Page 20 - link magazine

20 swindonlink.com • June 2010
School close to North Swindon gives parents options

Since Ferndale infants and primary schools merged last year, the new head David Warren has been working hard to make sure the school
really reflects its status as a community school, offering new opportunities for all age groups from two to eleven.
“It’s vital that schools work in a dale has a lot of dedicated and field, and courtyard which
triangle with parents to ensure the very experienced staff and we’re is currently being devel-
best for the pupils,” said David. “We very excited about being able to oped to include a sensory
want to work with the community offer pre-school places, as well as area.
to be as responsible as we can be breakfast and after-school clubs for Ferndale Primary is
for the care and education of our older children. Our new toddler situated close to North
children. group runs from 9am to 10.30am Swindon and welcomes
“We are a friendly and fun school, on Monday mornings and new enquiries from parents
where everyone is encouraged members are always welcome.” living in the area.
and supported to the best of their All school meals are prepared For details or to arrange
ability.” fresh on site and work on a new a visit to the school call
School bursar Samantha Edge kitchen is due to begin in July, ready Samantha Edge on 332425.
believes the out of school and pre- for the new school year. www.ferndalecommuni-
school places at Ferndale provides The school’s outdoor facilities typrimary.ik.org
opportunities for parents. “Fern- include an adventure playground, David Warren with Ferndale pupils

Learning first aid early could save a life later
Rachel Prosser, 12, from Gorse Hill girl, demonstrated that learning life saving skills at an early age is crucial when she saved the life of 20
month old Lily Moors last year. On 29 May she received the Young First Aider of the Year Award in London.
It’s the latest of four awards, I took Lily, first doing ing what to say but I She attends United Kids, a club
which includes a Young Achievers’ five back blows and soon got used to it,” for children whose parents foster,
Award, recognised at a reception then two abdomi- she said. and is learning to sign to help deaf
at Buckingham Palace by HRH nal thrusts and the Gina said, “I’m re- people worship at Gateway Church
Princess Anne. cracker came out. I ally proud of Rachel - in Westlea. She also helps her par-
St John Cadet Rachel, had been didn’t really think Lily might not be here if ents run Gateway furniture project,
learning about abdominal thrusts about what I was she hadn’t saved her.” and is involved with Swindon Food-
when a week later Lily started doing, I just did it.” Along with her bank. Rachel said, “I suppose they
choking at Rachel’s home. She said, Rachel has become busy award and me- could be seen as unusual activities
“Gina, Lily’s mum, was shouting used to the media dia schedule, Rachel for someone my age but I enjoy
for help as Lily was choking on attention since the in- has also entered Ju- helping them.
a cracker. She was looking for a cident. “The first time nior Masterchef and “When I leave school I’d like to
phone and gave Lily to Dad. I’d I was interviewed it Swindon Young Cook be a graphic designer or a first aider
learnt about this the week before so was a bit hard know- competitions. in a secondary school.”

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