Business Details
Church of England Primary School in Chester
Saighton C Of E Primary School is a Voluntary Aided primary school rooted in Christian values, serving the village of Saighton within the Grosvenor Estate. Our educational philosophy centers on nurturing a lifelong love of learning while prioritising children's safety, wellbeing, and happiness. We maintain rigorous safeguarding standards integrated across all policies, ensuring a secure environment for every pupil. As an institution grounded in Christian distinctiveness, we foster spiritual growth through worship, prayer, and acts of kindness aligned with our vision of 'Flourishing together, life in all its fullness' (John 10:10). Our curriculum combines academic excellence with character development, preparing children to thrive in a changing world. Through partnerships with parents and the local community, including churches within the Diocese of Chester, we create a supportive ecosystem for holistic education.Our dedicated team of qualified professionals delivers tailored learning experiences across Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1-2, supported by specialist programs in phonics, reading, and forest school activities. We maintain transparent communication channels with families through ParentMail and regular updates, while our website showcases student achievements and school events. Accredited by the Diocese of Chester for church school standards, we uphold educational excellence within a Christian framework. Our facilities include wraparound care, after-school clubs, and a focus on physical education through sports programs. We actively engage with the local community through partnerships with churches and participation in acts of kindness initiatives. Prospective families benefit from scheduled school tours and personalised admissions guidance.
Services
Pre-School Education
Reception Classes
Key Stage 1 Teaching
Key Stage 2 Teaching
Forest School Programmes
Wraparound Care
After-School Clubs
SEND Support
Phonics Instruction
Religious Education
Highlights and features
- We deliver education rooted in Christian values with SIAMS inspection accreditation
- Our staff include specialist teachers for Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stages
- We maintain rigorous safeguarding standards across all school operations
- Our curriculum integrates forest school activities and phonics specialism
- We offer wraparound care and after-school clubs for working families
What people say
Strong Christian values
Dedicated teachers
Excellent pupil care
Engaging curriculum
Welcoming environment
Services
Pre-School Education
Our Pre-School caters for children aged 3-4 years, following the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. We focus on developing foundational skills through play-based learning while introducing Christian values. The program prepares children for formal schooling with structured activities and social development opportunities.
Key Stage 1 Teaching
For children aged 5-7 years, our Key Stage 1 program delivers the national curriculum through engaging, age-appropriate methods. We specialise in phonics instruction and literacy development while maintaining strong academic standards in mathematics and science. Christian education forms an integral part of our teaching.
Forest School Programmes
Our forest school activities promote experiential learning in natural environments. These sessions develop practical skills, environmental awareness, and teamwork while supporting curriculum objectives. Qualified instructors lead safe, structured outdoor education experiences for all age groups.
SEND Support
We provide tailored support for children with special educational needs through our dedicated SENDCo. Our inclusive approach ensures appropriate resources and individualised learning plans. We work closely with parents and external specialists to maximise each child's educational potential.
After-School Clubs
Our extracurricular programme offers diverse activities including sports, arts, and academic enrichment. These clubs extend learning beyond the classroom while developing new skills and interests. Qualified staff supervise all sessions in a safe, structured environment.
People
Sue Dawson
Headteacher
Mrs Sue Dawson leads our school with over 20 years' experience in primary education. She champions Christian values while maintaining high academic standards. Her leadership focuses on pupil wellbeing and staff development, ensuring our school vision is fully realised through daily practice.
Sarah Smith
School Business Manager
Mrs Sarah Smith manages school operations with expertise in educational administration. She oversees admissions, finance, and day-to-day management while maintaining open communication with parents. Her organisational skills ensure smooth school functioning.
Pete Allman
Site Maintenance Officer
Mr Pete Allman maintains our school premises to the highest standards. His work ensures a safe, welcoming environment for pupils and staff. He takes pride in supporting educational activities through well-maintained facilities and grounds.
Menna Bellis
Year 5/6 Teacher
Mrs Menna Bellis teaches our upper Key Stage 2 pupils with specialist expertise in preparing children for secondary education. She creates engaging lessons that challenge pupils academically while nurturing their personal development within our Christian framework.
Zee Dempsey
Year 3/4 Teacher
Mrs Zee Dempsey delivers the curriculum to our middle primary years with creativity and dedication. She develops innovative teaching methods that maintain pupil engagement while achieving educational objectives. Her classroom fosters both academic progress and character growth.
Questions
What are your school's admission criteria?
As a Church of England school, we prioritise children from Christian families, but welcome applications from all backgrounds. Admission arrangements follow Cheshire West and Chester Council guidelines.
Do you offer wraparound care for working parents?
Yes, we provide breakfast club and after-school care through our wraparound provision. Sessions are available from 7:30am and extend until 6:00pm daily during term time.
How do you support children with special educational needs?
Our SENDCo coordinates tailored support plans in consultation with parents and specialists. We have dedicated teaching assistants and accessible facilities to accommodate diverse learning needs.
What outdoor learning opportunities do you provide?
Our forest school programme offers regular outdoor education sessions. These activities develop practical skills and environmental awareness while supporting curriculum objectives across all year groups.
How can parents get involved in school activities?
Parents participate through regular worship services, school events, and volunteering opportunities. We maintain open communication via ParentMail and welcome parental contributions to enhance pupil experiences.
What curriculum do you follow?
We deliver the national curriculum with a Christian perspective, enhanced by our own educational priorities. This includes specialist phonics instruction, forest school activities, and religious education aligned with our church school status.