FOR this week’s In the Classroom feature, reporter Grace Walton went on a drive outside of Worcester where she was greeted by teachers and pupils from Crowle C of E First School, in School Lane.

THE school building in Crowle is a beautiful sight – it has a cosy, cottage feel, and it offers something different than a mainstream school.

I found it interesting to learn the school's history and how it was formerly a house until it eventually expanded which then became a school.

I met with headteacher Martina Abbott. She walked me around the building where I was introduced to the pupils from reception to the year 4 class.

The school has a core focus on promoting mental health and ensuring the children have a positive wellbeing.

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Mrs Abbott said: “We have a holistic approach to education because we have a real desire to support every child in their learning. We recognise that wellbeing of children is paramount.

“We push the academics and are above national results but actually the reason we get that is because we care for the whole child. Because we have got that caring atmosphere the children make academic success.

“We have a lot of health and wellbeing interventions in place which we feel is really important.”

Mrs Abbotts added: “Because we’re a small school we are able to know children as individuals. I’m the headteacher but I’ll know whose tooth fell out last night. We offer that family feel which is what parents really appreciate. We have happy children here and they feel valued. That happy environment is a culture of learning. We strive academically, and our kids achieve very well.”

Mrs Abbott, who has been headteacher at the school since January 2018, added: “I love the community and family feel to the school. I love how hard working my staff are and how much they care about the children. We offer the children a vast array of activities and a rounded education.”

This year the teachers are encouraging the children to read for pleasure and are developing the foundation subjects to broaden the whole curriculum.

The school delivers a programme called ‘voice of the learner.’ This is where the staff speak to the children about their experiences in school to ensure they’re happy and feel safe.

There are currently 66 children in the school, but they can take up to 75 pupils.

The school currently has places available in reception and year 4.

Would your school like to be featured on our In the Classroom page? Call 01905 742257 or email grace.walton@newsquest.co.uk