Mrs Jo Hartill

Mount Pleasant Primary School was first opened in September 1888 and has served the children of this hard working, industrial community ever since. Part of the school was refurbished in 1993 and an all-weather sports pitch was installed to ensure reliable space for outdoor activities.

At Mount Pleasant, whilst we recognise the importance of attainment, we are committed to the development of the 'whole child' and the potential of everyone to become life-long learners.

We understand the developmental nature of the children that we serve and we work hard to deliver a good range of opportunities for every learner from within our community.

People who visit our school, or who are visited by us, regularly comment on how well behaved, respectful and polite our children are. We value these characteristics highly and expect them from everyone who is associated with our school.

The aims of our school are that the Governors and staff work together:

• for every child to develop an understanding of excellence, a desire for knowledge, an enquiring mind and an enjoyment of learning
• to develop all children as life-long learners
• to develop all children as responsible, caring members of the community
• to develop all children as motivated individuals who strive for the highest possible achievements
• to develop all children to have high self- esteem, who are respectful of themselves, others and the environment.

Together we are always reviewing and implementing our practices to improve:

• a broad, balanced and well taught curriculum
• the effective teaching of basic skills
• the capacity of our staff to manage and develop children in a challenging context
• a safe, ordered and secure environment
• the overall performing arts and music provision throughout the school.
• partnerships with parents and the wider community
• extended school services
• high expectations, excellent progress and high academic standards
• an ethos of mutual respect, care, support, encouragement and inclusion
• a recognition and celebration of everyone's achievements and success.

Mount Pleasant sits on the border of the Brierley Hill and Amblecote Wards in Dudley, West Midlands.

Our school population is fairly stable and pupil mobility is low. We are an average sized school for Dudley with the current number of learners on role being 392 children aged from 3 to 11 years (January 08).

We have a very small number of pupils from different ethnic backgrounds other than UK white. We recognise the need for our children to be involved in a range of multi-cultural experiences. We are currently actively pursuing links with global communities.

The school has a Family Centre which is the site of our wrap around care clubs - Breakfast Club, After School Club and Holiday Club.

Currently we have no special status but, working with our neighbouring schools we recognise our role in the Extended School provision in this community.

For the benefit of our children and families we provide:

• Breakfast Club
• Kid's After School Club
• Holiday Club
• A Weekly Programme of 14 After-School Clubs and Activities
• A Lettings facility used weekly by 9 community groups
• Family learning programmes
• Family Centre for families with children in the age range of 3 months to 3 years involving 92 children weekly.
• School Nurse fortnightly drop-in sessions

Parental involvement is actively encouraged at every opportunity. Relationships in the school are strong and we especially value our contacts with parents and recognise the vital role they have to play in their child's education. We make every effort to speak with parents personally, face-to-face offering positive approaches and support where necessary.