About Mercenfeld Primary School

Markfield is a large village in North-West Leicestershire close to Charnwood Forest and Junction 22 of the M.1. Motorway. The School is situated between the old village and extensive new development. The catchment area for the school includes the whole of Markfield and Field Head as well as farms and settlements in outlying areas.

The school is a modern open-plan building. The first phase was completed in 1972, the second in 1979. A new 4+ Base was completed in 1998 and a new classroom added in 2000. Two further quiet rooms were added last year. We have two double mobile classroom. We also have an enclosed swimming pool on site, along with a large playing field, natural history area, and outside play apparatus.

A key issue from our last inspection was clustering computers. This has been completed with a 20 computer, IT suite opened in February 2001. This has recently been updated with new equipment which includes XP computers and an interactive whiteboard. All classrooms now have their own interactive whiteboards.

At present there are approximately 300 children on roll aged 4+ to 10+. The staffing is head plus 12.7 FTE teachers. There is a full-time Nursery Nurse for the 4+ base. We also make considerable use of ancillary helpers. Each class has an ancillary for at least 4 mornings and 2 afternoons. Children enter the school the August following their 4th birthday, and stay for six school years before transferring, in the main, to South Charnwood High School.

We try to provide an environment that is rich, colourful and designed to promote enjoyment and excitement in learning. The whole school shares all available resources and employs a variety of teaching styles and strategies. Great emphasis is placed on individual learning programmes to accommodate the full ability and attainment levels within each base. The progress of the children is monitored through careful record keeping.

Ability to work co-operatively with others is essential. The day to day organisation
has to take account of the open plan environment. Teachers have to be highly organised, encourage a high standard of behaviour and be considerate towards other classes.

Regular staff meetings, Key Stage meetings and workshops are held, and these, together with informal group meetings, are seen to be an essential part of our professional commitment.

The school is very proud of the partnership it has developed with parents. They are encouraged to take an active part in children's learning. Opportunities are offered for discussion of individual children's progress three times a year. In between these times parents and teachers can initiate discussions as and when the need arises.
There is a thriving P.T.A. which raises funds, organises social events and offers a
forum for educational discussions. Parents are always welcome in school and many regularly help in the bases and the swimming pool.

We have also been awarded an Activemark Gold from Sport England and the 2002 School Achievement Award from the DfES. We have recently received the Healthy Schools award.