Business Details
Trusted Primary Education in Arborfield Cross
The Coombes Church of England Primary School offers a transformative educational experience rooted in Christian values. Our curriculum, inspired by the parable of the sower (Mark 4:3-8), fosters a love of learning through inclusive, ambitious teaching. With unique facilities including a swimming pool, woodlands, and ponds, we provide hands-on learning opportunities that extend beyond traditional classrooms. Our strong community partnerships enrich the curriculum, offering holistic education that nurtures academic excellence, personal growth, and global citizenship.The school's core values of Compassion, Perseverance, Wisdom, Responsibility, Forgiveness, and Respect underpin all aspects of school life, creating a supportive environment where every child and staff member feels valued. The Coombes combines academic rigor with character development, preparing children for lifelong success while maintaining a strong focus on wellbeing and community engagement.
Services
Primary School Education
Nursery Provision
After-School Club
Breakfast Club
Forest School Learning
Highlights and features
- We offer unique learning environments including woodland classrooms and outdoor facilities
- Our curriculum extends beyond national standards with bespoke educational experiences
- We maintain strong community partnerships enhancing learning opportunities
- Our staff demonstrate expertise in delivering values-based Christian education
- We provide wraparound care through our Sunflower Club breakfast and after-school provision
Services
Primary School Education
The Coombes delivers a comprehensive primary education curriculum for children aged 4-11. Our Christian vision inspires a love of learning through academic excellence combined with character development. Specialised teaching staff create engaging lessons that extend beyond textbooks using our unique natural environment, including woodlands and ponds. The curriculum incorporates core subjects while developing essential life skills and values.
Nursery Provision
The Orchard Nursery provides early childhood education for three-year-olds through play-based learning. Our outdoor forest school environment encourages exploration and natural curiosity. Qualified staff create stimulating activities that develop foundational skills while nurturing individuality. The nursery prepares children for their school journey through social development and structured play experiences.
After-School Club
Sunflower Club offers after-school care from 3:20pm to 6:00pm for Reception to Year 6 pupils. The full session includes a substantial snack and structured activities until 6:00pm, while the part session ends at 4:30pm with a fruit snack. The club provides a safe environment for children to relax and socialise after school hours.
Breakfast Club
Sunflower Club's breakfast provision operates from 7:30am to 8:35am, offering hot and cold breakfast options. Staff ensure children arrive at their classrooms on time for lessons. The club provides a supervised environment for children to start their school day in a relaxed setting before formal lessons begin.
Forest School Learning
Our woodland classrooms provide unique outdoor learning experiences that complement traditional teaching. Children engage in hands-on environmental education through forest school activities. This approach develops problem-solving skills, resilience, and appreciation for nature while supporting curriculum objectives across multiple subjects.
People
Luke Henderson
Head Teacher
Luke Henderson leads The Coombes with a vision for transformative education rooted in Christian values. He champions holistic learning through unique natural environments and community partnerships, ensuring every child receives individualised attention within a supportive school family.
Katherine Foster
Deputy Head Teacher
Katherine Foster supports the headteacher in delivering high-quality education across the school. She works closely with teaching staff to maintain academic standards while ensuring the school's Christian values permeate all aspects of learning and pupil development.
Jane Pound
Sunflower Club Manager
Jane Pound manages the Sunflower Club's wraparound care provision, overseeing breakfast and after-school services. She ensures safe, nurturing environments for children outside core school hours while coordinating registration and fee administration processes.
Caitlin O'Malley
EYFS Lead
Caitlin O'Malley leads the Early Years Foundation Stage provision, developing curriculum activities that nurture young children's learning through play. She ensures nursery and reception classes provide strong foundations for future academic success while supporting individual development needs.
Emily West
KS2 Lead
Emily West oversees Key Stage 2 education, implementing the curriculum for older primary pupils. She coordinates teaching staff to maintain high academic standards while integrating the school's Christian values and outdoor learning opportunities into upper primary education.
Questions
What age groups does The Coombes accept?
We accept children from age 3 in our nursery through to Year 6 (11 years old).
What are the school's core values?
Our core values are Compassion, Perseverance, Wisdom, Responsibility, Forgiveness, and Respect.
What outdoor learning facilities do you offer?
We have woodland classrooms, ponds, a swimming pool, and extensive natural grounds for outdoor education.
Do you provide before and after school care?
Yes, our Sunflower Club offers breakfast club from 7:30am and after-school care until 6:00pm.
What curriculum do you follow?
We follow the national curriculum enhanced with bespoke outdoor learning experiences and Christian values.
How do you support pupil wellbeing?
We prioritise emotional and social development alongside academics through nurturing relationships and community partnerships.
