We have 420 children at Tidemill in 14 classes - a Nursery and two classes for each year group. We group the children in sets for numeracy to reduce class sizes and ensure we can challenge our more able children whilst also supporting any children who are finding particular topics more challenging.

Tidemill has been at the forefront of the remodelling agenda – click the links below to see press coverage:
http://www.tda.gov.uk/remodelling/...tidemill.aspx
http://www.tda.gov.uk/case_studies/remodelling/tidemill_ppa.aspx and
http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/teachers/issue29/.

We have Higher Level Teaching Assistants in most classes (some of whom are qualified teachers), specialist music, PE and art teachers to cover class teacher’s PPA afternoons and additional staff providing interventions and group support. We also have a Learning Mentor, a number of SEN support workers who work in class with specific children and speech & language therapists supporting children across the school as well as working with specific children in our specialist Speech, Language and Communication Resource Base.

We also have a Family Liaison Officer and Parent Support Advisor who work with parents to provide support and also signpost to other services.

Please click on a year group above to view the staff group.

Foundation Stage
Our Nursery and Reception are joined to make our Foundation Stage. We do this in order to allow a seamless transition from one area to another. The teachers work very closely together on planning to ensure our children get a balanced and varied curriculum. Much emphasis is placed on learning through movement and by emersion in a variety of activities.

Year 1 and 2
The more formal part of schooling begins in Year 1 and 2 where our pupils engage in the National Numeracy and Literacy lessons, beginning the rudiments of reading, writing and handwriting skills. Great emphasis is still placed on non-core curriculum areas such as art, PE, and music.
At the end of Year 2 the pupils engage in National Tests which give a snapshot of where that pupil, and the school, is at that stage.

Year 3 and 4
Year 3 and 4 continue the more formal work started in Year 1 and 2. Emphasis is on developing reading, writing and numeracy skills. Intervention strategies are available to cater for those with learning difficulties. A very balanced curriculum is available including art, music, swimming, P.E. and Modern Foreign Languages.

Year 5 and 6
As our pupils come to the top of our school, emphasis is placed on becoming independent learners. Pupils are involved in daily maths and literacy lessons. Pupils are set according to ability in order for us to cater to their needs. A very full curriculum is in place including science, art, games, and emotional Literacy. During Year 6 the pupils undergo statutory SAT's Tests. Pupils in Year 5-6 also participate in an outdoor adventure week in Devon.

Mark Elms - Head Teacher

Lorraine Stewart- Deputy Head

Richard Graham - Deputy Head

Michelle Rosemond - Assistant Head & SENCo

Rachel Taylor -Business Manager