Wild Bank, a nurturing school at the heart of the community
At Wild Bank Community School their vision and values are at the core of everything they do. They underpin teaching and learning, and provide an environment where the children are safe, happy, kind, have a thirst for knowledge, and are lifelong enthusiastic learners.
They live by their SPARKLE values every day by showing positive Self -belief, Perseverance, Aspiration, Respect, Kindness, Love and Empathy. Wild Bank is an inclusive school where everyone is valued and respected. Their aim is to provide the children in their care with the best possible start in life, from their first steps in education to their transition to high school.
The headteacher, Jenny Callaghan explained: “Our school provides a learning environment which is safe, secure and enriched, enabling all our pupils to participate, question and experiment. We want our children to be curious and inquisitive, to take risks in their learning and approach challenges with confidence, excitement and independence. We aim to nurture their talents, ensure their aspirations are high and prepare them for their future as adults.”
All the staff are passionate about building kind, compassionate, and nurturing relationships with pupils and they pride themselves on those relationships, ensuring children are able to seek support if they have worries, anxieties, or concerns. The relationships with parents and carers are also clearly very important and the school regularly receives feedback such as ‘I’m glad my children are part of this school’ and ‘It’s like a family.’
Jenny Callaghan added: “We encourage all our parents and carers to take an active role in their children’s learning journey. By working together, we enable all our children to reach their full potential and we value and celebrate all their achievements. Our aim is for all our pupils to become considerate, enquiring and self-confident young people, with a lifelong love of learning and the skills for life.” Wild Bank has been accredited with the Marjorie Boxall Quality Mark, the AcSEED and Nurturing Schools awards, which recognise the school’s ethos. The small classes ensure that pupils receive targeted support to stretch and challenge their learning. Staff work hard to promote speech and language in all areas of their learning, and members of the team are well trained in teaching language interventions so that every child is given a voice and opportunity to be heard. The school is well resourced with fantastic outdoor areas.
The Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception) promotes independence and individuality and children are strongly encouraged to follow their own interests when learning. The setting incorporates large teaching spaces, a well-established playground, and a wildlife-rich forest space. Take a look at the school’s website and virtual tour to see this wonderful school in action. If you would like more information on how to apply for a Nursery or Reception place for your child, please telephone the school on 0161 303 7404 or go to
www. wildbank.tameside.sch.uk
