Business Details
Taxal & Fernilee C Of E Primary School
Taxal & Fernilee C Of E Primary School is a dedicated educational institution serving children in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire. Our curriculum is designed to engage students through hands-on learning experiences, including local history studies, class trips, and interactive workshops. We prioritise safeguarding and well-being, with a robust framework of policies and trained staff to ensure a safe and supportive environment. Our team of experienced educators, including the headteacher Karen O'Connor and safeguarding leads, work closely with families to provide tailored support through initiatives like our Early Help Offer. Recognised for our commitment to excellence, we were rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2023.The school fosters a strong sense of community, offering wraparound care, after-school clubs, and partnerships with local organisations. Our facilities include a dedicated Forest School area and modern resources to enhance learning. We maintain transparent communication with parents through regular updates, newsletters, and online safety guidance. The school's ethos combines academic rigor with spiritual and moral development, reflecting our church school values. With a focus on continuous improvement, we conduct regular safeguarding audits and adhere to national educational standards.
Services
Primary Education
Safeguarding Support
After-School Clubs
Forest School Programmes
Family Support Services
Highlights and features
- We offer a unique history curriculum with hands-on learning experiences.
- Our staff includes designated safeguarding leads with regular policy audits.
- We provide tailored family support through our Early Help Offer.
- Recognised as 'Good' by Ofsted in our 2023 inspection.
- We maintain strong community partnerships and church school values.
What people say
Nurturing environment
Dedicated staff
Strong safeguarding
Engaging curriculum
Community-focused
Services
Primary Education
We deliver a comprehensive primary education programme aligned with national curriculum standards. Our approach combines academic instruction with practical learning experiences, including local history studies and cross-curricular projects. The school maintains small class sizes to ensure individual attention and support for each child's development.
Safeguarding Support
Our safeguarding framework includes designated leads, regular audits, and a web-based monitoring system for child protection concerns. We work closely with families and external agencies to ensure children's safety and well-being, with clear policies and reporting procedures accessible to all stakeholders.
After-School Clubs
We provide a range of after-school clubs that extend learning beyond the classroom. These include creative arts, sports, and themed activities that complement our curriculum. The clubs aim to develop children's interests and talents while providing supervised care for working parents.
Forest School Programmes
Our Forest School initiatives offer hands-on outdoor learning experiences in a natural environment. Children engage in practical activities that develop teamwork, problem-solving skills, and environmental awareness while connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences.
Family Support Services
Through our Early Help Offer, we provide tailored support for families facing challenges. This includes guidance from our Family Support Worker, signposting to external services, and structured assessments to identify and address specific family needs while maintaining child welfare.
People
Karen O'Connor
Headteacher
Karen O'Connor leads our school with over 20 years of educational leadership experience. She oversees safeguarding, curriculum development, and staff training while maintaining strong community relationships.
Rebecca Venables
Named Contact
Mrs Rebecca Venables serves as the school's designated contact person, supporting operational management and communication between staff, parents, and external agencies.
Stephanie Kavanagh
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Stephanie Kavanagh works alongside the safeguarding team to ensure child protection policies are effectively implemented and regularly reviewed across all school operations.
Jenny Dalton
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Jenny Dalton contributes to our safeguarding framework with specialist knowledge in child protection procedures and staff training programmes.
Robert Crawshaw
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Robert Crawshaw supports safeguarding initiatives and works closely with external agencies to maintain our comprehensive child protection system.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We provide education for children aged 4 to 11 years old.
How do you support child safety?
We have designated safeguarding leads, regular audits, and a web-based monitoring system to ensure child protection.
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer Forest School programmes, after-school clubs, and enrichment activities including art and outdoor learning.
How can parents get involved?
Parents can participate through the PFA, school events, and regular communication channels like newsletters and meetings.
What is your school's ethos?
As a church school, we combine academic excellence with spiritual development and community values.
