Prospective Parents
It can be a difficult and stressful time when you are looking for a school for your child – whether you are looking for them to start school in Nursery/Reception or join in one of the older year groups. We have created a page to include a little information about the school context and ethos here at Overleigh. If you are interested in sending your child to us, please contact the school office for more information or to arrange a tour.
Overleigh St Mary’s is a large primary school, one of the largest in Chester, but we're proud of our caring and inclusive environment. The staff, including the leadership team make sure that every child is known as an individual. Visitors, including personnel from the Local Authority and inspectors visiting the school, have commended us on how the care for our pupils is very much a strength of the school and is at the forefront of what we do – our positive ethos ensures all children are supported and challenged to achieve the very best they can be. Our school is built on the belief that it is happy and secure children that achieve the most.
The size of our school means we have excellent facilities and opportunities for the children that join us. For example, we have a number of additional rooms which are used to host a variety of activities at playtimes and lunchtimes, but also as extra learning areas. Visitors to school are also often impressed by the fact we have a separate gym, hall and dining room on site, meaning that we can ensure that activities such as PE and worship are not compromised by other school activities as can be the case in schools with shared areas. We also have a kitchen for cooking sessions and extensive grounds to play and learn in. Our outdoor facilities include an outside classroom, a tennis court area, a trim trail and amphitheatre as well as a large playing field. We are passionate about using our wonderful areas to help promote the learning and experiences of the children.
Our children are very proud of our school and ensure that they show respect to everything and everybody in it. They enjoy welcoming new members to our school community and work together to ensure that everybody feels looked after, welcomed and settle in quickly. In a recent visit, one of our Y6 children summarised this by saying that, “…all children are treated equally because all of us are perfect.” When we have conducted surveys of pupils and parents who have joined us in Reception, or mid-year in other year groups it is often mentioned how quickly their children have settled into the school and have become familiar with the building and layout of the school. It is also recognised by parents and children that the space we have enables us to offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities and clubs for the children to attend, catering for a massive range of interests.
Some of the comments within our recent parents' survey included:
“The school has a lovely calm and welcoming atmosphere.”
“We find all the leadership and teachers within school to be approachable and communication is good – the facilities available to the children are excellent and the staff work hard to maximise use of these.”
“I have been most impressed by the atmosphere and environment at Overleigh, and also the staff who have taught both my children to date. They are more than obliging, polite at all times, willing and helpful and respond to any query with immediate effect.”
We want all our children to have a rewarding and enriching experience with us, and to leave us equipped to succeed and thrive in whatever they wish to do. The best way for you to see everything we have to offer here at Overleigh is to come and join us for a tour; our Y6 children are always eager to show our school off to visitors. You will have the opportunity to meet and see our children and staff in action.
Visitors to the school are always welcome so if you are interested please contact the school office on 01244 267 525 or admin@overleighstmarysce.cheshire.sch.uk to book an appointment.