Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Primary Education in Ilkley
Ashlands Primary School Primary School has been nurturing young minds in Ilkley for over seven decades. Our educational philosophy centres on developing the whole child, fostering academic excellence alongside spiritual, emotional, and physical growth. Nestled at the foot of Ilkley Moor, we leverage our unique location to deliver experiential learning through outdoor education and eco-school initiatives. Our dedicated teaching staff employs a dynamic curriculum enriched by partnerships with the local community, ensuring lessons remain relevant and engaging. We maintain strong safeguarding protocols and hold OFSTED-recognised standards, with our most recent inspection affirming our commitment to quality education.Through specialist programmes like Forest Schools and our Wildlife Garden, we cultivate curiosity and environmental stewardship. Our extended learning provision, Saplings Before & After School Club, operates 48 weeks annually, offering flexible childcare solutions. The school's governance framework includes experienced trustees and operational leaders who ensure strategic oversight. We maintain transparent financial reporting aligned with government requirements while actively promoting equality and inclusion across all aspects of school life.
Services
Primary Education
Nursery Provision
After School Care
Holiday Club
Music Tuition
Highlights and features
- We offer 70+ years of educational experience in the Ilkley community
- Our curriculum integrates outdoor learning with Ilkley Moor as a living classroom
- OFSTED-recognised safeguarding and child protection protocols
- 48-week childcare provision through Saplings Before & After School Club
- Specialist music tuition and competitive sports programmes
Services
Primary Education
Our primary education programme follows the National Curriculum while incorporating local resources like Ilkley Moor for experiential learning. Children develop academic skills alongside character through our 'Right to Shine' ethos. Specialist teaching includes music tuition and competitive sports development.
Nursery Provision
The Little Acorns Early Years Unit offers play-based learning for children aged 3+. Our programme supports individual development through structured activities and outdoor exploration in purpose-built facilities with extended childcare options.
After School Care
Saplings Before & After School Club provides childcare from 7:30am-6:00pm. The service includes homework support, recreational activities, and flexible booking options through the Arbor parent portal system.
Holiday Club
The Early Years Holiday Club operates during school breaks with themed activities, arts and crafts, and outdoor learning. Available for nursery, reception and year 1 children with flexible full or half-day options.
Music Tuition
Specialist music education includes classroom instrument instruction and extracurricular opportunities. Children learn glockenspiel, recorder, and ukulele while participating in choir and orchestra activities.
People
Mrs Donna Russell
Headteacher
Mrs Russell leads Ashlands Primary School with over 20 years' experience in primary education, focusing on holistic child development and community engagement.
Miss Kathy Raine
Deputy Headteacher
Miss Raine oversees curriculum delivery and staff development, bringing expertise in innovative teaching methods and pupil wellbeing.
Ms Helen Williams
CEO
As CEO of Moorlands Learning Trust, Ms Williams provides strategic leadership across multiple schools while maintaining educational standards.
Mrs Joanne Shepherd
Assistant Headteacher
Mrs Shepherd specialises in safeguarding and pastoral care, ensuring a safe learning environment for all pupils.
Sandra Overfield
Chair of Governors
Mrs Overfield leads the governing body with focus on school improvement and community representation, bringing extensive local governance experience.
Questions
What are the school's admission criteria?
We follow local authority guidelines with priority given to children living in our catchment area and those with siblings already attending.
How does outdoor learning work?
Our curriculum incorporates Ilkley Moor and onsite Wildlife Garden for hands-on experiences across multiple subjects throughout the year.
What childcare options are available?
Saplings Before & After School Club operates 7:30am-6:00pm with holiday provision available through our Early Years Holiday Club.
How are music and arts supported?
All children learn classroom instruments with optional choir, orchestra, and peripatetic tuition available for additional musical development.
What special educational needs provision exists?
Our SENCo coordinates tailored support plans with specialist resources and external agency collaboration to meet individual learning needs.
How are parents kept informed?
Regular newsletters, Arbor portal updates, and termly curriculum information sessions keep families engaged with their child's education.
