. We have a great space in stunning surroundings of the valley and Holme Moss. This enables a tremendous space for P.E. and outdoor/ mixed activities. Inside, the rooms are bright and airy with a good amount of space and modernised facilities. We have also improved the other outside play facilities with improved outdoor play equipment, a climbing wall, a multi use games area, early years area and currently developing a forest school area.
The school has always been very close to the community, where it serves and inspires a good deal of affection. We are the heartbeat of the village of Holme along with the public house, The Fleece. We work very closely alongside institutions within the village and use the Sunday School and The Fleece for productions, performances and meetings. We now also have our annual 'pub lunch' where all the children are invited at the end of the academic year to celebrate our achievements and the Year 6 Leavers. Within the local community there are many that attended the school up to seventy years ago and host open mornings for the local community and pupils of the past to attend and see how the school has developed over time.
Our staff has evolved with the changes in education over the last two decades. There have been a number of Headteachers and staff during this time and we last received a 'good' OFSTED judgement in the full inspection of January 2019. Since 2022, Mr Damien Bond, our current Headteacher, has developed our vision further, integrating new staff into our family, initiating further change and continuing to develop the building to meet the needs of the 21st century, whilst maintaining and enhancing our high standards of education and care.
We maintain a friendly and family oriented approach which results in a positive atmosphere which has been favourably commented on in visits from professionals who support and inspect us in our work.
The school is dedicated to the development of the whole child. To achieve that, we work in partnership with the children, their families, and the local and wider community throughout the whole year.
OUR SCHOOL DAY
- The school doors open at 8:45am to welcome children in.
- The school day starts at 8:50am after registration at this time
- Lunch is 12:00pm until 1:00pm
- School ends at 3:20pm
- We have three assemblies a week to inform, celebrate and share. Every Friday we have our 'Celebration Assembly', where families are invited to share in the successes of their children.
There is a break of 15 minutes during the morning session.
Parents may choose whether their children has a home packed lunch or a meal provided by Kirklees Catering Services. A hot meal and vegetarian option is provided for all the children who choose this. Daily lunchtime playground activities are provided by Project Sports, to develop whole child mind and body health initiatives.
Dinner money is collected through ParentPay. Packed lunches are allowed if preferred.
THE SCHOOL'S OVERALL APPROACH
WHAT IS OUR SCHOOL'S TEACHING PHILOSOPHY?
Following our philosophy that learning is engaging and is based upon first hand experiences in order that skills in the core subjects and wider curriculum can be acquired and built upon.
A proportion of the National Curriculum is taught through our 'Topic' cross curricular approach to learning, with key skills within a subject, built upon from year to year. These are carefully chosen by members of staff to ensure that the programmes of study laid down in the National Curriculum are being covered. As a result of this approach to learning, pupils are able to make links between areas of learning, whilst building upon the separate key skills required within a given subject. At various times during the year the children may be involved in visits out of school, or alternatively, welcoming experts in to deliver themed experiences, to deepen their overall understanding of a particular topic or area of study.
Should you wish to know in more detail what your child will learn during any particular year please do not hesitate to contact your child's class teacher who will be pleased to give you details of the anticipated curriculum for your child. Our termly class newsletters and regular monthly whole school updates will keep you informed of our forward planning and intentions, as we feel good communication between home and school is key to the development of our pupils.
OUR APPROACH TO CHILDREN'S BEHAVIOR
HOW DO WE EXPECT THE CHILDREN TO BEHAVE IN SCHOOL?
No school community can work efficiently and harmoniously for the greater education and wellbeing of the pupils without guide-lines. It is neither desirable nor possible to make regulations about every aspect of school life and every situation that may arise. We expect high standards of sensible, responsible and considerate behaviour from all our children.
We have a small number of school rules, which include:
- Be honest, kind and helpful
- Listen carefully to others
- Wait quietly of your turn to speak
- Look after our school
- Walk quietly and carefully around school
- Respect the property of others
- Always try your best and allow others to do the same
BULLYING
The school doe not tolerate bullying and has an effective anti-bullying policy. Please contact the Headteacher if bullying becomes a concern to you, because if it is a concern for you, it is a concern for us.
