“ This is an Outstanding School” Ofsted 2008

"Our aim is to teach children to enjoy learning and to achieve their potential".

The School

Upton Westlea is situated just outside the City of Chester. We are a small school with for 140 children aged 3-11 and a 26 place nursery class (26 morning 26 afternoon). We also have a 7 place resourced provision for children with Autism .

Although small in number we have a spacious building with a well stocked library and technology room, the latter having a computer suite. We also have a large playing field and playground which gives the children plenty of space in which to play.

Our policy is to encourage parents to come into school to help in whatever way they can.  We have a fund raising group who work hard to raise money for the school.  We also have strong links with the community and encourage local people to come into our special assemblies which are held weekly.

Classes
Children enter school in the term following their 3^rd birthday.   Throughout the early years of nursery and reception experiences are given to the children which build on what they already know and can do.  Full time and part time teaching assistants work alongside our teaching staff to give an excellent level of support.  As children move through the school we aim to continue to build on this firm foundation encouraging a positive attitude to learning and behaviour.  We aim to keep our classes to below 30.

Curriculum
We aim to teach all our work in a well structured way which is enjoyable to our children.  We differentiate our work in order to meet the need of all abilities, encouraging children to reach their full potential.  High standards are set throughout the school in all areas of the curriculum and Personal, Social and Moral Development.  We believe in taking teaching and learning beyond the classroom where possible.  Day trips and longer term residential trips are arranged throughout the year. We also encourage our children to develop and broaden their interests by providing a wide range of extra curricular activities.  From Year 4 we teach children to play a musical instrument which they are able to take home to practice on

We have achieved the following awards:

• 2000-Government award for substantial improvement
• 2008-Basic Skills quality Mark (for the 3rd time)
• Arts Mark Silver (2nd time)
• 2010-Investors in People (for the 3rd time)
• 2009-Active Mark
• 2008-Family Learning and parenting skills
• 2010-Health Schools Award

We are now awaiting our Healthy Schools quality mark.

The areas of the curriculum covered are as follows:-

Mathematics, English (which includes Drama), Science, Computer Studies (all classes have access to the Internet), Geography, History, Art, Music, Physical Education (which includes Dance, Gymnastics, Athletics, Football, Tag Rugby, Cricket, Rounders, Hockey, Netball and Swimming), Religious Education, Citizenship and Design Technology and French.

Computer Technology

We aim to take our children into the 21st Century by making them computer literate.  Ofsted considered our work to be well above National Average when we were last inspected.  Each classroom has at least 2 computers and we have a computer suite in our technology room.  All classes have access to the Internet and class laptops.

Upton Westlea School, Weston Grove, Upton by Chester CH2 0QJ
Tel: 01244 981215 Fax: 01244 380081
Headteacher: Mrs Jackson
email: head@uptonwestlea.cheshire.sch.uk