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For those living on the Bere Peninsula, Bere Alston Primary School sits in the heart of the community. A base from which the community spirit is built and spread. I met with head teacher, Kim Wild to talk about how the school contributes to those around it and how it has created positive links with the local population.
Welcoming Staff
Kim says building relationships with anyone who visits the school is important to all staff. Although Kim says one of her skills is making a ‘great cuppa’, which I can vouch for, it is the ease and friendliness that comes with it that is important. She always makes sure to personally say hello and offer to make visitors a cup of tea so they feel welcome. She is determined that all who pass through the school, from workmen to the recycling lorry team, feel part of the school and welcome.
Shared School
The hall is an important feature in local life, with many groups sharing the hall for a variety of activities from the Bere Ferrers Theatre group to the local Scouts troop.
Kim talks with pride at sharing the school equipment and facilities with the people of the village. The school helps community events, like the Bere Alston Carnival, by offering to print flyers and posters and actively promoting the events to their parents.
Getting Out
The Friends of the School Group, consisting of parents past and present, attend many community events such as the popular Victorian Night. It helps the school feel part of local events and contribute to village fundraising.
The children play an import part too in the ‘family feel’ to the school. Teacher Mrs Wright, with her African Drumming group and choir, go into the community to perform and share the talents of the pupils. Locals look forward to their annual Christmas concert in the church and nursing home.
Pre-School Links
Transitions for children in Reception are made much easier because the school is often used an extension to the pre-school’s facilities. They use the school’s Forest School leader and grounds and children get to know the fields and building during their sports days on the field, time at the pond area and when they use the hall for their own events.
To find out about more about the school view their website www.berealston.devon.sch.uk