MANY people balk at the idea of large schools, but Haydonleigh Primary believes size is one its biggest assets.

With more than 430 pupils, the school takes children from all over north Swindon.

The school is also three-form, meaning it has 90 new starters every year.

Headteacher Frances Billinge said: “We pride ourselves on being able to make sure all children in this area are able to go to a local school.

“Haydonleigh is a growing school and this is something we are very proud of.

“Due to our size we are able to offer a range of facilities, such as increased sports equipment.”

The school is currently having work done to accommodate any extra pupils. The extension will see an extra 15 classrooms added, which will replace the mobile rooms currently on the site.

It is hoped the work will be fully completed by April, but some of the new rooms will be occupied by February.

Fundamental to teaching at the school is teamwork, with the motto being ‘I am talented, together we are amazing.’ A prime example of this motto being put into practice is the school’s breakfast club, which operates every school day.

Frances said: “The breakfast club is something very important to the school.

“Not only are the children getting a proper breakfast every morning but it is good for their social education.

“It’s great seeing one of the older children helping one a few years below to get their breakfast.

“We are very much about teamwork, not only among our pupils but also between the staff, the parents and every stakeholder.”

The breakfast club is not the only time children get to eat a good and healthy meal.

The school has the silver Food For Life award and is working towards the gold standard.

“It means we teach all about growing fresh food and preparation,” said Frances.

“Unfortunately, when the building work started we lost our garden for growing produce.

“However, Nationwide came on a community day and very kindly put in some new raised areas for us.”

Haydonleigh runs a host of other activities to help improve the welfare of the pupils.

Every Wednesday they hold a walking train and the school plays a host of sports, including working with Swindon Town Football Club.

There is an open day being held on September 21 during which every member of staff will be available for future parents to talk to.

Name: Haydonleigh Primary School
Address: Haydon Court Drive, SN25 1JP
Telephone: 01793 700445
Email: admin@haydonleighschool.co.uk
Headteacher: Frances Billinge
Chair of Govenors: Helen Fraser
Uniform: Red jumpers (black jumpers for year 6)
No of Pupils: 439
Motto: I am talented, together we are amazing.