Courageous Advocacy

“Love your neighbour as yourself” Mark 12: 29-31
 
As a Christian school, it is part of our Ethos to be courageous advocates for the common good, locally, nationally and globally. We recognise that life doesn’t always go the way we plan and that at times all people will face challenges that they need help and support in overcoming. The Christian Gospel says that every person has a unique task to do, with God, and for God, whether they know it or not. We hold and courageously advocate the conviction that there is something mysterious, and potentially wonderful, in everybody.

As outlined in our school vision, we take time to reflect upon and appreciate how fortunate we are to be part of such a nurturing, family, school environment, surrounded by supportive peers and staff, which allows us to live life in all its fullness and flourish as individuals. 

It is important for our children to appreciate their role as part of a community; to take responsibility, to be able to look after themselves & to foster an understanding of their importance, impact and influence in the world.

The charities we have chosen to support as a school are ones that are close to our heart. The School Council work with staff, governors, parents and pupils to identify worthy causes to support. Parents are encouraged to let us know if there is a charity they would like to support and their reasons for this. Recently, we have chosen to support PADS- 'Positive About Down Syndrome' to raise and take part in their ‘Rock your Socks' and 'Grow a sunflower' campaigns. This is a charity close to two of our Hormead families and we feel that it is an important time as a school for us to raise awareness of Down Syndrome. 

We have also showed our support globally. Mrs Cowler, our headteacher was born and raised in Zimbabwe and knows first-hand the challenges people and especially young child the same age as our children face. Most recently, our support went to the ‘Vic Falls, Zimbabwe Famine Appeal.’
 
Our school leaders stand up for what we believe. Our local area is rapidly expanding with new housing developments. Our leaders have been forward thinking and proactive in meeting the needs of community, including raising our PAN (pupils admitted per year group) to allow for extra children. We have recently lowered our admission age to 2 years-old as the community was lacking places for child care in this age group. We are currently in the process of increasing the size of our Nursery to meet the needs of the local community. Our governors have met with local MP’s and the Local Authority over concerns and issues of significance to the school community, such as transport to school for our children. We are now working with the Co-op Fund to raise money for a mini-bus to transport children to and from school and help families that are unable to transport children to sporting events.

Our children have an excellent grasp on the meaning of belonging to a community and the sense of responsibility that comes with belonging. Thereby developing their ability to empathise and make a small sacrifice to benefit others. Together we consider the beauty and fragility of our environment, the actions we take, and the impact these actions may have on the well-being of everyone. Our school community and curriculum actively embrace a responsibility for the world in which we live. We are diligent to show our connection with, and care for, the world in which we all live and care for the people who live in it:

• Links with the local community who come in to listen to pupils read;
• Singing to our community at the Over 60's village Christmas lunch;
• An active Eco Council who arrange litter picking events, recycling clothes, raise awareness of food waste;
• Strong links with local schools to support/develop each other through staff meetings and heads briefings.
• Strong PTA with community events such as Fireworks, Summer Fayres, discos and cake sales;
• School advertises and supports local events;
• Strong links with local church, sharing their weekly newsletter and service information;
• The headteacher writes in the local Parish newsletter to reach out to the community.

In recent years we have carried out a range of different fund raising to support many good causes, some of which include:

• Support for Ukraine
• The Children's Society as part of our Christingle Service at St Nicholas Church
• Sports Relief;
• NSPCC;
• Children in Need;
• The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.