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New Head sets out vision for Brunton First School

At a meeting for parents held at St Aidan's Church, the Head of Brunton First School, Gill McKay, spoke to parents, setting out her vision for the new school which is due to open in September 2009.

Gill McKay (pictured right) said "My vision for the school is threefold;

• The school will create confident children who are excellent communicators and will excel in their lives

• We will work in partnership with parents to ensure all the children develop to their fullest potential

• We will become a focal point for the community of The Great Park"

Plans of the building and grounds were available to view at the meeting. 

Brunton First School will be one form entry (30 pupils per form) initially but there is room for expansion should extra space be required. In September there will be 6 classrooms, a multi-purpose large hall, small hall, a studio, and a food technology room. A large learning resource area will include an ICT area with 32 computers, a library and areas for small group learning.

The extensive grounds will incorporate a football pitch, a games area, a playground and gardens.

The school will not have its own nursery, but a private nursery will be built on the site, possibly sharing facilities with the school at first, though no company has been chosen as yet.

Gill McKay was not able to give detailed responses to all the issues raised by parents as she starts her job as Head in January of next year, so detailed policy decisions will be made after this date. Staffing decisions and how the classes will be organised will depend on the numbers of applications received - applications have to be in to the council by 24th October this year - but she hopes to have one Reception class, and up to 2 other classes of older children. Other issues raised included access to the school, the timing of the school day and possible delays to the building work. At the present time the building work is one week ahead of schedule.

What do you think?

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Joined: 01 Oct 2008
Posts: 2

At 10:16 on 1st October 2008, H B commented:

There wasn't much information given out at the meeting, as the Head wasn't even appointed yet. Why do the applications for school places have to be in so early? Other LEAs don't require applications in until the New Year. Then at least we would get the chance to have our questions answered properly.

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