Vision and Values
Our vision statement for the 21st century is:
‘Inspiring confident learners in God’s care’
At Ewhurst C of E Infant School, our Christian values of friendship, respect, honesty, perseverance, community and love shine though our provision. Our aim is, through an inspiring and aspirational curriculum, to ensure all pupils develop skills and knowledge, a strong moral code and a deepening understanding of the Christian faith to prepare them for life as global citizens.
We believe that every child deserves a successful future and it begins at Ewhurst, where learning through purposeful and planned activities is fun; to become a happy, confident independent learner is a key focus. Ewhurst Infant School offers a broad and balanced curriculum, which includes learning through purposeful first hand experiences. Outdoor learning opportunities are also freely accessible to the children along with our excellent Forest Schools provision. Children are encouraged to become independent learners and thinkers, develop a growth mindset, live the school values, achieve highly and develop their own gifts.
The education of children is a shared responsibility between school and parents and we at Ewhurst are eager to do all we can to encourage the sense of partnership that is necessary to ensure the very best for our children. We are also mindful of the importance of the first three years of a child’s educational journey, and here at Ewhurst each child has the opportunity to develop firm educational foundations for life.
Extending the theme of partnership, as a voluntary aided school we have strong links with our ecclesiastical parish, in particular Ewhurst parish church and we are grateful for the many ways the churches in the parish gives us support. We are also very much aware of our role as a village school and are pleased that there is a real involvement between school and local community. Governors play an active role in the school, and we also have a dynamic and enthusiastic Parent Teacher Association who arrange social and fundraising events.
Historic Context:
Ewhurst Church of England School was established on its current site in 1846, from Glebe land given by the Rector of the time, Reverend Cooper. In the following years the School has undergone many changes, both in the ages of children able to attend the school, but also in the continual upgrading of facilities for the pupils. In 1956 Ewhurst School successfully applied for ‘voluntary aided’ status ensuring that the school retained its right to provide denominational religious instruction, according to the provisions of the ‘Trust Deed’.
The school aims to serve the community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding and significance of faith and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers all its pupils’.
'Christian faith must be like a tree, reaching to heaven and rooted in love’
Love
Putting others first. Caring for our families, friends and for everyone in the school.
1 Corinthians 13 4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails
'We talk daily about how being kind to others is the most important thing in life.'
Friendship
Developing qualities of being a good friend. Being kind and loyal
Luke 6: 31 Do unto others as you would have them do to you.
'This has taught my child the importance of being a good friend - to be kind, to share, to listen and value someone else's opinion'.
Perseverance
‘Stick at it’ even when things are tricky.
Galatians 6:9. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap harvest if we do not give up.
James 1:4-5 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
'This has translated to all aspects of their lives outside school too'.
'He mentions this regularly when talking about difficult tasks - it's wonderful to see both my boys remembering what they have learned and applying themselves'.
Respect
Being polite, thinking about other people. Understanding that others may have different opinions to my own.
Philippians 2:3. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself.
'Establishing this at an early age is so important'.
Honesty
Always tell the truth. Understand the difference between right and wrong.
Corinthians 8:21. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
'Honesty should be a way of life'.
Community
Being part of our school. Looking after everyone, especially younger pupils. We are like a family.
1 John 7:1 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light we have fellowship with one another
1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
'I couldn't praise the school enough about how well they embed the school values - companies could learn a lot from how you do it!'
Parent Questionnaire December 2020
