At our school, every day is guided by simple, enduring values – making the most of what’s around us, celebrating learning and nurturing curiosity, kindness and responsibility.

From the moment children arrive, they are greeted warmly. Little Crofters are led by the hand into their learning spaces, and throughout the school, staff model courtesy with a “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or, when time allows, a thoughtful “How are you?” It’s a small gesture, but it sets the tone for a day of respect, engagement and connection.

Our environment itself is a classroom. In the Michaelmas term, children harvest from our apple trees and collect blackberries, turning them into baked apples or crumbles, learning to value both nature and nourishment. This hands-on experience extends beyond the garden, as outdoor learning and physical activity – whether in team games, nature walks or gardening – foster health, teamwork and a sense of responsibility for the world around them.

Learning continues in spaces designed to inspire passions. Our train room, lovingly maintained by the Stratford Train Club, and the Geology room, filled with sparkling earth treasures, encourage children to explore history, science and creativity in vivid, tangible ways – a lasting legacy of our late Sam Thornton.

Celebration and reflection are woven through the week. Faculty Days dedicate a full day to celebrating each subject area while entrepreneurial days let children run charity stalls of their own creation, nurturing creativity, initiative and a sense of purpose. Friday afternoons bring clubs and free-choice activities, allowing children to engage in hobbies and unwind after a week of focused learning.

At the end of the day, the school emphasises connection and recognition. In Prep, children check out with a handshake – always maintaining eye contact – reinforcing respect and personal connection.

Finally, our community ethos is ever-present. Shared meals, assemblies and reflective moments remind children of the larger world and their place within it, building compassion, confidence and a sense of belonging that lasts long after they leave our school gates.

Through these daily rhythms, traditions and experiences, we cultivate not just learners, but thoughtful, curious and kind young people ready to embrace the wider world.